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The disorder has much in common with High-Functioning Autism, and it has been suggested recently that AS be removed and Autism Spectrum Disorders be rated on a severity scale. Individuals with AS typically lack the linguistic and cognitive difficulties commonly associated with Autism.

Like Autism and other Developmental Disorders, Asperger Syndrome begins in childhood. Unlike other disorders, many with AS are high functioning enough that they don't receive the diagnosis until well into adulthood. When the disorder was first identified by Dr. Hans Asperger, he believed that it only affected males2. The disorder does affect males at a higher rate than females. Estimates for the male to female ratio range from 10:1 to 3:13, the actual ratio may be lower since the disorder may present itself quite differently in males and females.

The cause of the disorder is unknown; however research supports a possible genetic link.

Adults with Asperger Syndrome can have a variety of symptoms, some of the more common characteristics include:

  • Average or above-average intelligence
  • Difficulty with high-level language skills (reasoning, problem solving, being too literal)
  • Lack of empathy
  • Inability to see another person's point of view
  • Problems engaging in "small talk"
  • Lack of emotional control, particularly with anger, depression, and anxiety
  • Strict adherence to routines which can lead to anxiety when something unexpected happens
  • Extreme focus on a particular interest or hobby
Parent Category: Disorders

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