Asperger's Syndrome in Laymen's Terms

The syndrome was named for a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger. He published a paper describing the pattern of behaviors witnessed of boys who had normal IQs and language development, but who were thought to be autistic in behavior with marked social and communicative deficiencies.

A child or an adult can exhibit signs or symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome at any time in life that are attributed to other things such as being absent minded, awkward physically, brilliant but eccentric or socially inept. Many children are said to have a language of their own and eventually are diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. They may indeed have a wonderful vocabulary but do not understand the pragmatics of communicating that language. Individuals who have Asperger's syndrome are said to be clumsy. Individuals with this syndrome may avoid gazing directly at someone even in greeting. Children with this syndrome may have difficulty in social situations but can learn how to act socially over time. Adults who have this syndrome may experience difficulty with relationships, family life and being able to be comfortable in social situations for business or pleasure but they can learn to live happy and productive lives adapting to the syndrome and with therapy and certain medications.

Autism Aspergers Syndrome Children with Asperger’s Syndrome benefit greatly from early intervention and parents and caregivers should receive education and training regarding the disorder and how best to intervene on behalf of the child with AS. Occupational therapy is helpful in dealing with the sensory overload regarding light, sound and touch so that the child can be desensitized to these that otherwise would disrupt his or her ability to participate in activities. Autism Aspergers Syndrome

The syndrome was named for a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger. He published a paper describing the pattern of behaviors witnessed of boys who had normal IQs and language development, but who were thought to be autistic in behavior with marked social and communicative deficiencies. In 1994 professionals recognized Asperger Syndrome and parents finally had a name for what they experienced in their children.

Common characteristics of individuals with this syndrome are deficiencies in social skills, difficulties when it comes to changes and they often have obsessive routines and are preoccupied with one subject of interest. Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome tend to have difficulty reading nonverbal cues of communication often referred to as body language. They can also have difficulty determining proper body space and can be overly sensitive to sights, smells, sounds and tastes. They will also have preferences for things that are soft, for certain foods, and can be agitated by certain sounds or by lights that others around them are not bothered by. Those with this syndrome are often teased as children for being "odd" and adults are accused of being eccentric. Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome can be extremely literal and have difficulty using language in a social context.

Asperger Syndrome is currently considered to be an autism spectrum disorder and is often described as being High Functioning Autism. Still, others describe the pattern of behaviors as a Nonverbal Learning Disorder. Many individuals are misdiagnosed or remain undiagnosed.

Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome usually have normal IQ ranges, in fact many show exceptional skill or talent in certain areas, so they can achieve high levels of achievements but experience difficulties in social situations or in making transitions or changes in work or home life. Individuals who have Asperger's Syndrome prefer to have stability in their lives and shy away from situations that would necessitate change.

Asperger's Syndrome

07/03/2009
03 July 2009 2:09 PM (Daily Mail)
This impending extadition of the naive computer hacker, Gary McKinnon, to the United States ought to worry Britons for a lot more reasons than just the ease with which the US Justice Department can now demand the Home Secretary hand over a British subject.

03 July 2009 2:09 PM (Daily Mail)

07/03/2009
Carolyn Livengood: Floral arts exhibit in South San Francisco (San Mateo County Times)
The South San Francisco Cultural Arts Commission invites everyone to its unique Floral Art & Calligraphy Exhibit from 7 to 9 p.m. on July 10 and from 10 a.

Carolyn Livengood: Floral arts exhibit in South San Francisco (San Mateo County Times)

07/03/2009
Gary McKinnon's mother meets PM's wife (Computer Weekly)
Janis Sharp, the mother of Pentagon hacker Gary McKinnon has had tea with the Prime Minister's wife Sarah Brown today, to discuss the plight of her son.

Gary McKinnon's mother meets PM's wife (Computer Weekly)

07/03/2009
03 July 2009 2:09 PM (Daily Mail)
This impending extadition of the naive computer hacker, Gary McKinnon, to the United States ought to worry Britons for a lot more reasons than just the ease with which the US Justice Department can now demand the Home Secretary hand over a British subject.

03 July 2009 2:09 PM (Daily Mail)

07/03/2009
Carolyn Livengood: Floral arts exhibit in South San Francisco (San Mateo County Times)
The South San Francisco Cultural Arts Commission invites everyone to its unique Floral Art & Calligraphy Exhibit from 7 to 9 p.m. on July 10 and from 10 a.

Carolyn Livengood: Floral arts exhibit in South San Francisco (San Mateo County Times)

07/03/2009
Nasa hacker petition presented to Number 10 (ZDNet UK)
Sting's wife Trudie Styler and Janis Sharp have presented a petition to Number 10 calling for Nasa hacker Gary McKinnon not to be extradited to the US. Styler, and Sharp, who is McKinnon's...

Nasa hacker petition presented to Number 10 (ZDNet UK)