What is Aspergers?

Taken from the Raising Children network:

As children, people with Asperger’s disorder are sometimes described as ‘little
professors’. This is because they can be extremely knowledgeable about their
favourite topics, and might also have advanced language skills for their age.
Unlike children with autism, they might start discussions.
People with
Asperger’s disorder often miss social cues and can misinterpret language. For
example, they can have difficulty understanding jokes, or they might take things
too literally.

Social interactionChildren with Asperger’s disorder might:

*initiate interactions with others but have difficulty in sustaining social interaction
*interact with people if they need something or to talk about something that interests them, but not for the sake of being social or out of genuine interest in others
*interact in an awkward and stilted way (for example, they might avoid eye contact while speaking or interpret things literally)
interact more easily with adults than with children
*not show emotion or empathy.

Communication and languageChildren with Asperger’s disorder might:

*be very verbal (for example, they might label everything in a room)
*join words together at the usual developmental stage (around two years)
*communicate with others about their own interests
*use a flat or monotone voice
*answer questions, but not initiate questions if the topic doesn’t interest them.

Repetitive or persistent behavioursChildren with Asperger’s disorder might:

*have restricted or obsessive interests that make them seem like ‘walking encyclopaedias’ about particular topics
*prefer routines and rules
*not respond well to change.