Asperger's syndrome is one of the milder disorders on the autism spectrum. It's a neurological disorder that affects a child's ability relate to others and act socially appropriate. According to Kids Health, this disorder is usually diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 9, because children with this disorder are intelligent. It might not become evident until they're in school and interacting with other children on a regular basis.
Social Symptoms
A child who has Asperger's syndrome will have a hard time relating to other children his age. He won't be able to pick up on social cues, so he'll behave in ways that are socially inappropriate. For instance, if a peer is crying, he might start laughing. A child with this disorder has a hard time making eye contact when speaking to someone and can come across as being incredibly awkward. Other children in his class might avoid him, and he may enjoy playing alone more than playing with others. Children with Asperger's syndrome tend to have a hard time empathizing with others.
When he does to talk to peers or adults, it might seem like he's talking to himself. He might talk and talk without caring whether the other person is listening. He'll disregard it when other people try to change the subject and continue talking about what he wants to talk about.
Physical Symptoms
Often children who suffer from Asperger's syndrome don't have vibrant facial expressions. They might seem to have the same facial expression no matter what they are talking about or doing. They also usually talk in a monotone voice. The Mayo Clinic reports that they might make awkward gestures or have unusual body postures.
Children with this disorder don't seem very coordinated when they move. Other children and adults might categorize him as clumsy. He probably doesn't get picked first for any sports, and he may have no interest in physical activities.
Obsession
Many times, a child who has Asperger's syndrome will be obsessed with one or two topics or items. For example, a child might become fixated on her Barbie dolls, with collecting coins or with dogs. She might be able to name almost any dog breed and that breed's characteristics. Children with this disorder are smart and can learn a lot about the things that they get obsessed with.
Children with this disorder get fixated on their daily routines and can become quite upset if the routine changes. For instance, if school lets out two hours early or there is a holiday vacation, the child will not adapt well to the change in schedule.
