About Asperger Syndrome.
About 1 in 100 people are affected by Asperger Syndrome to some degree. Asperger Syndrome is not easily identified by outward appearances. People with Asperger Syndrome have a different view and understanding of the world around them, they process information differently and do not relate to other people in a "normal" way.
People with the condition have difficulties in social communication and interaction and lack imagination particularly in social situations.
Those with Aspergers syndrome have fewer problems with speaking than people with Autism, and are often of average, or above average, intelligence. There are usually no accompanying learning disabilities as associated with autism, but they can have specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and epilepsy.
With the right support and encouragement, people with Asperger syndrome can lead full and independent lives.
The intensity of Asperger's varies from one person to another, however the main characteristics fall into these groups:
Difficulty with social communication
People with Aspergers can find it difficult to express themselves emotionally and socially. For example, they may find it difficult to understand gestures, facial expressions or changing tone of voice, They often have difficulty knowing when to start or end a conversation and struggle to choose topics of conversation. They can also be very literal in what they say and can have difficulty understanding jokes, particularly sarcasm.
Difficulty with social interaction
Many people with Asperger syndrome want to be sociable but have difficulty with initiating and sustaining social relationships, which can make them very anxious. People with the condition can struggle to make and maintain friendships and do not fully understand the 'social rules' that most of us use and have learnt as part of life.
People with Aspergers find other people unpredictable and confusing and can become withdrawn. They can seem uninterested in other people, appearing almost aloof and often behave in what may seem an inappropriate manner.
Difficulty with social imagination
People with Aspergers syndrome can have difficulty with social imagination. Imagining alternative outcomes to situations does notcome naturally, and they can find it hard to predict what will happen next. Other peoples thoughts, feelings or actions can be especially difficult to underatand. Those subtle messages that are put across by facial expressions and body language are often missed.
Following Routines
Many with Aspergers will have particular ways of doing things which they insist upon, and they may become anxious if thier set patterns change. Timetables and set routines allow them to make sense of the world around them.
Obsessive Interests
People with Asperger syndrome may develop an obsessive interest in a hobby or collecting. Sometimes these interests are lifelong and in other cases one interest is replaced by a new and unrelated interest. People with Aspergers Syndrome can be exceptionally knowledgeable in their chosen field of interest and with encouragement, interests and skills can be developed so that people with Asperger syndrome can study or work successfully in their favourite subjects.
Sensory Problems
People with Asperger syndrome may have sensory difficulties. These can occur in one or all of the senses. Most commonly, an individual's senses are either intensified (over-sensitive) or underdeveloped (under-sensitive). For example, bright lights, loud noises, overpowering smells, particular food textures and the feeling of certain materials can be a cause of anxiety and pain for people with Asperger syndrome.
People with this kind of sensitivity may also find it harder to use their body awareness system. This system tells us where our bodies are, so it can be harder to avoid obstructions, stand at an appropriate distance from other people and carry out 'fine motor' tasks such as tying shoelaces. Some people with Asperger syndrome may rock or spin to help with balance or to help them deal with stress.