Asperger syndrome is not a disease or illness. A person does not catch it or recover from it, however, the effects often lessen as people get older and learn coping skills. It is present from birth but it usually takes a long time for people to be convinced that the unusual behaviour and difficulties of a child fit the pattern of Asperger syndrome. What are the basic Asperger Syndrome Symptoms?
Asperger Syndrome Symptoms:
- Difficulty in forming friendships.
- A preference for playing alone or with older children and adults.
- Ability to talk well, either too much or too little, but difficulty with communication.
- Inability to understand that communication involves listening as well as talking.
- A very literal understanding of what has been said. For example, when asked to 'get lost', as in go away, a person with Asperger syndrome will be confused and may literally try to 'get lost'.
- Inability to understand the rules of social behaviour, the feelings of others and to 'read' body language. For example, a person with Asperger syndrome may not know that someone is showing that they are cross when frowning.
- Behaviour varies from mildly unusual to quite aggressive and difficult.
- Having rules and rituals that they insist all family members follow.
- Anger and aggression when things do not happen as they want.
- Sensitivity to criticism.
- A narrow field of interests. For example a person with Asperger syndrome may focus on learning all there is to know about cars, trains or computers.
- Eccentricity.
Remember
- Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder.
- Children with Asperger syndrome have excellent rote memory, but view the world differently and have difficulty with social, emotional and communication skills. They are often seen as eccentric.
- There is no cure, but support, understanding, routine and training can assist.
Asperger Syndrome Symptoms - Conclusion
The most distinguishing Asperger Syndrome Symptom is a child's obsessive interest in a single object or topic to the exclusion of any other.
Their speech may be marked by a lack of rhythm, an odd inflection, or a monotone pitch.
Many children with Asperger Syndrom are highly active in early childhood, and then develop anxiety or depression in young adulthood. Other conditions that often co-exist with AS are ADHD, tic disorders (such as Tourette syndrome), depression, anxiety disorders, and OCD.