What is Asperger Syndrome?
Asperger Syndrome (also called Asperger Disorder) is a relatively new category of developmental disorder, the term having only come into more general use over the past fifteen years.
Asperger Syndrome (AS) was "officially" recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for the first time in the fourth edition published in l994.
Asperger syndrome is the term applied to the mildest and highest functioning end of what is known as the spectrum of pervasive developmental disorders (or the autism spectrum). Asperger syndrome represents that portion of the continuum which is characterized by higher cognitive abilities, at least normal IQ by definition and sometimes ranging up into the very superior range.
Characteristics
The most obvious hallmark of Asperger Syndrome and the characteristic that makes these people so unique and fascinating, is their peculiar, idiosyncratic areas of "special interest". In AS the interests appear most often to be specific intellectual areas. Often, they will show an obsessive interest in an area such as math, aspects of science, reading or some aspect of history or geography, wanting to learn everything possible about that subject and tending to dwell on it in conversations.
Socialization Deficit
The other major characteristic of AS is the socialization deficit. They are often deeply frustrated and disappointed by their social difficulties. Their problem is not a lack of interaction so much as lack of effectiveness in interactions. They seem to have difficulty knowing how to "make connections" socially. They display an inability to effectively "read" others' needs and perspectives and respond appropriately.
Adults with AS are often highly valued by their employers who appreciate them for their dedication, commitment, honesty and innate drive to do things well.
