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Asperger's Syndrome
Written by Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Center for the Study of Autism, Salem, Oregon
Asperger's syndrome was first described by a German doctor, Hans
Asperger, in 1944 (one year after Leo Kanner's first paper on autism). In
his paper, Dr. Asperger discussed individuals who exhibited many
idiosyncratic, odd-like behaviors (see description below).
Often individuals with Asperger's syndrome have many of the
behaviors listed below:
Language:
- lucid speech before age 4 years; grammar and vocabulary
are usually very good
- speech is sometimes stilted and repetitive
- voice tends to be flat and emotionless
- conversations revolve around self
Cognition
- obsessed with complex topics, such as patterns, weather,
music, history, etc.
- often described as eccentric
- I.Q.'s fall along the full spectrum, but many are in the
above normal range in verbal ability
and in the below average range in performance
abilities.
- many have dyslexia, writing problems, and difficulty
with mathematics
- lack common sense
- concrete thinking (versus abstract)
Behavior
- movements tend to be clumsy and awkward
- odd forms of self-stimulatory behavior
- sensory problems appear not to be as dramatic as those
with other forms of autism
- socially aware but displays inappropriate reciprocal
interaction
Researchers feel that Asperger's syndrome is probably hereditary in
nature because many families report having an "odd" relative or
two. In
addition, depression and bipolar disorder are often reported in those
with Asperger's syndrome as well as in family members.
At this time, there is no prescribed treatment regimen for individuals
with Asperger's syndrome. In adulthood, many lead productive lives,
living independently, working effectively at a job (many are college
professors, computer programmers, dentists), and raising a family.
Sometimes people assume everyone who has autism and is high-functioning
has Asperger's syndrome. However, it appears that there are several forms
of high-functioning autism, and Asperger's syndrome is one form.
The Autism Research Institute distributes an information packet on Asperger's Syndrome.
Click here to learn how to obtain this packet.