Asperger Syndrome Support Network (Vic) Inc.

Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) which falls within the Autism Spectrum.

The main features of this disorder become obvious during early childhood and remain constant throughout life, although adaptation and degree of actual disability vary. It is very rarely recognized before the age of three, and is more common in males than females

Successful Management Strategies  A first hand account of some suggestions for coping with people with autism. 

• Excellent rote memory
• Absorb facts easily
• Generally perform well at maths and science
• Generally anxious and unable to cope with any form of criticism or imperfection
• Can be the victims of teasing in a school environment, which may cause them to withdraw into isolated activities
• Often appear clumsy and may have an unusual gait or stance
• Often seen as a bit odd and/or eccentric
• Often have the appearance of good language but may have limited language content and poor social understanding
• Generally attend ordinary primary and secondary school
• While children with Asperger's Syndrome have many of the features of the syndrome in common, they may vary enormously in other ways

Difficulties are observed in the Following Areas

Communication

The child usually speaks at the age expected. A full command of grammar is usually acquired. Content of speech may be abnormal, tending to be pedantic and often centring on one or two favourite topics. Sometimes a word or phrase is repeated over and over in a stereotyped fashion. Usually there is a comprehension deficit, despite apparent superior verbal skills. Non-verbal communication, both expressive and receptive, is often impaired.

Social Interaction

There tends to be impairment in two-way social interaction, due in the most part to an inability to understand social behaviour. A lack of empathy with others, and little or no eye contact may be evident. The child appears to be stuck at the egocentric stage of social and emotional development, and therefore these people perceive the world almost exclusively from their own point of view.

Social Behaviour

Social Behaviour is often naive and peculiar. They tend to become intensely attached to particular possessions. They engage in repetitive activities and are resistant to change, coping best when life is predictable. They are rigid and prefer structure and may concentrate exclusively on matters in which they are interested. They may appear non compliant as they have difficulty taking direction and coping with negative feedback.
 

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 Profile of a Person with Asperger's Syndrome 

The typical person with Asperger's Syndrome is a 'loner' who never quite fits in because of eccentric behaviour, peculiar ways of speaking and a lack of social skills. He or she may be interested in social relationships, but lacks the ability to understand and use the rules governing social behaviour. He or she may try to make contact inappropriately, e.g. ignoring contextual cues or expressing inadequacy aggressively. 

People with Asperger's Syndrome may graduate from regular schools and hold down jobs, but they are often disadvantaged by their odd behaviour and resistance to change. They have difficulty establishing relationships, and children often refuse to return to their homes to play with them. Older children may over time withdraw from the uncomfortable interactions which characterized their early years, and retreat into the safety of their family or even isolate themselves from their family. They may feel rejected, but do not  understand how their behavioural responses contributed to their isolation.

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Some Anecdotes from Children

The following statements reflect the literal and unusual ways that these people think.

• He referred to a hole in his sock as "a temporary loss of knitting".
• Yes he did want to go to school but he wished that all the other children weren't there.
• "Did you mop up the coffee you spilt on the carpet?" - "No, it was too wet."

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