As
soon as we meet a person we make judgements about them. Just by
looking we can guess their age or status, and by the expression
on their face or the tone of their voice we can tell immediately
if they are happy, angry or sad and respond accordingly.
Not everyone has this natural ability. People with Asperger syndrome
find it more difficult to read the signals which most of us take
for granted. As a result they find it more difficult to communicate
and interact with others. This leaflet explains the characteristics
of Asperger syndrome and what can be done to help those affected.
Asperger syndrome is a form of autism,
a condition that affects the way a person communicates and relates
to others. A number of traits of autism are common to Asperger
syndrome including:
difficulty in social relationships
difficulty
in communicating
limitations
in imagination and creative play
However, people with Asperger syndrome usually have fewer problems
with language than those with autism, often speaking fluently
though their words can sometimes sound formal or stilted. People
with Asperger syndrome do not usually have the accompanying learning
disabilities associated with autism; in fact, people with Asperger
syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence.
Because of this many children with Asperger syndrome enter mainstream
school and, with the right support and encouragement, can make
good progress and go on to further education and employment.
Key characteristics
Asperger
syndrome shares many of the same characteristics as autism. The
key characteristics are:
Difficulty with social relationships
Unlike
the person with 'classic' autism, who often appears withdrawn
and uninterested in the world around them, many people with Asperger
syndrome want to be sociable and enjoy human contact. They do
still find it hard to understand non-verbal signals, including
facial expressions, which makes it more difficult for them to
form and maintain social relationships with people unaware of
their needs.
Difficulty with communication
People
with Asperger syndrome may speak fluently but they may not take
much notice of the reaction of the people listening to them; they
may talk on and on regardless of the listener's interest or they
may appear insensitive to their feelings. Despite having good
language skills, people with Asperger syndrome may sound over-precise
or over-literal - jokes can cause problems as can exaggerated
language, turns of phrase and metaphors. A person with Asperger
syndrome may be confused or frightened by a statement like 'she
bit my head off'. In order to help a person with Asperger syndrome
to understand you, keep your sentences short - be clear and concise.
Limitations in imagination
While
they often excel at learning facts and figures, people with Asperger
syndrome find it hard to think in abstract ways. This can cause
problems for children in school where they may have difficulty
with certain subjects such as literature or religious studies.
Special interests People with Asperger syndrome often develop
an almost obsessive interest in a hobby or collecting. Usually
their interest involves arranging or memorising facts about a
special subject, such as train timetables, Derby winners or the
dimensions of cathedrals.
"I remember Samuel reciting the distances of all the planets
from the sun to a baffled classmate in the playground when he
was five. Since then he has had many obsessions, which he loves
to talk about at length! Some of his more recent interests, such
as the Top 40 chart and collecting trading cards, have helped
him develop social skills, as he has been able to share them with
others." Sue Robinson, a parent.
With
encouragement interests can be developed so that people with Asperger
syndrome go on to study or work in their favourite subjects.
Love of routines
People
with Asperger syndrome often find change upsetting. Young children
may impose their routines, such as insisting on always walking
the same route to school. At school, they may get upset by sudden
changes, such as an alteration to the timetable. People with Asperger
syndrome often prefer to order their day according to a set pattern.
If they work set hours then any unexpected delay, such as a traffic
hold-up, or a late train, can make them anxious or upset.
"Simon's employers used to send him out on errands, delivering
urgent letters to City firms. Simon enjoyed these duties and performed
them punctually but he got extremely upset if delays on the bus
or Underground interfered with his schedule." Anton Barber,
a parent.
These
are the main features of the condition, but because every person
is an individual, these characteristics will vary greatly and
some may be demonstrated more strongly than others. See also:
" Living with autism - personal accounts by people with autism,
their parents and siblings.
What causes Asperger syndrome?
The
causes of autism and Asperger syndrome are still being investigated.
Many experts believe that the pattern of behaviour from which
Asperger syndrome is diagnosed may not result from a single cause.
There is strong evidence to suggest that Asperger syndrome can
be caused by a variety of physical factors, all of which affect
brain development - it is not due to emotional deprivation or
the way a person has been brought up.
Is there a cure?
Asperger syndrome is a developmental condition affecting the way
the brain processes information and there is no 'cure'; children
with Asperger syndrome become adults with Asperger syndrome. Much
can be achieved to make life less challenging with appropriate
education and support. With time and patience people with Asperger
syndrome can be taught to develop the basic skills needed for
everyday life, such as how to communicate appropriately with people.
The importance of early diagnosis
Because the condition of people with Asperger syndrome is not
as marked as those with autism, they may not be diagnosed for
a long time. This can mean that their particular needs may go
unrecognised and parents may blame themselves, or worse still
blame their child for their unusual behaviour.
We
were lucky to have a relatively early diagnosis for Samuel. As
a result, he has had the necessary support and understanding to
be able to attend mainstream primary and secondary school. The
staff at his secondary school were given a training session on
Asperger syndrome before he started. Of course, there are sometimes
problems but he is never just treated as a 'difficult' child,
which could easily be the case if his condition were not understood.
Sue Robinson, a parent
What does the future hold?
At present, there are few facilities specifically for children
with Asperger syndrome. Some children are in mainstream schools
where their progress depends on the support and encouragement
of parents, carers and teachers. Some children with Asperger syndrome
go to specialist schools for children with autism or learning
disabilities.
Because their disability is often less obvious than that of someone
with autism, a person with Asperger syndrome is, in a sense, more
vulnerable. They can, sadly, be an easy target for teasing or
bullying at school.
As
they get older, they may realise that they are different from
other people and feel isolated and depressed. People with Asperger
syndrome often want to be sociable and are upset by the fact that
they find it hard to make friends.
But
the future for people with Asperger syndrome does not have to
be bleak. Adults with Asperger syndrome can and do go on to live
fulfilling lives, to further education and employment and to develop
friendships.
In the workplace, people with Asperger syndrome can offer a great
deal - punctuality, reliability and dedication - though informed
and understanding employers and colleagues are essential.
