health

Asperger’s syndrome is a developmental condition in which a child does
not learn to communicate and interact with others in a typical way.
The condition, also called Asperger disorder or Asperger’s, is one of the
pervasive developmental disorders, which is the group of conditions that
includes autism* (AW-tiz-um).
Asperger’s syndrome is in the same group of developmental disorders
as autism. Both autism and Asperger’s syndrome are brain conditions that
affect a person’s ability to relate to others and to use language normally
in order to communicate. The main difference between children with
Asperger’s syndrome and children with autism is that intelligence and
development of language is not delayed in children with Asperger’s syndrome.
In fact, children with Asperger’s syndrome are often so clever with
words that Hans Asperger (1906–1980), the Austrian doctor who first
described the condition, called them “little professors.” However, children
with Asperger’s syndrome often talk in a monotone, do not look people in
the eye when they are talking, and may seem obsessed with odd or narrow
interests. For example, they may memorize and recite train timetables or
weather statistics but may have little idea of their usefulness.
Despite their intelligence and verbal abilities, children with Asperger’s
syndrome are socially atypical and unaware of what other people are thinking
and feeling. They rarely if ever try to share their interests or enjoyment
with people around them. Thus, they have difficulty making friends, and
they may be teased and become socially isolated. People with Asperger’s
syndrome may also be hyperactive, irritable, anxious, or depressed.

Brian’s Story