Asperger’s disease, also known as high functioning autism, is a moderate type of autism. This is a psychological condition that impairs one’s ability to communicate and connect with others in social situations. A child with Asperger’s syndrome will often avoid eye contact, make awkward expressions and gestures, and concentrate on one or two particular subjects, learning everything they can about them.
Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome are intelligent and have normal language growth. They do, however, exhibit other behavioural anomalies and struggle with social contact. Both children and adults have difficulty ‘reading’ nonverbal communication and facial expressions.
The precise cause of Asperger’s syndrome is unclear at this time, but scientists believe genetics plays a significant role in the condition’s growth. With therapies and medication to help with social interaction, a child with Asperger’s syndrome can lead a very normal life. Treatment may be beneficial, so it is best to start as soon as possible.
Adults with Asperger’s syndrome are not developmentally disabled; in fact, they are often highly intelligent and regarded as rational and deep thinkers. Many celebrities, including Keanu Reeves, Woody Allen, Bill Gates, Al Gore, and Bob Dylan, are accused of having Asperger’s syndrome. Asperger’s syndrome has little regard for social or ethnic distinctions. It is worth noting, however, that it is three to four times more common in men than women.
Adults with Asperger’s syndrome can find the best resources through the National Autistic Society, where Asperger’s, a high functioning type of autism, is also discussed, as well as helpful statistics, local organisations, and website links relating to this psychological condition. There are also support groups for Asperger’s syndrome families, both for the infant and the adult sufferer.
Parents may be unable to identify Asperger’s-related variations in their young children because these differences are still common behaviours in children. Parents, on the other hand, notice subtle variations between siblings. A diagnosis can be ignored or misdiagnosed as ADHD. Sometimes, a diagnosis is not made until later in life, or even by the Asperger’s sufferer themselves in their early adult years. Adult Asperger’s syndrome sufferers may say that they simply felt different and that their thought processes were not the same as those of their peers.
For more information and services for adults with Asperger’s syndrome, contact your local Autism community or conduct an online web search for additional Asperger’s syndrome support groups.