A high-functioning type of autism, Asperger syndrome was discovered in 1944 by Hans Asperger. In Asperger syndrome, originally called autistic psychopathy, the patient retains his previously acquired language skills, unlike other types of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), in which patients lose these abilities at the onset of the disorder, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A patient with Asperger syndrome has more advanced language use but significant problems with social skills.
Language Skills
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) states that an Asperger syndrome patient has a high level of vocabulary and uses formal speech patterns; when combined with her expertise on a narrow subject, she can sound like "a little professor." When the patient speaks, onlookers might notice differences in how she talks. For example, her tone can be monotonous or rigid, or she might speak much faster than normal. The patient also participates in one-sided and long-winded conversations. The Mayo Clinic notes that when the patient starts one of these conversations, focusing on her topic of interest, she will not notice if the other person is paying attention or wants to change the subject.
Intense Focus on One Item
Another symptom of Asperger syndrome is an intense focus on one item or certain subject. For example, the patient may focus only on a train's schedule, rather than an overall interest in trains. An Asperger syndrome patient tends to focus on the parts of an object instead of the whole object. Once the patient has identified a topic, it becomes the center of his attention; he wants to learn everything he can about it and wants to talk only about that subject. The patient's interest may be part of a repetitive ritual; if that ritual is broken, the patient can become upset.
Awkward Movement
A patient with Asperger syndrome also has noticeable problems with movement. For example, the patient has a stilted or bouncy walk and other uncoordinated movements. The NINDS adds that during childhood, the patient will have developmental delays with movement, such as problems with "pedaling a bike, catching a ball and climbing outdoor play equipment." The patient's awkward movement can be accompanied with odd posture, rigid gait and strange gestures.
Social Problems
In social situations, the Asperger syndrome patient has problems with non-verbal communication, such as understanding sarcasm. The patient has difficulties making eye contact and reacting to emotional responses. As a result, the patient can have problems interacting with other children.
