return to home page What is Asperger Syndrome?
(*see definitions at bottom of page)
Asperger Syndrome* is a neurological disorder that affects, in several ways, how a person's brain functions. It is classified on the Autism Spectrum. Related Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are: Pervasive Developmental Disorder/Not Otherwise Specified (PDD/NOS)* and High Functioning Autism (HFA)*. Many people affected with ASD may also have other co-morbid* conditions that compound the difficulties they have in functioning in a Neurologically Typical (NT) world. You may want to discuss this possibility with a medical professional if you suspect your child has (or suspect you are a person with) ASD.
If you have a family member diagnosed with AS or suspect someone may be AS, and want to know more, click on any of the links below for some very good descriptions which include details that run consistent with all the authors. These experts present their own recommendations for helping a person deal with several AS characteristics that present problems.
Asperger Syndrome By Stephen Bauer
Asperger Syndrome by Rosalyn Lord (with Webmasters note)
More about AS (tools and recommendations for the teaching community)
*Definitions that help understanding:
Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a type of high functioning autism spectrum disorder in which there is no clinically significant delay in language and an IQ of at least average (often higher). Although people with AS learn to speak at or near the usual age, they usually have an odd style of speech and difficulties with nonverbal communication. Many people with Asperger Syndrome have fine and/or gross motor skills delays although this is not necessary for a diagnosis. People with AS also frequently have difficulties with executive functions and organizational skills.
High Functioning Autism (HFA) is not a clearly defined diagnosis. Rather, it is a label given when someone meets (or met as a child) the diagnostic criteria for autistic disorder but is able to speak and has an average or above average IQ. The primary distinction between High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome is early development - primarily of language. High Functioning Autistics are often mis-labelled with Asperger Syndrome if speech is adequate at the time of assessment.
PDD-NOS is the diagnosis given when a child or adult has significant autistic-like traits but does not meet enough of the criteria for a diagnosis of a specific PDD such as Autistic Disorder or Asperger Syndrome. The autistic characteristics of someone with PDD-NOS can vary in number, severity, or age of onset. While most people with PDD-NOS are high functioning, some are severely affected but have too few of the necessary characteristics for another diagnosis.
Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)
The NLD syndrome reveals itself in impaired abilities to organize the visual-spatial field, adapt to new or novel situations, and/or accurately read nonverbal signals and cues. It appears to be the reverse syndrome of dyslexia. Although academic progress is made, such a student will have difficulty "producing" in situations where speed and adaptability are required. Whereas language-based learning disorders have been shown to be genetic in origin, heredity has not, as yet, been linked to NLD. It is known that nonverbal learning disabilities involve the performance processes (generally thought of neurologically as originating in the right cerebral hemisphere of the brain, which specializes in nonverbal processing).
Comorbid
comorbidity/The presence of coexisting or additional disorders with reference to an initial diagnosis or with reference to the index condition that is the subject of study. Comorbidity may challenge the ability of affected individuals to function.