What Is Asperger's Syndrome | Diagnosis, Symptoms and Treatment

Asperger’s syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that falls on the autism spectrum. It affects how a person interacts with others, processes information, and experiences the world around them. While there is no cure for Asperger’s syndrome, the right resources and support can make a tremendous difference in helping individuals live happy and fulfilling lives.

Diagnosis

The diagnostic process for Asperger’s syndrome involves a comprehensive evaluation by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or neurologist with expertise in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. There is no single medical test that can diagnose Asperger’s syndrome. Instead, the diagnosis is made based on observed behaviour, reported symptoms, and developmental history.

Some key features clinicians look for include:

Difficulties with social communication and interaction. This may include trouble reading social cues, lack of eye contact, challenges forming friendships, and preference for solitary activities.
Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. People with Asperger’s often have intense preoccupations, interests and routines. Play in childhood is often focused on the same activity or topic over and over.
No significant language delays or cognitive impairment. People with Asperger’s have average to above-average intelligence and typical or advanced language skills.

Onset during early childhood. Signs are often noticeable before age 3, but full diagnosis may not occur until school age or later when social demands become more complex.

The current diagnostic criteria for Asperger’s syndrome come from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A person must meet all 3 criteria to receive a diagnosis:

Ongoing deficits in social communication and interaction as described above.

Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities as described above.
Symptoms that cause significant impairment in major areas of functioning.
No accompanying intellectual disability or global developmental delay.

While Asperger’s syndrome is no longer a separate diagnosis in the DSM-5, it is now included under the umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. But the unique qualities of Asperger’s are still recognized during diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis is important to gain access to supportive services and therapies at the earliest stages.

Signs and Symptoms

Asperger’s syndrome affects an individual’s ability to effectively socialize and communicate. There is a broad range of characteristics associated with Asperger’s, and each person with the condition will exhibit their own unique mix. Some common signs and symptoms include:

Difficulty with social interactions – People with Asperger’s may wish to interact with others but simply don’t know how, or they may not be motivated to socialize. They have trouble picking up on social cues like body language and facial expressions.

Problems understanding other perspectives – Individuals with Asperger’s tend to interpret situations very literally and have difficulty understanding the viewpoints or emotions of others. This contributes to struggles with empathy.
Limited interests and routines – A tendency to fixate on specific topics or activities is common. People with Asperger’s often like sticking to set routines and become very distressed if those routines are changed or interrupted.
Speech and language issues – Characteristics like a monotone or robotic speaking voice, lengthy monologues about a preferred topic, or difficulty initiating conversations can be present. There may also be an inability to naturally pick up on the back-and-forth flow of conversations.

Sensory difficulties – Individuals with Asperger’s may be oversensitive or undersensitive to various sensory stimuli like sounds, touches, smells, tastes, and sights. This sensory input can feel painful or intolerable.
Clumsiness and uncoordinated movements – Fine and gross motor skills are often impaired in individuals with Asperger’s. Basic movements may appear awkward, clumsy, or repetitive.
High intellect and excellent memory – Many (though not all) individuals with Asperger’s have average or above-average intelligence. Excellent long-term memory, especially for preferred topics of interest, is also common.

While this covers some of the more well-known signs of Asperger’s syndrome, keep in mind that each person’s set of characteristics will be unique. There is a wide spectrum when it comes to this condition.

Treatment

There are several recommended treatment options and therapies for individuals with Asperger’s syndrome. While there is no “cure,” the right interventions can help manage symptoms, build important life skills, and improve quality of life.

Some key treatment approaches include:

Behavioral therapy: This can involve social skills training to improve communication and interaction. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help with emotional regulation, anxiety, obsessive behaviors or other challenges. Parent training is also useful.
Medications: While there are no medications specifically for Asperger’s, some medications can help manage co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD or ADHD. Only a doctor can prescribe medications and oversight is crucial.
Speech therapy: Many individuals with Asperger’s struggle with verbal communication. Speech therapy focuses on pragmatics, inflection, volume, rhythm and reading social cues during conversation.

