WHAT IS ASPERGER SYNDROME?

As soon as we meet a person, we make all sorts of judgements. Just by looking we can often guess their age or status, and by the expression on their face or the tone of their voice we can tell immediately whether they are happy, angry or sad, and so respond accordingly.

But not everyone does this naturally. People with Asperger syndrome find it difficult to read the signals which most of us take for granted. As a result they find it hard to communicate and interact with others. This article explains the characteristics of Asperger syndrome and what can be done to help those affected.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism, a disability which affects the way a person communicates and relates to others. A number of the traits of autism are common to Asperger syndrome including:

• difficulty in communicating
• difficulty with social relationships
• a lack of imagination and creative play

However, people with Asperger syndrome usually have fewer problems with language than those with autism, often speaking fluently, though their words can sometimes sound formal or stilted. People with Asperger syndrome also do not have the accompanying learning disabilities often associated with autism. In fact, people with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence.

Because of this many children with Asperger syndrome enter mainstream school and, with the right support and encouragement, can make good progress and go on to further education and employment.

Key characteristics

Asperger syndrome shares many of the same characteristics as autism but certain traits, such as clumsiness, are typical of people with Asperger syndrome.

The key characteristics are:

• difficulty with social relationships
• difficulty with communication
• lack of imagination
• special interests
• love of routines
• clumsiness

Social relationships

Unlike people with "classic" autism, who often appear withdrawn and uninterested in the world around them, many people with Asperger syndrome try hard to be sociable and do not dislike human contact. However, they still find it hard to understand non-verbal signals, including facial expressions.

Communication

People with Asperger syndrome may speak very fluently but they may not take much notice of the reaction of people listening to them. They may talk on and on, regardless of the listener's interest, or may appear insensitive to their feelings.

Despite having good language skills, people with Asperger syndrome may sound over-precise or over-literal when they speak. Also, they may take words too literally. Jokes can cause problems, as can exaggerated language and metaphors. For example, a person with Asperger syndrome may be confused or frightened by a statement like "she bit my head off".

Lack of imagination

While they often excel at learning facts and figures, people with Asperger syndrome find it hard to think in abstract ways. This can cause problems for children in school where they may have difficulty with certain subjects such as literature or religious studies.

"When I was at school, I could learn facts and logic by myself but I got confused by abstract things." (Marc Seegar, a person with Asperger syndrome)

Special interests

People with Asperger syndrome often develop an almost obsessive interest in a hobby or collection. Usually their interest involves arranging or memorising facts about a specialist subject, such as train timetables, Derby winners, or the dimensions of cathedrals.

"A common occurrence is for him to talk about burglar alarms while on the way into Yeovil (12 miles away), identifying and counting as many alarms as he can see. Once in Yeovil he will be preoccupied with looking at each shop to see how it is protected by alarms. Attempts at distracting him invariably fail as the obsession runs deep." (Peter Marsden, parent)

However, with encouragement, interests can be developed so that some go on to study or work in their favourite subjects.

Love of routines

For people with Asperger syndrome any unexpected change in routine can be upsetting. Young children may impose their own routines, such as insisting on always walking the same route to school. At school, they may get upset by sudden changes such as an alteration to the timetable.

People with Asperger syndrome often prefer to order their day according to a set pattern. If they work set hours then any unexpected delay, such as a traffic hold-up, can make them anxious or upset.

"Simon's employers used to send him out on errands, delivering urgent letters to City firms.

Simon enjoyed these duties and performed them punctually but he got extremely upset if delays on the bus or Underground interfered with his schedule." (Anton Barber, parent)

Clumsiness

Clumsiness seems to be a particular feature of people with Asperger syndrome. They may have particular difficulties with skills which require co-ordination, such as riding a bicycle. Like other people with autism, they may also have odd postures and indulge in odd, repetitive movements, such as rocking or swaying.

These are the main features of the syndrome but, because every person is an individual, these characteristics will vary greatly and some may be demonstrated more strongly than others.

Causes

The causes of autism and Asperger syndrome are still being investigated. Many experts believe that the pattern of behaviour from which Asperger syndrome is diagnosed may not result from a single cause. There is strong evidence to suggest that Asperger syndrome can be caused by a variety of physical factors, all which affect brain development. It is not due to emotional deprivation or the way a person has been brought up.

Treatment

At present there is no cure. Children with Asperger syndrome become adults with Asperger syndrome, yet much can be achieved with the appropriate education and support. With time and patience people with Asperger syndrome can be taught to develop the basic skills needed for everyday life, such as how to communicate appropriately with people.

Early diagnosis

Because the disability of people with Asperger syndrome is not as marked as those with autism, and because they are often of average or above average intelligence, they may not be diagnosed for a long time. This can mean that their particular needs may go unrecognised, and parents may blame them-selves, or worse still, blame their child for their unusual behaviour.

"When you had a positive diagnosis of Asperger syndrome it brought an initial sense of relief. After so many years of searching, we had finally found out what the problem was. However, anger soon followed. Anger at the years wasted trying to find a correct diagnosis, anger at the professionals who gave us little or no help, and anger at why it had to be you." (Peter Marsden, a parent)

The future

At present, there are few facilities specifically for children with Asperger syndrome. Some children are in mainstream schools where their progress depends on the support and encouragement of parents, carers, and teachers. Some children with Asperger syndrome go to specialist schools for children with autism or learning disabilities.

Because their disability is often less obvious than that of someone with autism, a person with Asperger syndrome is, in a sense, more vulnerable. They can, sadly, be an easy target for teasing or bullying at school. As they get older, they may realise that they are different from other people and feel isolated and depressed. People with Asperger syndrome often want to be sociable and are upset by the fact that they find it hard to make friends.

But the future for people with Asperger syndrome does not have to be bleak. Adults with Asperger syndrome can and do go on to live fulfilling lives, to further education and employment and to develop friendships. In the workplace, people with Asperger syndrome can offer a great deal (punctuality, reliability and dedication), though informed and understanding employers and colleagues are essential.