Asperger’s symptoms are similar to those of the other Austism Spectrum Disorders (ASD’s) including Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA) . Asperger’s Syndrome is on the higher-functioning end of the autism spectrum and, within this level, an individual’s symptoms could range from mild to severe.

Typically speaking, individuals with AS and related disorders lack severely in social and communication skills despite the fact that their IQs normally range from normal to really high and their rote memory (associated with strict memorization) frequently is superior to the rest of us.

Asperger’s symptoms differ from person to person and might include 1 or more of the following characteristics:

It is rather typical for somebody with AS to be extremely sensitive to the environment, loud noises, clothing and food textures, and odors.

An apparent lack of nonverbal behaviors like eye contact or gaze, facial expression, body posture, and social gestures like waving are also common as is a later than usual development in language. When persons with AS speak, it may be in a monitone-like drone, lacking in volume, intonation, inflection and rhythm. It is also quite common for AS children to speak in a formally scientific way – this has been dubbed “little professor” verbose.

Depending on the severity of the disorder, the individual will take everything that they hear literally. They have a difficult time with implied meanings and sense of humor or sarcasm. On the other hand, a vast vocabulary is common in As individuals as is the fact that they begin reading at an early age (hyperlexia).

In assorted social settings, people who suffer from AS frequently display socially and emotionally inappropriate behaviors. It is often hard for them to partake in the natural “give and take” of a conversation. A lot of this has to do with their possible and unwavering compulsion with just one particular subject. They may not have a real concept of personal space and frequently stand too close. AS individuals likely find it really hard to read and interpret social cues and understand the feelings of others.

Regrettably, As individuals also struggle when it comes to developing relationships with people their own age. (For instance, one Asperger’s symptom common in kids is that they’re more comfortable with adults than with other kids).

“Unnatural” repetition is another common trait and this shows up in the form of inflexible adherence to strict routines and unintentional, continuous, repetitive behavior, speech, or thoughts, and stereotyped or repetitive motor mannerisms. A rather specific symptom worth mentioning is that those with AS are frequently fascinated with maps, globes and routes.

Although individuals with AS do want to fit in socially and have friends, the disorder causes them a good deal of trouble making what we consider normal social connections. It is partly for this reason that, unfortunately, many are at risk for developing mood disorders, anxiety or depression, particularly in adolescence.

Luckily, the treatment and therapy for Asperger’s symptoms is continuosly becomeing more advanced and effective.