Adult Asperger Syndrome

Adult Asperger syndrome is a complex subject, with many who suffer its symptoms and feel its limitations struggle to find the help they need to make their lives more manageable.

Recognize Asperger syndrome behavior

Asperger syndrome is considered to be the mildest of the group of pervasive developmental disorders classified on the autism spectrum. Among the common symptoms of all autism spectrum disorders are significant impairments in communication and social interaction skills, as well as a tendency towards adherence to strict routines and a narrow scope of interests and activities.

These fundamental symptoms of ASD are present in individuals with Asperger syndrome, though often to a lesser degree than is found in those with other forms of autism. Those with Asperger syndrome do not suffer the speech delays that are often present in other ASDs, generally having well developed vocabulary skills, nor do they have the same potential intellectual issues, scoring at average or above average levels on IQ tests. However, language deficits do exist with Asperger syndrome, primarily in comprehension of the subtleties of language, as affected individuals often cannot grasp abstract concepts or comprehend irony or humor as well as the average person.

Deficits in non-verbal communication skills are common, with many individuals with Asperger syndrome are unable to interpret cues like facial expression. body language, or gestures. Motor skills impairments are often among the symptoms of Aspergers, causing those affected by the disorder to appear clumsy or uncoordinated, or have difficulty mastering tasks that exercise fine motor skills. Many of these symptoms can be managed or even overcome with early intervention in the form of speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and behavioral therapy programs.

While information, support, and services are readily available for the latest generation of children with this pervasive developmental disorder, this was not always the case for adults with Asperger syndrome. Many of the resources available today were simply not in existence 20 years ago, and a significant number of individuals with Aspergers were not correctly diagnosed until long after those crucial early developmental years, missing the opportunity to take advantage of any services that might have been available. Still today, many adults are just being diagnosed, finally able to identify a reason for issues that have troubled them for 30, 40, or even 50 years.

This has left many adults with Asperger syndrome and their families to muddle through the difficulties and impairments of the disorder on their own. While many adults with Asperger's disorder have learned to manage their symptoms quite nicely, blending smoothly into society with successful careers, marriages, and healthy social lives, many others struggle daily to cope with the impact of the disorder on their lives.

Some remain dependent on parents or other family members, having difficulty finding and keeping steady employment. Others are unable to overcome impairments in social and communication skills well enough to form lasting friendships, remaining quite isolated in their daily lives. Depression is a common issue in adults with Aspergers, the rates much higher than in the general population, and affordable help can be difficult to find, especially for those whose symptoms have made steady employment a challenge.

With just a little help and support, many more individuals affected by adult Asperger syndrome could live full and independent lives. While impairments and symptoms of this disorder can be much milder than many forms of autism, they can still interfere in the day-to-day lives of many individuals with Asperger syndrome, a fact that is often overlooked by disability professionals and the autism community.

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