Occupational therapy: This helps build practical life skills needed for school, relationships and employment. Skills may include organization, time management, daily planning, motor skills and more.
Education plans: Many kids benefit from an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines classroom accommodations, learning adaptations and social goals. This legally-binding education plan is updated annually.
Assistive technology: Devices and software can augment communication, provide reminders and schedules, or help with reading, writing and organization. Options range from simple checklist apps to advanced speech devices.

Alternative approaches: Options like art or music therapy, equine therapy or dietary changes may complement other treatments for some individuals. But outcomes can be mixed, so discuss thoroughly with doctors.

Finding the right treatment combination is crucial for helping those with Asperger’s reach their full potential. An experienced medical team can recommend evidence-based options tailored to the individual’s needs and challenges. Consistency, patience and involving family are key.

Daily Living

Asperger’s syndrome can affect day-to-day life in various ways. Many people with Asperger’s thrive on routine and sameness and can become overwhelmed by change. Something as simple as a change in schedule or environment can be very disruptive.

People with Asperger’s often have difficulty with executive functioning skills like planning, prioritizing, organizing, and time management. They may struggle with the basics of daily living like hygiene, dressing appropriately, or running errands. Household chores and cooking can also pose challenges.

Sensory sensitivities are common in Asperger’s. Noises, lighting, textures, smells, and tastes that go unnoticed by others can be intolerable for someone with Asperger’s. This can make activities like shopping, eating out, or riding public transit very difficult.

Asperger’s can also affect coordination and motor skills like handwriting, typing, riding a bike, or participating in sports. Physical clumsiness is common. Basic self-care skills like brushing teeth may require occupational therapy interventions.

Finding and maintaining employment can be impacted by the social and communication deficits of Asperger’s. Many thrive in jobs that limit social interaction and play to their strengths in focus, logic, and repetition.

In summary, Asperger’s syndrome can significantly impact skills needed for independent living. With the right interventions and supports, people with Asperger’s can learn to manage daily living challenges and lead full, meaningful lives.

Individuals with Asperger’s often struggle with social interaction and communication. Some common challenges include:

Difficulty understanding social cues and norms. People with Asperger’s may misinterpret sarcasm, metaphors, gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice. They may also have trouble regulating social distance and reading nonverbal signals.
Challenges making eye contact. Maintaining eye contact can be uncomfortable or distracting for some individuals on the spectrum. They may avoid eye contact altogether or make very intense, unwavering eye contact that feels intrusive to others.
Trouble initiating conversations and relationships. Starting interactions doesn’t come naturally, from introducing themselves to joining groups or making small talk. There is often a desire to connect, but uncertainty around how to approach it.

Tendency to monologue or dominate conversations. Once engaged, there may be a tendency to overshare or tightly control the topic of discussion, rather than engaging in the natural back-and-forth of conversation.
Difficulty understanding perspectives different from their own. A more rigid thinking style can make it challenging to see other points of view or understand the thoughts, feelings and motivations of others.
Discomfort in groups. Following multiple conversations at once, reading group dynamics and unstructured social situations can induce anxiety. There is often a preference for much smaller groups or one-on-one interactions.

Some tips for improving social skills include: joining social skills classes, rehearsing and planning ahead for interactions, finding a patient friend or family member to practice with, joining groups for shared interests, starting small with low-pressure social activities, requesting feedback from trusted individuals, and remembering that social skills can be learned with time and effort. Finding the right supports makes all the difference in developing social confidence.

Communication

People with Asperger’s often communicate differently than people without the condition. Here are some of the common communication differences and strategies:

Difficulty with nonverbal communication like eye contact, facial expressions and body language. It’s important not to judge or assume anything from lack of eye contact or expressiveness. Provide feedback and guidance if needed.

Tendency to have a very literal, logical style of communication. Metaphors, sarcasm, and abstract concepts may be challenging. Using direct, clear language is helpful. Check for understanding if something could be interpreted multiple ways.
Speaking in a monotone voice or at an unusual pace or volume. This is not intentional, just a difference in communication style. Focus on the content being communicated rather than the delivery style.
Trouble initiating conversations or knowing the right things to say or ask in a discussion. Conversations may need more structure with specific questions to help guide the interaction.

