What is Asperger syndrome?
People with Asperger syndrome have difficulties in three main areas:
-
social communication
-
social interaction
-
social imagination.
These are often referred to as 'the triad of impairments'.
People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. Most speak very fluently, though their words may sound formal or stilted. People with Asperger syndrome find it more difficult to read body language and social signals which most of us take for granted.
You can't tell that someone has Asperger syndrome from their outward appearance.
Asperger syndrome, is an invisible life-long disability.
It is a form of autism that affects in varying degrees the way a person processes and understands all types of information and communication, communicates and relates to others and understands the world around them. People with Asperger syndrome may have specific learning difficulties that can include Dyslexia and / or dyspraxia and / or other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and epilepsy.
By giving children and adults with Asperger syndrome the right support and encouragement, they can lead full and independent lives.
What Asperger Syndrome is not
-
An excuse for bad behaviour
-
Bad parenting
-
Mental illness
-
Extreme shyness
-
Stupidity
-
Curable
-
Contagious
-
A result of social circumstances
What causes Asperger syndrome?
Research to date suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may account for changes in brain development. However, there is still much research needed to identify what exactly causes Asperger syndrome.
-
Link to Characteristics
-
Link to Information for adults
-
Link to Facts & Figures
-
Link to Diagnosis
