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