Aspergers syndrome is one of the autism spectrum disorders. According to Better Health, this developmental disorder affects the way the brain processes information. The Mayo clinic reports that Aspergers has a strong genetic component, while some studies have linked it to structural abnormalities in different regions of the brain.
Social Issues
People with Aspergers syndrome have difficulty forming friendships and maintaining relationships. Some describe those with Aspergers as socially awkward and unable to empathize with others. Social routines are difficult for him to engage in. Someone with Aspergers syndrome may find it difficult to understand the emotions of others. Neurologically he may be unable to understand emotions, and therefore might be shocked to find that someone felt hurt by his inappropriate actions or response to them. He might appear to have a very rigid posture, appear clumsy or have poor coordination. Behavioral therapy may assist an adult with Aspergers syndrome with some inappropriate social skills.
Intellectual Signs
A person with Aspergers syndrome may have unusually high intelligence. He may have a specialized field of interest or hobby. An unusual obsession with a particular hobby or interest is common. Better Health reports that an adult with Aspergers syndrome may have difficulties with high-level language skills such as verbal reasoning, problem solving, making inferences and predictions. Some may have higher than normal language skills. When thinking about a career, capitalizing on the positive strengths of their condition such as intelligence and ability to specialize in a particular area is important to consider.
Communication Issues
An adult with Aspergers syndrome may have difficulty communicating with others. They may engage in long-winded conversations with others, not make eye contact, and have a hard time understanding others. He might speak in a rigid tone and sound monotonous. Treatment for Aspergers syndrome includes communication and social skills training, while he might need cognitive behavioral training to assist with problem behaviors.
Issues of Partners
Partners of persons with Aspergers often experience dealing with feeling overly responsible for their partners. Feelings of frustration with their relationship and feelings that that their partner does not understand are common. They also may feel isolated and because others do not understand the unique relationship. They may feel isolated and be distressed that their partner will not recover. Support groups and counseling are available for partners of those with Aspergers syndrome.
