Health Corner

What Is Asperger’s Syndrome?

Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger’s Disorder (AD), is a type of developmental disorder in children.
It was first identified in 1944 by Austrian pediatrician Dr. Hans Asperger, who observed several children with common but distinctive developmental patterns—such as poor nonverbal communication, lack of empathy toward peers, and awkward or uncoordinated movements.

In the widely used medical reference, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‑IV‑TR), Asperger’s Syndrome is categorized under Pervasive Developmental Disorders—a group of conditions that involve abnormalities in social interaction and communication development.

What Are the Key Features of Asperger’s Syndrome? 

Social Difficulties

This is the most significant feature of AD.
Patients struggle to form age‑appropriate social relationships. They tend to prefer being alone, lack social skills, and find it hard to use body language, such as eye contact, facial expressions, or gestures, when interacting with others.
They seldom share their interests, experiences, or joy with people around them.
They are often less sensitive to social cues, have difficulty understanding emotional reciprocity, and find it hard to take another person’s perspective or discern others’ thoughts and feelings.

Language and Communication

Children with AD usually have normal language development in terms of vocabulary and grammar, but their way of speaking may differ from others.
They often use unusual tone, volume, or rhythm, which can make their speech sound odd or robotic.
Their sentences may seem overly formal or verbose, and they tend to use complex words beyond their age level.

They interpret speech literally and struggle to understand ** implied meaning, sarcasm, humor, or metaphors**.
During conversations, they often talk only about their own interests, ignoring whether the other person is listening or engaged.

Because they fail to recognize nonverbal cues like facial expressions or gestures, others may misunderstand them or even exclude or ridicule them.

Intense or Unusual Interests

Children with AD often display deep fascination with topics different from their peers and may focus excessively on them.
For instance, a child obsessed with dates may memorize hundreds of historical birth dates but show no interest in people’s actual lives or achievements.

Rigidity in Thinking and Behavior

Although they possess extensive knowledge, individuals with AD often find it hard to apply or integrate information flexibly.
For example, a person who knows all the bus and subway routes might still struggle to find the quickest way from point A to point B.
They tend to be stubborn and resistant to change, and may react strongly when routines or rules are disrupted.
Arguments with parents, teachers, or peers are common. Some may rigidly follow unnecessary rules and find it difficult to adapt to new situations.

Other Associated Problems

Many children with AD have poor coordination and appear clumsy.
They may lack focus and organization in handling tasks.
Because of their limited social skills, they are more prone to anger, anxiety, and depression, and in some cases may develop aggressive or self‑harmful behaviors.

How to cure Asperger’s Syndrome? 

Currently, there is no cure for Asperger’s Syndrome.
Medication may be prescribed to relieve anxiety, depression, or hyperactivity, but it does not address the core condition.
Psychological therapy and behavioral counseling play a key role in helping patients improve social interaction, while emotional regulation and social skills training are essential components of treatment.

Parents inevitably experience stress when raising children with Asperger’s, so professional guidance and family support are critically important.

If a child around four to five years old shows signs of rigid behavior, avoidance of peer interaction, or difficulty following school rules, parents should seek professional assessment from a doctor as early as possible.

Psychological therapy and behavioral counseling can help children with Asperger’s Syndrome overcome social difficulties.

Paediatric Specialist

The information on this website is for educational purposes only.
You should consult your doctor for professional advice and not rely solely on this website’s content.