Asperger's Syndrome

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What is it?

Asperger syndrome is classified as an autism spectrum disorder, but is milder than what most call autism. Asperger's syndrome is characterized by social isolation and eccentric behavior starting in early childhood. The name Asperger Syndrome derives it name from Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician who described the condition in 1944.

What are the signs or characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome?

Those with Asperger's Syndrome exhibit a wide variety of characteristics, ranging in severity from mild to severe. Usually those with Asperger's Syndrome have marked deficiencies in social skills, and find it hard to read common socal cues such as body language.

Diagnostic Criteria for Asperger's Syndrome

  • marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction

  • failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level

  • a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)

  • lack of social or emotional reciprocity

  • encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus

  • apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals

  • stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)

  • persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

Asperger's and IQ

By definition those with Asperger's Syndrome have normal to high IQ. This is a clinical definition and some dispute this, saying that the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome should not be withheld from people testing below average on IQ tests.

Geeks and Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's Syndrome has been called Geek Syndrome by wired.com and others. The correlation between the common traits exhibited by "Geek's" and those with Asperger's are numerous. Most people classified as geeks by others, are usually socially awkward and focus in on topics most people find unimportant or uninteresting. They find themselves more comfortable with machines than people, and find it difficult to operate in a large social gatherings.

How can I tell if I have Asperger's Syndrome

First and foremost, lets be clear : if you think you have Asperger's Syndrome you need to seek the help and/or advice from a trained professional. Beyond that there are many online tests that can help give indications of Asperger's.

  • PiePalace.ca offers this test.

  • Wired.com AQ test can be found here.

  • rdos.net aspie-quiz found here.

I have or may have Asperger's Syndrome, where can I go for help?

There are many online communities that focus on Asperger's Syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders. People at these places understand how hard it can be at times to live with these conditions or live with someone who has them.