Common Questions about Asperger Syndrome

What is Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger Syndrome (AS) is characterized by a child's inability to understand how to interact socially. A child with AS often has problems with both verbal and non-verbal forms of communication, including avoiding eye contact and lack of facial expression. Other traits of AS may include clumsiness and uncoordinated motor movements, either limited interests or intense, unusual preoccupations, repetitive routines or rituals, and speech and language peculiarities.

Most children with AS have difficulty making friends because they may seem unwilling or unable to interact in socially appropriate ways. They tend to be loners, lost in their own world, preoccupied with one thing that has caught their interest, such as counting cars passing by, computers, or sports schedules. They may also insist on a rigid, non-negotiable adherence to certain routines or rituals, such as dressing in a certain order, or walking in a circle before sitting down.

What is the difference between Asperger Syndrome and autism?

Until recently, many children with AS were diagnosed as also having autism. While there are some similarities between the two, it is important to recognize the differences. In general, many children with AS have normal intelligence, and do not display delays in cognitive and language development, as autistic children do. In addition, children with AS usually learn appropriate behavior and self-help skills, like hygiene and dressing, at the same age as their peers. However, unlike autistic children, those with AS tend to have difficulties with coordination, and AS symptoms typically appear later in childhood-somewhere between ages 2 and 6.

What causes Asperger Syndrome?

While there is no known cause, research suggests that the condition may run in families, and that more boys have AS than girls. Children with AS are also more likely to experience other psychiatric problems, such as depression, attention deficit disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Is there any treatment?

Asperger Syndrome cannot be "cured," although there are a number of treatment options available to help both children and their families. Counseling for parents can help them learn how to cope with living with a child with AS, and behavior therapy for children can help them learn how to behave in more normal ways. Special education can provide them with the most beneficial learning environment, and certain prescribed medications may also help some children.

What is the prognosis?

The outlook for children with AS is generally brighter than for those with autism. Because children with AS function at a higher intellectual level, they are more likely to complete high school and college, and grow up to be independently functioning adults. While these children will always experience some problems with social interactions, they are also able to develop and maintain relationships with family and friends.

Where can get I more information about Asperger Syndrome?

For support and information in New England, go to the Asperger's Association of New England website at http://aane.autistics.org or visit http://www.asperger.org for information at the national level.