What is Asperger's Syndrome?

Asperger's Syndrome is one of a number of autistic spectrum disorders, a lifelong disability that affects the way in which a person interacts and communicates with the world around them. These problems with communication and interactivity can often lead to other issues, such as isolation and undeveloped social skills, which in turn can lead to emotional and behavioural problems, anxiety and confusion. However, the way Asperger's Syndrome manifests itself in the individual can vary a great deal from person to person.

The Symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome

There are generally no outward physical signs that a person has Asperger's Syndrome. Whilst the severity of the symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome may be varied, generally they are considered to be mild. People with the syndrome are thought to be less severely affected by the symptoms than those with autism. In fact, in some cases the symptoms can be so mild that it has been argued that Asperger's Syndrome is actually a variant of 'normal' rather than a disorder.

This is perhaps due to the fact that people with this condition have far fewer problems with their verbal communication, and tend to have average or above average intelligence. They are generally able to live full and independent lives.

As people with Asperger's Syndrome tend to favour routine, children with the condition may opt for more routine activities, sometimes displaying a certain level of rigidity, and repetitiveness in their actions. This means that they may become upset or confused when certain routines are changed. They may also display almost obsessive interests in certain hobbies; many people with Asperger's Syndrome may also have an intense interest in collection particular items.

The Triad of Impairments

Asperger's Syndrome is also referred to as a 'hidden disability', in that the main impairments associated with the syndrome are not always apparent, both physically and socially. People that have this condition tend to face issues in three areas, known as the 'triad of impairments' – social interaction, social communication, and social imagination.

This means that whilst a person with Asperger's Syndrome may have specific learning disabilities, rather than a condition that leads to general learning difficulties. For instance, people with this syndrome may also have dyslexia, dyspraxia or epilepsy.

Social Interaction and Social Relationships

Problems with social interaction can arise as a result of difficulties with communication. This can be due to a number of factors, such as an inability to understand, perceive or predict the reactions of others, a failure to read and understand body language, confusing nuances in language and taking comments literally, as well as talking too much and appearing over-concise or precise in their language. Again, this behaviour can make the individual appear rude, insensitive and lead to feelings of frustration and isolation.

It can also mean that forming meaningful relationships can sometimes become difficult, as it is often hard for a person with Asperger's Syndrome to understand social cues and social etiquette.

Social Communication and Social Imagination

Although people with Asperger's Syndrome can be extremely proficient in learning solid and logical facts and figures, as well as becoming accomplished in 'the arts', they tend to struggle with more abstract thinking associated with more philosophical topics and religious education.

They can also struggle in the areas that most people will learn through experience; that is, taking cues and guessing what others are thinking, or predicting how certain actions can lead to certain consequences. Children with Asperger's Syndrome may find it difficult to take part in games that involve imagination and creative play.

Treatment of Asperger's Syndrome

There is no particular cure or treatment for Asperger's Syndrome; however, there are steps that can be taken to help the individual cope with their perceived confusion, anxiety or misunderstanding about the world around them. It is a case of helping them to adapt to finding a way that allows them to manage everyday life, and enhance social relationships.

It is also important to educate those around the individual, as support and understanding can help the person with Asperger's Syndrome to manage and maintain relationships in a seemingly complex and confusing world. This can also help to avoid some common issues arising from the condition in adulthood, including isolation and depression.

Early diagnosis is important in helping to find ways for children to adjust to new environments, routines and relationships. The severity of the condition will affect the amount of help (if any is required at all) in the learning environment, with some children and teenagers requiring specialist help with certain learning disabilities. Social skills training and behavioural therapy may also be particularly valuable.

With a good support network who have a good understanding and awareness of the condition, many people with Asperger's Syndrome are able to live healthy, happy and independently, with many skills and talents to offer.