Welcome to the Gladstone Area Autism Support Group Web site!
Asperger's Syndrome is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder.
Pervasive developmental disorders are a group
of neuropsychiatric disorders. Characterized by specific delays in social, communicative,
and cognitive development, usually noted
in the first year of life.
It is a life long condition and the attributes
will change with different stages of life.
Asperger's Syndrome is part of the Autism spectrum.
The major difference between Asperger's and Autism would be language skills.
Most Autistic children never develop normal speech.
Or may be non-verbal. Where as Asperger's children
usually develop language skills at or slightly below the average.
The most prominent characteristic of Asperger's is
their inability to read and respond to social cues.
For example, just the little cue of timing when
wanting to join a conversation. They will often just
interrupt. Chances are their interruption will not be
about the subject that was being discussed.
Saying "hello" or "good-by" may need to be taught.
If you think about all the social cues and gestures
that most of us do everyday without even thinking about it you will begin to understand how socially unaware persons with AS are.
They usually lack the ability to read body language
and facial expressions. They have difficulty keeping
eye contact. Their conversations seem to one sided.
Often focusing on their obsessions. They do not care
that the other person may not be interested. Their conversations often speak of facts. Rather than actual "social conversation".
Studies suggest that Asperger's is dominant
among males. It has been suggested that this
may not really be true. That girls just have a
better ability to blend in and often are never
diagnosed.
For further information try searching the following link.
bravenet.com