Roughly 1 in 10,000 people develop Asperger's syndrome, a condition falling on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum. While people with the condition do not demonstrate the same cognitive and language deficits most often attributed to autism (in some cases having savant-like enhancements in rote memory or visual perception), they do exhibit particular difficulties with give-and-take social interactions that go beyond simple faux pas. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke emphasizes that Asperger's syndrome includes repetitive behaviors, inflexible attachment to self-made daily routines and motor abnormalities, which might inform an early diagnosis by about age 3. Boys display symptoms consistent with the condition 4 to 5 times more often than girls.
Changes in Speech and Non-Verbal Communication
People with Asperger's syndrome show hallmark differences in the way that they socialize with others. Their speech does not maintain the characteristic lilting flow, intonation and inflection found in natural conversation, but takes on the qualities of a formal soliloquy or lecture. In a monotone, affected individuals will pontificate on their own pet interests--unleashing a stream of esoteric facts to listeners who may soon grow uncomfortable with the seemingly staccato, random chatter. Lack of social understanding or empathy compounds the inability to engage in much more than one-sided discussion. Many with Asperger's syndrome do not make eye contact when speaking or listening, and cannot read subtle non-verbal communication and gestures (especially those that might signal humor, sarcasm or dissatisfaction). As a result, attempts at forging healthy human relationships suffer.
Obsessions and Repetitive Behavior
Obsessing over kitchen appliances, constellations or weather patterns, people with Asperger's develop intense interests in narrowly defined subjects. These preoccupations overshadow mild childhood fascinations with, for example dinosaurs or Hello Kitty, and can involve memorizing large sets of numbers or statistics. Behavioral inflexibility colors their everyday lives--representing a physical analogy to the mental obsessions. Individuals with Asperger's sometimes trap themselves in vicious cycles of repetitive action or movement (e.g., hand flapping), and often feel compelled to adhere to finely regimented schedules. They do not react well emotionally to unexpected deviations in their routines.
Lack of Coordination
According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals with Asperger's syndrome tend to have poor motor coordination. They walk clumsily, at times with robotic-like strides. Their bodies can also assume awkward postures during standing or when seated. Motor disturbances often become life-long problems, first manifesting when children begin visiting the playground or participating in sports.
