Characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome

Pervasive Developmental Disorders

• Autistic Disorder (including high functioning autism)
• Rett’s Disorder
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
• Asperger’s Disorder
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified

Autism Spectrum Disorders - Characteristics

No two people with ASDs are alike!

• Difficulties in social communication
• Rigidity
• Speech/language peculiarities
• Often very literal
• Some are pedantic
• Nonverbal communication difficulties
• Flat affect
• Motor clumsiness – especially Asperger’s Syndrome (“Disorder”)
• Restricted or compelling interests
• Individuals typically take longer to develop "theory of mind” – the ability to understand another person's perspective
• Must learn aspects of communication that come intuitively to typically developing peers
• Many are of average or above average intelligence; some are brilliant. They may have quirks, sometimes in delightful ways, or in ways that isolate them from their peers.
• High anxiety level
• Poor concentration
• About half with Asperger’s Syndrome qualify for ADHD diagnosis
• Emotionally vulnerable
• Sensitivity to sensory stimuli
• Physical and emotional resistance to change in daily or ritual routine
• May have difficulty meeting another's gaze in conversation because of sensory issues
• Can misinterpret nonverbal cues or body language in a conversation
• Handwriting and written expression may be problematic