Asperger's Syndrome

This disorder was originally described by Hans Asperger, a Viennese paediatrician, and termed autistic psychopathy. Children with Asperger's syndrome present classic autistic features when very young, but later develop fluent speech and a desire to socialise. The primary clinical features of Asperger's syndrome can be described as:

• a lack of empathy

• naivety

• inappropriate, one-sided interaction

• little or no ability to form friendships

• pedantic, repetitive speech

• poor nonverbal communication

• intense absorption in certain subjects

• clumsy and ill-coordinated movements and odd postures.

Subsequent descriptions include:

• coordination deficits

• monotonic voice quality

• repetitive speech patterns

• depression

• difficulty tolerating change

• a liking of routine and ritualistic behaviours

• the inability to relate to people normally.

Most of the individuals exhibiting these characteristics have IQ scores in the normal range.

The disorder must cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of function, and must not demonstrate delays in the development of verbal skills. The child with Asperger's uses single words by 2 years and phrases by 3 years of age.

Cognitive, self-help skills and adaptive behaviours other than in social interactions also develop at normal rates. The diagnosis cannot be given if the criteria are met for any other specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or for Schizophrenia.

See the Role of Occupational Therapy for more information on how OT can help your child.