About Aspergers Syndrome

What is it about Aspergers syndrome that sets it apart from regular autism? While the symptoms may seem similar at first glance, there are certain key differences that can help distinguish the Aspergers cases from others. This is important, since prompt and appropriate accommodations can help a child with Aspergers increase quality of life and make independent, higher level education and employment possible.

Read about adult Asperger's syndrome.

The History of Aspergers

As the name implies, Aspergers was discovered by Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger. He first publicized the ailment in 1944 based on observations of affected children at his clinic. The diagnosis was and still is somewhat controversial, but it did get mainstream acceptance as a standardized diagnosis in the 1990s. Some experts still debate where to draw the line between high functioning autism and Aspergers syndrome.

Identifying Aspergers Syndrome

Aspergers syndrome is a disorder on the autistic spectrum, meaning there are missing parts in the normal social and emotional behavior patterns. However, children with Aspergers have no speech or cognitive delays, which may often be observed in more traditional cases of autism.

Comparisons to ADHD

Aspergers children are also different from ADHD kids and others in that they have the ability to focus on things and topics of interest -- oftentimes too much so. A teacher giving a lecture may be completely ignored if a book or object is capturing the attention of the Asperger child. For the frustrated teacher, this may look similar to the ADHD child zoning out, but it is quite different. In the ADHD case, the attention is like a rabbit bouncing around wildly with nothing to keep it in one spot, while the Aspergers case is more like the topic of interest being a black hole that inevitably pulls the attention away from the teacher and doesn't let go.

Supporting a Person with Aspergers Syndrome

A child with Aspergers may have problems managing his or her emotions, finding them a bit confusing and scary. Likewise, social interaction with other kids becomes difficult when the child can't pick up on the subtle social cues that other kids use without even thinking about it.

An adult with Aspergers is obviously very close to "normal" in that he or she was able to get through school and land a job, probably just being a little awkward and easily distracted. This proximity to "normal" is the thing about Aspergers syndrome that makes some people debate the validity of the diagnosis in the first place. Some Aspergers people argue that we should not view it as a problem to be treated, but rather a personality trait that should be respected and accepted just like everyone else's quirks. That's, of course, a separate discussion, but be aware that it may be something of a gray area so tread lightly and respect the other person's feelings on the matter. After all, if they made it this far just fine, swooping in to "save" someone can be downright insulting.

However, if the person is having problems and welcomes help, it is quite possible you can take steps to support him or her, oftentimes through very simple means. An easily distracted child may have to be placed front and center in school with all the colorful posters and interesting trinkets removed from sight. If studying for a prolonged time is problematic, perhaps breaking the "study block" into many smaller bursts of studying helps. For an adult, a PDA or similar electronic device can help provide timely reminders to better manage time and "save" the person from falling victim to distractions.

Learning More About Aspergers Syndrome

It may be a child, sibling, significant other or a friend -- in any case, the more you learn, the more you can do to help. Search the Web for Aspergers support forums for more specific tips and advice on how to support people around you with Aspergers. Organizations like Defeat Autism Now (DAN) also have a wealth of information and advice.

• Preschool Activities for Autistic Children
• Possible Causes of Autism
• Tips for Raising Kids with Autism
• What Is Your Autism Empathy Rating?

• Lesson Plans for Autistic Children
• Adult Autism Symptoms
• Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
• Famous Autistic People

• Behavior Treatments for Asperger Syndrome
• Aspergers in Adults
• Asperger Characteristics
• What Is Aspergers
• Is Asperger Syndrome a Learning Disability