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Asperger Syndrome is a neurological disorder where a person with normal language development and IQ also exhibits certain symptoms of autism, such as poor social and communication skills.

For example, people with Asperger’s have a really hard time reading body language, so respond poorly to the non-verbal cues most of us give off. They simply do not catch on, for example, when they are standing too close to someone or a person is not interested in standing there listening to them anymore.

Individuals diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome have a hard time making friends, particularly with peers. They find it difficult to pay attention to what others are saying unless it is of direct interest to them, and get easily bored. They also tend not to add to conversations even if only by simple social mechanisms, such as asking someone a question, even if you do not really care about the answer, to show interest in the other person and what they have to say.

This does not mean that people with Asperger’s do not talk…some talk quite a bit…just that they talk only about things that interest them. Combined with their inability to recognize non-verbal cues, they may go on and on about something, often unusual fascinations like doorknobs or the history of cricket in India, that fascinates them - another Asperger symptom - while the person they are talking at is bored to tears.

Unlike people with autism, Asperger sufferers are not withdrawn around others. Indeed, they have feelings for others, and want to make friends and develop relationships. Their social awkwardness and insensitivity tends to turn people off.

While there is no clear answer as to what causes Asperger Syndrome, it is generally thought to be genetic, quite possibly passed down through the male side of the family. Structural and functional differences in specific regions of the brains indicate problems during fetal development.

There is no cure for Asperger Syndrome. Nor is there any effective medical treatment, although treatment for side issues like depression are often indicated. However, as with autism, training in social skills and behavioral modification training can be effective, as can be training in problem-solving, step-by-step decision making, and other skills to help people with Asperger’s leave healthy adult lives.

For more information on Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism, Download our Popular, Free Special Report on High Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome at http://www.highfunctioningautism.org/signup/

Tags: asperger autism, asperger signs, asperger syndrome, aspergers, aspergers disease, aspergers syndrome

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