Asperger's Syndrome
What is Asperger Syndrome?
Asperger's Disorder is a variant of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is characterized by difficulties in social interaction and by restricted interests and activities. Asperger's Disorder is distinguished from the other autism spectrum disorders in having no general delay in cognitive development. Some people afflicted with the syndrome, however, can experience motor clumsiness and atypical use of language. Both Asperger's Disorder and Autistic Disorder are subclasses of a larger diagnostic category, namely either autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD).
Asperger Syndrome or Asperger's Disorder is a neurobiological disorder named after Hans Asperger, who in his 1944 publication described a pattern of behaviors in young boys who had normal intelligence and language development, but who also exhibited autistic-like behaviors and marked deficiencies in social and communication skills. The boys failed to demonstrate empathy with their peers and were physically clumsy. Individuals with AS have a normal IQ and many exhibit exceptional skill or talent in a specific area. They are often viewed as eccentric and can easily become victims of teasing and bullying. In 1994, Asperger Syndrome was recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) .
Some professionals believe that AS is the same as High Functioning Autism, while others feel that it is rather a Nonverbal Learning Disability. Asperger's Disorder shares many of the characteristics of Pervasive Developmental Disorder ( PDD-NOS) , High Functioning Autism (HFA), and Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD). Since it is relatively a newly discovered disorder, many individuals received an incorrect diagnosis. It was not uncommon for a child who was initially diagnosed with ADD or ADHD be re-diagnosed with AS. Some individuals who were originally diagnosed with HFA may at this point be diagnosed with AS.