Asperger's syndrome (AS), a mild form of autism, afflicts a child's development and pervades through adulthood. According to Ami Klin, Fred R. Volkmar and Sara S. Sparrow, editors of the book Asperger Syndrome, an Austrian pediatrician, Hans Asperger took an interest in why some children behaved differently from others, and produced a study leading to the diagnosis Asperger syndrome in 1944. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV-TR ) now includes his criteria for diagnosing these special children.
Social Deficits
The DSM IV states that the most prevailing symptoms of AS show in social interactions. The child with AS prefers solitary activities and shuns playmates. While other grade school children learn to share and cooperate, he sees only his own needs. Peers reject him and think he is "weird". The AS child persists in talking about a favorite interest in a one-sided conversation. Unskilled at reading another's body language and facial expressions, he rattles on unaware that the listener displays signs of disinterest.
High Intelligence
According to the DSM IV, average to above average intelligence sets AS apart from true autism. In spite of his strange idiosyncrasies, the AS child functions on a high level. His expertise in an area of intense interest displays his uncanny abilities. He can read well beyond his grade level, recite insignificant facts, decipher codes and solve complicated math problems with ease. His advanced vocabulary earns him the title "little genius". Adults find such children charming. AS children prefer to spend their time with adults or much younger children instead of their age-mates.
Physical Shortfalls
While endowed with above average verbal and cognitive skills, AS children lack physical prowess.They have difficulty in sports and physical education. Others ridicule them for their clumsinesss. Parents describe their movements as "floppy" and report they can't do things that their younger siblings can, such as tying shoes, zipping a jacket or pouring a drink.
Idiosyncratic Behavior
The AS child rebels against physical discomfort. A tight shoe or neckline, or a scratchy fabric sends her into a rage because of her low threshold for frustration. Her heightened sensitivity to loud noises, heavy odors, visual stimulation and uninvited touch further disturb her. Repetitive movements, like finger flicking, skin picking and hand flapping, appear disturbing to others but these behaviors seem to lower the AS child's anxiety level. Sometimes preoccupation with the manipulation of tiny parts of objects causes the AS child to miss social opportunities. Dress up and pretend play an important role in her life.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed."; American Psychiatric Association, publisher; 2000
- "Asperger Syndrome"; Ami Klin, Fred R. Volkman, Sarah S. Sparrow; 2000
