While there are similarities with Autism, people with Asperger syndrome have fewer problems with speaking and are often of average, or above average, intelligence. They do not usually have the accompanying learning disabilities associated with autism, but they may have specific learning difficulties. These may include dyslexia and dyspraxia or other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and epilepsy.
With the right support and encouragement, people with Asperger syndrome can lead full and independent lives (The National Autistic Society).
Unlike people with Autism those with Asperger’s syndrome usually want to fit in and have interaction with others; but don’t know how to do it. They may be socially awkward, not understand conventional social rules, or show a lack of empathy. They may have limited eye contact, seem unengaged in a conversation, and not understand the use of gestures. (Autism Society)
Characteristics of Asperger’s include:
- special interests
- love of routines
- sensory difficulties
Special interests
Interests in a particular subject may border on the obsessive. Children with Asperger’s Disorder frequently like to collect categories of things, such as rocks or bottle caps. They may be proficient in knowledge categories of information, such as baseball statistics or Latin names of flowers. While they may have good rote memory skills, they have difficulty with abstract concepts (Autism Society).
Love of routines
People with Asperger syndrome may be very particular in using rules or rituals on which they insist upon. For example a child may find changes to the normal timetable at school upsetting. (The National Autistic Society).
Sensory difficulties
As with Autism people with Asperger’s may have sensory difficulties. Most commonly, an individual’s senses are either intensified (over-sensitive) or underdeveloped (under-sensitive). For example, bright lights, loud noises, overpowering smells, particular food textures and the feeling of certain materials can be a cause of anxiety and pain for people with Asperger syndrome.
People with sensory sensitivity may also find it harder to use their body awareness system. This system tells us where our bodies are, so for those with reduced body awareness, it can be harder to navigate rooms avoiding obstructions, stand at an appropriate distance from other people and carry out ‘fine motor’ tasks such as tying shoelaces. Some people with Asperger syndrome may rock or spin to help with balance and posture or to help them deal with stress (The National Autistic Society).
Treatment
Speech and language therapy can help a person with Asperger syndrome through specialist approaches and intervention.
Resources: The National Autistic Society at www.autism.org.uk
Autism society www.autism-society.org
Rachel Harrison
Speech and Language Therapist
Integrated Treatment Services
April 2014
