Dr. Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician, originally described Asperger’s Syndrome in 1944. The syndrome has more recently been classified as an Autism Spectrum Disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder. These disorders all involve problems with social skills and communication. Asperger's Syndrome is generally thought to be at the milder end of this spectrum.

Children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome have, by definition, an intellectual capacity within the normal range with characteristics that affect the person's ability to socialize and communicate effectively with others.

It is important to remember that Asperger's Syndrome varies widely in severity and symptoms. Characteristics of Asperger's can include:

A qualitative impairment in social interaction:

  1. Difficulty developing friendships that are appropriate to the child’s developmental level.
  2. Difficulty using non-verbal communication, such as eye gaze, facial expression and body language to regulate social interactions.
  3. Appearing not to understand, or be sensitive to others' feelings.
  4. Difficulty identifying social cues and conventions.
  5. A tendency to have a strong sense of justice.

A qualitative impairment in subtle communication skills:

  1. Fluent speech but difficulties with conversation skills and a tendency to be formal and precise, speech may have an unusual rhythm or intonation.
  2. A tendency to make literal interpretations, speak very directly and honestly without a social filter.
  3. A tendency to engage in one-sided, long-winded conversations, without noticing if the listener is engaged or trying to change the subject.
  4. Giving considerable attention to detail, rather than noticing the “big picture.” Unlike children with more-severe forms of Autism Spectrum Disorders, those with Asperger's Syndrome usually do not have delays in the development of language skills. However, children with Asperger's Syndrome may have difficulties initiating and maintaining conversations. Conversations may feel awkward and lack the usual give and take of typical social interactions.

Restrictive Interests:

  • The development of a series of special interests which are unusual in their intensity and focus (might include dinosaurs, Star Wars, Lego, maps, trains, animals, or sports statistics).
  • Preference for routine and consistency. Asperger's can also include signs of motor clumsiness, problems with handwriting, being hypersensitive to certain sounds, smells or touch. There can also be difficulties with emotional regulation as well as organization and time management skills. Some children with Asperger's Syndrome may also be diagnosed with attention­deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing disorder or another learning disability as other conditions may coexist with Asperger's.