Developmental disorder associated with impaired social skills and awkward movements.
Others often see them as odd or eccentric.
Usually associated with average intelligence and normal language development. but impaired social skills and awkward movements.
One of a group of childhood developmental conditions known as “autism spectrum disorders.”
Most common in boys.
Children usually have normal to superior intelligence.
Unlike children with autism, they don’t have delayed cognitive or language development.
Patients can have odd speech patterns, great difficulties with socializing and communication, and obsessive-compulsive traits.
Patients with Asperger syndrome have problems understanding others’ perspectives, but they demonstrate equal empathic concern as, and higher personal distress, than controls.
It may run in families.
Social difficulties are believed to be lifelong.
Educational and social support helps many children go on to lead independent lives.
Symptoms include repetitive routines or rituals, peculiarities in speech and language, limitations with social interactions, problems with nonverbal communication, and uncoordinated motor movements.
Estimates of how common it is ranges from 1 in 250 to 1 in 1,000 children.
Treatment may include:
Social skills training
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Occupational or physical therapy
Speech/language therapy
Parent training and support
Medication for anxiety, anger, and inattention
Process made worse by changed environment, stress, anger, frustration, and adolescent.