Frequently Asked Questions About Asperger Syndrome

Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characterized by symptoms such as very focused or obsessive interests, deficits in social skills, and some language differences. Since two of my sons were diagnosed with AS and I've written a little on the subject, I've been asked many questions about this confusing and misunderstood disorder.

What exactly is Asperger's, anyway?

As I said before, it's an autism spectrum disorder. Picture something like a number line in your mind; this is the "spectrum". At one end, you will have people who are completely non-verbal, have virtually no social skills or ability to interact with others, and are diagnosed mentally retarded. OK, before we go any further, make sure you throw out that old idea of "retarded" from your grade-school playground. Mental retardation (MR) is a clinical diagnosis; the textbook definition of "retarded" is slow, and most of us are retarded in one area or another. So if your child is on the spectrum (or isn't, for that matter) and has been diagnosed MR, don't sweat it too much. It is not a death sentence or something to be ashamed of. It simply is, and many people with MR have more common sense than those who are considered "gifted", and do quite well for themselves. Back to the spectrum-at the opposite end of your line, you'll have people with high IQs, a few quirky personality traits, and some mild social impairments. This is what classic Asperger syndrome is. Most people with ASD will fall somewhere between these two extremes, and the symptoms of Asperger syndrome can vary from person to person. Asperger syndrome is a high-functioning ASD, which means the autistic symptoms are present to a lesser degree and most people with AS are able to function normally, or almost normally, in society. (As do many people with more "traditional" autism as well.)

What are the symptoms of Asperger syndrome?