Asperger’s syndrome is a form of autism that affects communication and socialization. Symptoms include a narrow focus of interest, repetitive tasks, and difficulty understanding social cues. However, individuals with Asperger’s can also have exceptional strengths, such as good memory and mastery of skills. Symptoms can improve with treatment.
Asperger’s syndrome symptoms include a combination of strengths and challenges. Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome often possess an average to above average IQ, with good vocabulary and grammar skills, and an ability to memorize facts. Challenging signs of Asperger’s syndrome include a narrow field of interest in life, overengagement in repetitive tasks, and an inability to read social cues and empathize with others.
Classified as part of the autistic spectrum of disorders, an individual with Asperger’s syndrome has difficulty communicating and socializing with others. An adult with Asperger’s, for example, may dominate a group conversation, delivering a speech in a monotonous voice rather than having a conversation. He is unable to recognize that others want to talk or that they may not be interested in the topic. In general, symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome include an inability to understand social cues and non-verbal communication.
People with Asperger’s Syndrome are prone to performing rituals and routines that fit into a narrow scope of activities and interests. An Asperger’s girl interested in math, for example, might spend countless hours reviewing her multiplication tables without exploring other areas of math. A guy interested in surfing could spend eight hours a day surfing to the exclusion of all other activities. Often, the narrow field of interest leaves little room for learning problem-solving skills and interacting with other aspects of life.
The symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome are similar to autism in some respects and different in other respects. The similarities are in the inability to relate socially to others, a narrow focus in activities, difficulty understanding idioms and pragmatic language, engaging in repetitive tasks, and difficulty solving problems. In contrast to autism, individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome engage more socially with others, generally do not experience delays in cognitive development, and demonstrate greater language proficiency.
The strengths seen in people with this disorder lead to exceptional results in some cases. The ability to memorize and absorb facts can help the individual become the best in her field. The natural tendency to engage in repetitive tasks can help the person excel at work or in sports where repeated practice leads to mastery of skill. Some individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome excel in fields where social or communication skills are not crucial to success.
Symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome present differently depending on a person’s age, stage of development, and the extent of social support systems in place. Males are more likely to be diagnosed with this disorder than females. Some individuals with the condition may improve social skills through treatments that focus on reducing repetitive habits and improving communication skills.
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