What is Asperger’s Syndrome?

Asperger’s Syndrome is a disorder named after Hans Asperger, who described behaviors in young boys who had normal intelligence and language development, but exhibited autistic-like behaviors and deficiencies in social and communication skills. They failed to demonstrate empathy in social situations and were at times physically clumsy. Individuals suffering from the syndrome usually have a normal IQ and in a lot of cases they exhibit exceptional skills or talents in a specific area. Some people may view them as eccentric. Asperger Syndrome was recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) in 1994.

Asperger’s Syndrome cany run in families whose members may have behavioral symptoms similar to AS but in a more limited form. Most research suggests that all autism spectrum disorders have shared genetic mechanisms, but AS may have a stronger genetic component than autism.

The treatment for Asperger’s Syndrome is very well described at http://asperger-syndrome.net/treatment.htm.

. It mostly focuses on alleviating the symptoms and teaching appropriate social, communication, and vocational skills.