Definition

What is Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger syndrome is a disability on the autistic spectrum but it does not mean lack of intelligence. University students with AS are usually of average or above average intelligence and some are gifted.

Other names for similar difficulties which are also on the autistic spectrum include Semantic Pragmatic Disorder, Atypical Autism and High Functioning Autism.

People with Asperger syndrome have difficulties in 3 main areas:

Social interaction

This includes:

• difficulty getting on with other people socially,
• difficulty making and keeping friends
• difficulty understanding how to respond in social situations.

This may cause a person to feel isolated.

Social communication

This includes:

• difficulty with talking to other people,
• difficulty with listening to others
• forgetting to use eye contact during conversations.
• A literal approach to language, so that metaphors or phrases, such as 'in a minute' or 'jump on the band wagon', are misunderstood.

Imagination and flexibility

This includes:

• preference for fixed routines
• difficulty coping with change.
• difficulty accepting that they have to change their own way of doing things to fit in with others or to satisfy academic requirements
• difficulty thinking creatively.
• obsessions with certain topics or interests.

People with AS do differ and, as individuals, they experience the above difficulties to a greater or lesser extent.

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There are some frequently found associated difficulties:

• motor co-ordination difficulty (dyspraxia)
• anxieties, particularly at times of transition or in relation to change.
• depression, often exacerbated by social isolation or perceived rejection or low self-esteem.

Other conditions known to co-exist with AS are ADHD, and obsessive compulsive disorder.

At the moment we do not know how to cure Asperger syndrome, and there aren't any medications that can help. However, there are many things that people can do to help themselves once they understand the problem.

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If you think you may have Asperger syndrome, click on Diagnosis to find more information about how to arrange an assessment.

For more self-help information, click on Websites and books