The characteristics of Asperger syndrome?
It is important to remember that the characteristics of Asperger syndrome vary from one person to another.
Social communication difficulties relating to:
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expressing themselves emotionally and socially.
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understanding body language, gestures, facial expressions, tone and intonation of voice
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knowing when to start or end a conversation and choosing topics to talk about
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may not fully understand what they mean when they use complex words and phrases
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literal use and understanding of language
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understanding jokes, metaphor and sarcasm.
Social interaction difficulties relating to:
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making and keeping friendships
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understanding the unwritten 'social rules' that most of us learn naturally.
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finding other people unpredictable and confusing
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withdrawing and seeming uninterested in other people, appearing almost aloof
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unable to initiate small talk but try getting them to stop talking about their special interest
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poor or exaggerated eye contact
Many people with Asperger syndrome want to be sociable.
Social imagination difficulties relating to:
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imagining alternative outcomes to situations
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predicting what will happen next
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understanding or interpreting other peoples thoughts, feelings or actions
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picking up on, understanding and interpreting the subtle messages that are expressed by facial expression and body language
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having a limited range of imaginative activities which they pursue rigidly and repetitively
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tendency to read factual rather than fiction books
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'pretend' games and play
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lack of empathy
People of all ages with Asperger syndrome can be imaginative in the conventional use of the word. There are many accomplished artists, writers and musicians who have Asperger syndrome.
Other related characteristics can include:
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Love of and need for routines. Finding it difficult to cope with or accept changes.
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Having rules and rituals (ways of doing things), which they insist upon. They use these to try to make sense of the world.
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Developing an intense interest in a hobby or collecting which can sometimes become obsessional. Sometimes these interests can be for life; in other cases an interest may be replaced by another.
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Becoming highly knowledgeable about their area of interest.
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Sensory difficulties that can occur in one or all of the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste).
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Odd postures and facial movements/expressions
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Clumsy ill co-ordinated movements
