What is Asperger’s
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Asperger syndrome and other terms
Lorna Wing, a British psychiatrist, introduced the term “Asperger syndrome” in the 1980s.
The term stems from a 1944 study conducted by Austrian paediatrician Hans Asperger (new evidence about his problematic history has recently been revealed and provoked a big debate).
Many people who meet the conditions for Asperger syndrome are now diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder instead. Each person is different, and how they choose to identify is entirely up to them. Some people with Asperger syndrome may continue to use the term, whereas others may prefer to refer to themselves as autistic or on the autistic spectrum.
Autism is a spectrum condition. All autistic people face similar challenges, but being autistic affects them in different ways. Some people with Asperger syndrome also have mental health issues or other conditions, which means they require different levels and types of support. People with Asperger syndrome see, hear, and feel the world in ways that others do not. If you have Asperger syndrome, you will have it for the rest of your life; it is not a disease or illness that can be ‘cured’. Often people feel that Asperger’s syndrome is an important part of their identity.
People with Asperger syndrome do not have the same learning disabilities as many autistic people, but they may have specific learning difficulties. They may have less difficulties in speaking, but they may still struggle with understanding and processing language.
With the right kind of support, all autistic people can be helped to live a more fulfilling life of their own choosing.
How common is Asperger syndrome?
Autism, including Asperger syndrome, is a lot more common than most people realise. There are approximately 700,000 autistic people in the UK, which is more than one in every hundred. Asperger syndrome affects people of all nationalities, cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. Historically, men have been diagnosed with autism at a higher rate than women, though this is shifting.
How do people with Asperger syndrome see the world?
Some people with Asperger syndrome describe the world as overwhelming, which can cause significant anxiety. Understanding and relating to others, as well as participating in everyday family, school, work, and social life, can be difficult. Other people appear to know how to communicate and interact with one another naturally, but they may struggle to establish relationship with people with Asperger syndrome. People with Asperger syndrome may wonder why they are ‘different,’ and they may believe that their social differences mean that others do not understand them.
Differences in communication
Autistic people, including those with Asperger syndrome, often communicate in differently. They may have difficulty interpreting both verbal and nonverbal language, such as gestures or tone of voice, or they may take longer to understand. Some autistic people have a very literal understanding of language and believe that everyone says exactly what they mean. They might find it difficult to use or comprehend:
- facial expressions
- tone of voice
- jokes and sarcasm
- vague or abstract concepts
These characteristics can express themselves in a variety of ways. For example, someone with Asperger syndrome may be very funny or sarcastic, but they may not always detect sarcasm.
People with Asperger syndrome typically have good language skills, but they may struggle to understand the expectations of others during conversations, possibly repeating what the other person has just said (a condition known as echolalia) or talking incessantly about their own interests.
People with Asperger syndrome may require more time to process information and often find it easier to understand clear, consistent language rather than abstract turns of phrase.
Autistic people often do not ‘look’ disabled. Some parents of autistic children say that other people simply think their child is naughty, while adults may find that they are misunderstood.
Differences in social interaction
People with Asperger syndrome oftenly struggle with ‘reading’ other people, that is, recognising or understanding others’ feelings and intentions, as well as expressing their own emotions. This can make navigating the social world extremely difficult for them. They could:
- appear to be insensitive, even if they do not mean to be
- seek time alone when overloaded by other people
- not seek comfort from other people
- appear to behave ‘strangely’ or in a manner thought to be socially inappropriate.
This is not to say that autistic people (including those with Asperger syndrome) are incapable of feeling empathy or emotions. They may be more empathetic or emotionally aware than non-autistic people in many cases. They may struggle to express their emotions in a conventional or socially acceptable manner.
Because of these factors, some autistic people may struggle to form friendships. Some people may want to interact with others and make friends but are unsure how to do so. Some Asperger syndrome patients may appear to be far more socially confident or adept than they are. Many autistic adults develop more traditional skills by mimicking others or practising what they will say before an event, as if learning a script. This can be effective, but it is also exhausting.
Repetitive behaviours and routines
People with Asperger syndrome often prefer to have a daily routine so that they know what is going to happen every day. Because of this, the world can appear to be an unpredictable and confusing place. They may want to take the same route to and from school or work every day, or eat the same breakfast every day.
The practise of rules is also important. It may be difficult for someone to change their approach to something after being taught the ‘right’ way to do it. They may be uncomfortable with the idea of change but they may be able to cope better if they can plan for it ahead of time.
Highly focused interests
Many people with Asperger syndrome have intense and highly focused interests, often from a young age. These can change over time or be long lasting, and can be anything from art or music to trains or computers. An interest may sometimes be unusual. For example, one person enjoyed collecting rubbish. With encouragement, this individual developed an interest in recycling and the environment.
Many people pursue their interests through education, paid work, volunteering, or other meaningful careers or jobs. People with Asperger syndrome frequently state that pursuing such interests is essential to their well-being and happiness.
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