Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger Syndrome (AS), discovered by Hans Asperger, is a type of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) - difficulties in social interaction and by restricted and stereotyped interests and activities - distinguished from the other ASDs in having no general delay in language or cognitive development.

AS Children appear to have normal intelligence but lack nonverbal communication skills and to demonstrate empathy with their peers, and are sometimes physically clumsy.There is no single treatment for Asperger syndrome, and the effectiveness of particular interventions is supported by only limited data. Intervention is aimed at improving symptoms and function. The mainstay of treatment is behavioral therapy, focusing on specific deficits to address poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and clumsiness.

Most individuals with AS can learn to cope with their differences, but may continue to need moral support and encouragement to maintain an independent life. Adults with AS have reached the highest levels of achievement in fields such as mathematics, physics and computer science.

Researchers and people with AS have contributed to a shift in attitudes away from the notion that AS is a deviation from the norm that must be treated or cured, and towards the view that AS is a difference rather than a disability.