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What
is Asperger Syndrome?
by Annette Wilkes, co-founder
of Asperger Parent Network
Asperger's is a disorder that is based in the brain and neurological system. It affects individuals in the development of their social and communication skills; it can affect their sensory functioning and their fine and/or gross motor skills. Because Asperger's Disorder shares some of the same diagnostic criteria as autism, it is sometimes called an "autism spectrum disorder". The criteria for Asperger's does not include the impairments in communication that are present in the criteria for autism, however, and there are other differences.
The criteria for Asperger's Disorder are in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th edition (1994). The World Health Organization has also published criteria for Asperger Syndrome (1992). A diagnosis of Asperger's is based upon observation of an individual, testing and interaction with them, and their developmental history.
Asperger's is sometimes referred to as a "hidden disability" because these individuals can APPEAR quite normal, and it is often evident to others that they are very bright. It is well documented that Asperger's is not an easy disability to live with, and families living with an individual with Asperger's Syndrome often can attest to this.
Regarding students with Asperger's, they usually need extra support and understanding to do well in school. They are often capable of doing exceptionally well in school when their challenges are not ignored. If they are NOT given the extra support they require in the school setting, their symptomatology can worsen, to the point of the creation of problems requiring psychiatric care. (See Steps in the Escalation of stress in Asperger Syndrome chart in the book Asperger's Syndrome: A Practical Guide for Teachers by Cumine, Leach and Stevenson.)
An interesting note regarding diagnosis: Asperger's can be so subtle and some individuals are able to do such a great job of compensating that they make it well into adulthood before they are diagnosed.
To learn more about Asperger's Syndrome, visit Asperger Parent Network's Resource page to find other great sites on the internet. There is much literature in print regarding Asperger's, including publishing houses that specialize in autism and Asperger publications (see the apn web site for a reference to some of them). Local libraries and bookstores are beginning to carry books about Asperger's. The OASIS Guide to Asperger's Syndrome by Bashe and Kirby is a helpful book.
For educators, books co-authored by Brenda Smith Myles are very good.