Asperger's Syndrome is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder.
Pervasive developmental disorders are a group
of neuropsychiatric disorders. Characterized by specific
delays in social, communicative,
and cognitive development, usually noted
in the first year of life.
It is a life long condition and the attributes
will change with different stages of life.
Asperger's Syndrome is part of the Autism spectrum.
The major difference between Asperger's and Autism
would be language skills.
Most Autistic children never develop normal speech.
Or may be non-verbal. Where as Asperger's children
usually develop language skills
at or slightly below the average.

The most prominent characteristic of Asperger's is
their inability to read and respond to social cues.
For example, just the little cue of timing when
wanting to join a conversation.  They will often just
interrupt.  Chances are their interruption will not be
about the subject that was being discussed.
Saying "hello" or "good-by" may need to be taught.
If you think about all the social cues and gestures
that most of us do everyday without even thinking about it
you will begin to understand how socially unaware persons
with AS are.

They usually lack the ability to read body language
and facial expressions.  They have difficulty keeping
eye contact.  Their conversations seem to one sided.
Often focusing on their obsessions.  They do not care
that the other person may not be interested.  Their conversations
often speak of facts.  Rather than actual "social conversation".

Studies suggest that Asperger's is dominate
among males.  It has been suggested that this
may not really be true.  That girls just have a
better ability to blend in and often are never
diagnosed.

You can click here to read a paper by Dr. Tony Attwood
that offers some explainations on girls with AS.

Of the twelve couples that attend the Parent Support Group,
my husband and I are the only parents
of a girl afflicted with Asperger's Syndrome.
Below are some of the main characteristics of
Asperger's.  Your child may or may not fit all of
the characteristics.  On a personal note, my daughter
fits them all.
 

Asperger's piece authored by Michael McCroskery
September, 1999.  Michael dedicates his time to advocating.
He also has mild AS.

 

The major characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome are:

  • Stereotypic Motor Movements

    •  
  • Marked impairment in the use of nonverbal

    • behavior
     
  • Repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities

    •  
  • Unusual social styles and limited social skills

    •  
  • Extreme lack of organization

    •  
  • Very concrete literal thinking

    • I wanted to add a funny note to this characteristic.  Mary Kay
    was at the orthodontist.  He asked her to" spit out" a small
    screw that he had dropped in her mouth.  He was very
    surprised when the screw literally went flying across the room.
     
  • Math disability

    •  
  • Strong spelling but poor writing and written work

    •  
  • Poor reading comprehension

    •  
  • Marked impairment in the use of non-verbal

    • behavior such as eye to eye gaze, body language,
    and facial expression
     
  • Failure to develop peer relationships appropriate

    • to developmental age level
     
  • Lack of spontaneous seeking to enjoy

    • interests or achievements with others
     
  • Inflexible adherence to routine and change

    •  
  • Persistent preoccupation's with parts of objects


    • I am by no means a doctor.
    Just a mother who would like to help others.
    If you have questions or would just
    like some emotional support please feel
    free to  Contact Me.
    For the full diagnostic criteria please refer to the
    Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
    Available at your local library.
    Or click on the link and read on-line.
    By all means, get a good Psychologist
    or Psychiatrist for proper diagnosis.
    If you are in search of a good doctor,
    please e-mail me.
    I would be glad to give you a referral.