Difficulty understanding subtle cues in conversation that indicate the other person’s feelings or responses. Providing explicit verbal feedback is helpful.
May have extensive knowledge about topics of interest that they are excited to share. Allow time and space to have these in-depth discussions.
Can develop scripts or prepared conversations that are used repetitively. Gently expanding the repertoire of conversation topics shows interest in their personality beyond the script.

The key for any conversation is patience, avoiding assumptions, providing clear explanations, allowing time for processing, and recognizing the person’s communication differences are due to Asperger’s, not a personal choice. With understanding and accommodations, effective communication is certainly achievable.

Special Interests

Individuals with Asperger’s often develop intense special interests that can become the main focus of their lives. This deep fascination and preoccupation with a narrow topic area helps them to thrive and find meaning in life.

Those with Asperger’s tend to pursue their special interest with an extraordinary level of passion, commitment, and attention to detail. They enjoy accumulating vast knowledge about topics that interest them, sometimes becoming an expert with an encyclopedic memory. Their special interest provides comfort, enjoyment, and flow, while also giving them a sense of identity.

Some common special interests include trains, technology, astronomy, animals, vehicles, music, cartoons, sports statistics, and collecting items. While the specific interest varies greatly between individuals, the intensity of focus remains the same. Those with Asperger’s can spend countless hours engaged in their special interest, learning everything possible and immersing themselves fully.

A special interest provides rich learning opportunities and intellectual stimulation. It gives those with Asperger’s an area where they can excel and feel proud of their accomplishments. Their expertise and passion in niche topics can impress others and allow them to connect with like-minded individuals. However, difficulties may arise if the special interest becomes all-consuming and interferes with daily responsibilities. With the right support, the special interest can be harnessed in a healthy way to empower those with Asperger’s. Overall, recognizing the value of their special interests is key to appreciating the unique minds and abilities of those with Asperger’s.

Finding Support

Getting diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. There are many great resources available to help people with Asperger’s connect with others, find information, and get support. Here are some top blogs and communities focused on Asperger’s that can provide valuable support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.

Wrong Planet

Founded in 2004, Wrong Planet (wrongplanet.net) is one of the largest and most active online communities for people with Asperger’s. This is a place to connect with others who understand the challenges of living with Asperger’s. There are forums on a huge range of topics as well as blogs, articles, and personal stories. Wrong Planet also has a very active Facebook page.

Asperger Experts

Asperger Experts (aspergerexperts.com) offers a wide range of resources including expert articles, personal stories, and Q&As. The site provides guidance on topics like social skills, meltdowns, special interests, and more. They also have an Ask an Expert feature to get advice from specialists.

Asperger’s Diary

Kenneth Haller’s Asperger’s Diary (aspergersdiary.com) provides a unique insider’s view into life with Asperger’s. Dr. Haller shares his own personal diary entries detailing his experiences and reflections as a physician, husband, father, and person with Asperger’s. His honest and thoughtful perspectives provide both inspiration and understanding.

Aspies Central

Aspies Central (aspiescentral.com) features forums, chat rooms, and blogs all related to Asperger’s syndrome. It’s a place for people with Asperger’s to share their experiences and connect with others in the community. There are specific forums for different topics like relationships, employment, parenting, and more.

Life with Aspergers

Cary Terra’s Life with Aspergers (lifewithaspergers.com) blog provides tips and advice drawn from her experience as a therapist and person living with Asperger’s. She shares practical strategies on communication, sensory issues, social skills, special interests and more. Cary also does one-on-one coaching for individuals with Asperger’s.

These are just a few of the many excellent online resources dedicated to supporting and connecting people touched by Asperger’s syndrome. Seeking out a community can make a big difference in feeling understood and empowered.

By learning more about this condition, its common characteristics, and helpful coping strategies, individuals with Asperger’s can better understand themselves and connect with a supportive community.