You may have heard the term “Asperger’s syndrome” but aren’t sure what it is. Perhaps you’ve heard it used interchangeably with autism? This is a common misconception, and here at allforyourmind, we want to help you understand what this condition is all about with this blog post. So, what is Asperger’s?
What is Asperger’s syndrome?
Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder that can affect how a person communicates and interacts with others. It was originally on the autism spectrum, but it’s now been classified as its own condition.
So, people with Asperger Syndrome may have difficulty understanding what other people are thinking or feeling, which makes it difficult for them to develop friendships. They might also be sensitive about being touched and feel overwhelmed in social situations because of their obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
But despite these challenges, people with Asperger’s syndrome can live happily and productively! There is no cure for Asperger Syndrome – so many individuals have learned how to cope by seeking support from family members and professionals who specialize in ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).
Asperger’s symptoms
Asperger’s Syndrome is like a mild form of Autism. It is characteristics involve difficulty in social interaction, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviours, impaired communication skills, and unusual nonverbal communication. There are various things that characterize Asperger’s. In some ways, they overlap with autism a fair deal. Here are a few key signs/symptoms of Asperger’s:
- Difficulty with social interactions
- Repetitive behaviors and interests
- Sensitivity to sounds, touch, or smells
- Limited range of emotions or lack of emotional expression
- Difficulties with nonverbal communication such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language
- Lack of empathy
- Sensory sensitivities, such as a need for sameness in clothing or food preferences
Asperger’s test
There is no such thing as an “Asperger’s Test”. There are a few questionnaire-type tests that may be used to aid the diagnosis, but these tests don’t officially count as an indication that an individual has Asperger’s syndrome. These unofficial tests can be done online or in person. It involves answering a series of questions about how you feel and behave. You’ll also need to answer questions about your family members’ behavior.
Therefore the actual diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome is made by a specialist and involves looking at the person’s history, their symptoms, and observing them in different situations. The diagnostic process can take up to two hours or more.
What are Asperger’s traits?
Asperger’s is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It affects how people perceive and interact with the world around them. People with this condition are often very intelligent but may have difficulty in social situations, reading nonverbal cues, or understanding humour. Also, they may be physically clumsy or awkward. Further, they tend to follow strict routines and rituals that can make day-to-day life difficult to manage without support. Some key traits are as follows:
- Difficulty with social skills
- Repetitive behaviors
- Sensory sensitivities
- Lack of empathy and emotional reciprocity
- Difficulties in understanding the emotions of others
Check out our blogs on autism VS ADHD and the difference between autism and Asperger’s for more information.
6 Comments