Asperger Syndrome Checklist

An Asperger syndrome checklist is a useful tool for parents and educators to evaluate children who display characteristics of the disorder.

An Asperger checklist can help identify at-risk children.

Asperger syndrome (AS) is a pervasive developmental disorder related to impairments in social skills and odd or restrictive behavior. Language skills may be normal or only mildly affected, and intelligence is generally average or above average. While Asperger syndrome exists on the same spectrum as autism, children with AS are able to function effectively in most settings.

Parents, teachers, and healthcare professional can use the Asperger checklist as an initial screening tool for the disorder.

A high number of positive responses to the following statements indicates the child may require evaluation and further testing by a specialist in AS.

A child with AS:

• Prefers solitary activities and keeps to himself during recess and lunchtime
• Is awkward in social situations
• Is compulsive or requires adherence to strict routines
• Exhibits odd speech patterns or does not modulate voice
• Shows too much or too little emotional expression
• Expects family members and teachers to know his thoughts and feelings automatically
• Has difficulty sharing and taking turns
• Displays no interest in team sports or multi-player games
• Is easily upset by even minor changes in schedule
• Lacks empathy and cannot understand the point of view of others
• Lacks tact or makes inappropriate comments without understanding or considering the effect on others
• Makes up words or uses words in unusual ways
• Is oversensitive to sensory stimulation, including sounds and textures
• Has difficulty participating in imaginative play and following made-up rules
• Tends to lecture and make conversations one-sided
• Obsesses on specific topics of interest and speaks incessantly on those topics
• Is unaware of trends and indifferent to peer pressure
• Misses sarcasm and interprets jokes or statements literally
• Engages in repetitive behavior, especially during times of stress
• Avoids eye contact or has difficulty maintaining eye contact

Because children behave differently when around different people in different settings, multiple adults in the child’s life should complete the checklist. This ensures behaviors are not missed that may be diagnostically important. Whenever possible, both parents and at least one teacher or other caregiver should receive a copy of the checklist to fill out.

Even if the child exhibits all the characteristics listed on the Asperger syndrome checklist, it does not necessarily mean he has AS. The checklist is one of many tools used to evaluate behavior and identify possible impairments in socialization and communication.

Early intervention is essential in helping a child with AS reach his full potential and become as independent as possible. The checklist for Asperger syndrome is an easy way to evaluate a child who displays unusual behaviors, speech patterns, or social deficits. The checklist can determine a need for further evaluation and help identify previously overlooked symptoms. The checklist is also useful at ruling out other behavioral, psychological and developmental issues.

There are some drawbacks to using the AS checklist to evaluate children. All children exhibit some characteristics of AS at some point, which may cause children without AS to score highly on the checklist. Moreover, the checklist may not be effective at identifying AS characteristics in very young children.

Asperger checklists are available online and through many healthcare professionals.

• The Family Education website offers six printable checklists for each of the areas affected by Asperger syndrome: social interactions, language skills, and interests/routines/order, motor skills, cognitive issues, and sensory sensitivities.

• Locate a professional in your area for a copy of the checklist. You can search for an Asperger syndrome specialist by visiting the Autism Society of America's online referral database.

• Call your local health department for information on screenings for pervasive developmental disorders and early intervention programs. You child may qualify for free testing, treatment, and educational assistance.

Asperger syndrome, like all pervasive developmental disorders, affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Not all children will display all the characteristics of AS, which makes diagnosis difficult. However, an Asperger syndrome checklist can help identify at-risk children and open the door to further evaluation and treatment.

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