According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Asperger's syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder classified to be on the lower end of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), sometimes referred to as "high-functioning autism." ASD refers to a group of conditions characterized by varying degrees of language and communication impairment, as well as patterns of repetitive thoughts and behaviors. According to KidsHealth, AS affects over 400,000 families. There is no cure for Asperger's Syndrome and treatment aims for improved social functioning.
Obsessive Interest
According to the NINDS, the major distinguishing characteristic of Asperger's syndrome is an intense obsession regarding a single object or topic. The interest can be in virtually anything, and the scope of conversation remains narrow only within those interests. Those affected with AS become experts wanting to know everything and anything there is to know about their obsession, exemplifying a rich vocabulary and formal speech patterns. This also presents the fact that although AS displays autism symptoms, unlike with autism, those with AS retain their language skills.
Social Awkwardness
Those with Asperger's syndrome are often socially isolated and lack friends because of difficulties with social skills. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is a marked lack of intuitiveness to read others' cues, non-verbal communication and other forms of body language. AS sufferers may hold an extended one-sided conversation without stopping and fail to notice whether the other party wants to change the subject, or is even listening. KidsHealth states that AS causes a self-absorbed personality because those with the syndrome may only want to talk about themselves rather than others. Also, jokes or other slang language may be taken literally. People with AS may also seem to others as unkind or rude because they appear to never empathize with others' feelings. The Mayo Clinic also lists unusual, monotonous and rigid speech as a symptom of AS, along with awkward gestures, lack of eye contact and limited facial expressions.
Physical Symptoms
Clumsiness and uncoordinated motor skills result from the physical symptoms of Asperger's syndrome. According to the NINDS, developmental motor delays cause affected individuals an awkward gait, e.g., walking as if bouncing. The Mayo Clinic states that gait may also be rigid, accompanied by odd posturing.
