Asperger's disorder is generally first identified when children enter school and are observed to have difficulty with social interactions. According to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition," there is limited information on this disorder. More males appear to be affected by this disorder than females. In addition, if a family member is diagnosed with this disorder, it is likely that one or more of the other family members also have symptoms of the disorder.
Social Symptoms
Adults with Asperger's disorder have a difficult time with social interactions. They seldom make eye contact when they are talking to another person. Facial expressions are often limited and don't seem to fit the mood of the conversation or interaction. Adults with Asperger's disorder avoid social events whenever possible and avoid inviting others into their home. They tend to limit their interpersonal contact to immediate family members.
Behaviors
Adults with Asperger's disorder tend to have few interests; however, they will often seem to be preoccupied with those they do have. They also engage in repetitive behaviors and rituals that seem odd to others. They do not adapt well to change; they prefer a routine that they can follow.
Some adults with Asperger's disorder will repeat certain motor movements, such as tapping their fingers or playing with strands of their hair.
Lack of Empathy
These individuals appear to lack empathy. They do not appear to be aware of the feelings of others and are often baffled when other people become upset with them when they fail to consider how someone else feels. To others, they may appear to be unfeeling and insensitive. A.J. Mahari, an adult with Asperger's disorder, explains in his article on the Asperger Adults website that he feels very intense empathy for other people. He simply shows empathy differently than other people do.
Social Cues
Adults with Asperger's disorder are unable to interpret social cues, such as body language or facial expressions. They do not respond as one might expect to such things as a raised eyebrow, a smile or a frown. In reality, they respond very concretely to the words that are spoken and do not seem to notice the smile or the frown.
Prognosis
Many adults with Asperger's disorder are content with their lives as they are and do not feel a need to seek help or to make any changes. Others are not aware that their experience is different than that of other people. Still others will seek help in learning new coping skills and in pushing their own limits, venturing outside their comfort zones to develop the social skills they lack. They will always be "aspies," as they call themselves. However, they know they can develop many of the skills that don't come naturally to them.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition"; American Psychiatric Association; 1994
- Asperger Adults Differently Abled: Do Aspies Have Empathy for Others
