Signs & Symptoms of Asperger

Asperger's disorder is a high-functioning form of autism. There are specific signs and symptoms that are characteristic of Asperger's disorder. Asperger's disorder is typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. Early identification of Asperger's can lead to interventions that can improve symptoms.

Nonverbal Communication

Individuals with Asperger's disorder have significant impairment in recognizing nonverbal social cues and signals. They have difficulties expressing and receiving nonverbal social cues including facial expressions, body language and nonverbal gestures.

Verbal Communication

Individuals with Asperger's disorder express and receive information in a concrete and literal fashion. As a result, it is difficult for individuals with Asperger's to interpret sarcasm and euphemisms.

Lack of Empathy

Individuals with Asperger's disorder have difficulties with emotional reciprocity. They typically see things from their own perspective and have problems with empathy and recognizing the needs of others. Furthermore, they are highly focused on their own interests and have problems sharing in the interests of others.

Behavior Patterns

Individuals with Asperger's disorder have specific behavioral patterns such as becoming preoccupied with objects or topics of limited interest to others and difficulties with changes in routine. Temper tantrums, irritability or rage may occur if certain expectations in routine are modified.

Cognitive Characteristics

Individuals with Asperger's disorder differ from others on the autistic spectrum in that intelligence is typically normal or above average and there is no delay in verbal communication around the age of two years old.

References

• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Revised

Resources

• Autism Society of America