Asperger's disorder is a mild version of autism, falling under the category of autistic spectrum disorders. Autism spectrum disorders is a category of disorders diagnosed in childhood, but the symptoms usually remain throughout adulthood. Individuals diagnosed with Asperger's disorder have difficulty in social communication, nonverbal communication, and have eccentric behavior, according to Aspergers.com. Those with Asperger's disorder typically become obsessed with one thing, which usually does not let other age-appropriate interests in their life, according to Aspergers.com.
Social Interaction
Individuals with this disorder have difficulty with nonverbal communication. Specifically, they have difficulty maintaining eye contact with others, especially when engaged in conversation, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). They also tend to make odd or inappropriate facial expressions, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction, according to the DSM-IV-TR. Additionally, adults with Asperger's have difficulty forming normal, social relationships with others, according to Aspergers.com. A theory for this problem, according to the DSM-IV-TR, is that they lack the ability to spontaneously seek to share enjoyment or interests with other individuals. They can also have difficulty with social and emotional reciprocity, according to the DSM-IV-TR. For example, when you talk to someone with Asperger's disorder, he may not respond to you, or may respond with inappropriate emotions. People often find individuals with Asperger's disorder to be socially awkward.
Stereotypical Behavior
Adults with this disorder often are preoccupied with something to the extreme level, according to Aspergers.com. For example, if an individual with Asperger's likes football that is all he will talk about--all the time and with everyone. These individuals are also often obsessed with parts of objects, according to the DSM-IV-TR. On another note, people with Asperger's disorder need routines to help them function, according to Aspergers.com. They do not like changes in routines, and find them difficult. Other stereotypical behavior in which they engage is body movements; they often flap their hands or fingers, or make complex body movements, according to the DSM-IV-TR.
Additional Criteria
According to the DSM-IV-TR, symptoms of Asperger's disorder must cause significant impairment in all areas of functioning, such as school, home or work. It is important to note that typically, there is no delay in language or cognitive development, according to the DSM-IV-TR. Additionally, the development of self-help skills such as basic hygiene and adaptive behavior are not usually delayed either, according to the DSM-IV-TR.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision" American Psychiatric Association, 2000.
- Asperger's Disorder Homepage
