Characteristics of Asperger's
- Intellectual or artistic interest
- language differences
- Delayed motor development
- Lack of social skills
- The development of harmful psychological problems
- detail oriented
- persistence
- Not socially motivated
- High integrity
- master of routine
In 1994, the American Psychiatric Association published the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV). The DSM-IV could diagnose the following in individuals suspected of having an autism-related disorder:
- autistic disorder
- Asperger's Syndrome
- Disintegrative Disorder in Childhood
- Pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified
Asperger's Syndrome was a diagnosis that described someone with autism who needed limited support. It has also been referred to as high-functioning autism. In 2013 the DSM was removedAspergeras an independent diagnosis. The DSM-5 made a general umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder with varying degrees of severity. While the diagnosis of Asperger syndrome is no longer made, many people still use the term to describe some individuals with stage 1 ASD or those diagnosed before the 2013 changes.
In order to,what is asperger syndrome? Individuals diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome can face a number of challenges. For example, they have difficulty communicating in different ways. They may have self-imposed rules or patterns that are usually very restrictive. Although this is not an exhaustive list and not all people with Asperger's have the same characteristics, we do discuss10 signs of Asperger's in adultsand teenagers.
Related resource:Top 15 Best Online Applied Behavior Analysis Bachelors and BCaBA Degrees
Intellectual or artistic interest
Many individuals diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome have at least one particular area of intellectual or artistic interest and talent. They demonstrate great ability in their area of interest from an early age and will effectively excel at it later in life. Wolfgang A. Mozart is a great example of a historical figureCharacteristics of Asperger's. Mozart was extremely adept at composing music; He was known for composing as a young child and continued to do so late in life. Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome or Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder can be successful in the following areas:
- Photo
- website design
- accounting
- engineering
- data entry
See also:What are the 10 most common signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
language differences
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger's may have language differences such as:
- Lack of verbal rhythm
- monotonous pitch
- a peculiar inflection of certain words
Adults with Asperger's Syndrome share the same characteristics, as many don't outgrow it. They are often unable to adjust the volume of their voice to their surroundings. It's not uncommon for people diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome to speak loudly in quiet places, such as a place of worship or a library. Speech therapy can be a useful tool to help people with Asperger's Syndrome who are having trouble with speech or communication skills.
Delayed motor development
Some children with Asperger's Syndrome have delayed development of fine and gross motor skills. Children with fine motor delays may have trouble holding a pen properly or grasping objects with their fingers. Delayed gross motor skills may include an inability to toss a ball or swing on monkey bars, even after repeated demonstration. This property is very variable and can be observed in both mild and more severe cases. A person with Asperger's may benefit from occupational therapy.
Lack of social skills
Because of their limited areas of interest and low emotional abilities, a person with Asperger's Syndrome may feel isolated throughout most of their childhood and into adulthood. While they try to make friends, they are often temporarily successful or completely unsuccessful due to a lack of social skills. They sometimes end up showing disinterest or even curiosity for the discussions, thoughts, and opinions of the people they are transient friends with.
Since autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder that targets social and communication skills, it is not surprising that an individual with Asperger’s Syndrome might need support in this area. While they don’t typically have language delays as seen in classic autism, they may still face challenges in social situations. Some children with Asperger’s Syndrome benefit from social skills training or other therapeutic supports.
The development of harmful psychological problems
The potential for developing harmful mental disorders typically occurs during or immediately after puberty. The most common disorders are anxiety and depression. A small cohort study in the UK examined suicidal ideation in men and women diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Adults reported significantly more suicidal thoughts than the general population over the course of their lifetime.
In 2021, ato learnA study conducted by the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention found that teenagers and young adults with autism spectrum disorders were more likely to attempt suicide and die by suicide than teenagers who were not diagnosed with ASD. Clearly, more research is needed in this area.
Some people with Asperger's benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy to address anxiety and depression.
detail oriented
Many of the above traits aren't always the easiest to manage, but there are also many great traits that can accompany that first step on the autism spectrum. A detail orientation that is above that of the average person is one of these very useful advantages. There are countless professions, sports, hobbies and other pursuits where a high level of attention to detail leads directly to great potential for success.
A person with Asperger's Syndrome or Stage 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder may have the ability to notice small details found in:
- ideas
- number pattern
- Books
- visual images
- Music
People with Asperger's Syndrome may have a strong work ethic and a commitment to a job well done. You can excel in areas like device design and accounting, where every detail counts.
persistence
No matter what aspiration you choose in life, one of the most important underlying qualities that can help in all things is perseverance. The ability to persevere where many others might fail is a common benefit of Asperger's Syndrome. Completing the mission at almost any cost and weathering any kind of storm can really take someone to incredible places professionally and personally.
Not socially driven
On the one hand, social motivation can be a great source for gaining personal motivation in this increasingly social world. On the other hand, this can be a significant disadvantage in certain situations. This is unlikely to be a barrier for people with Asperger's Syndrome, as social issues are often lower on this demographic's list of priorities than many others.
High integrity
Another key quality that many people with Asperger's have and that many others admire is a high level of integrity. Many with this condition do not engage in complex and unnecessary "dramas," do not play "head games" with others, and can be fairly direct in their intentions and allegiances. This in itself is a great feature rolled into one:
- personal friend
- Partner
- Business partner
- employees
master of routine
One of the most commonSigns of Asperger's in adultsis that of the regime and a great propensity to thrive on routine and pattern. While the average person may have difficulty adjusting to certain routines, or parts of certain routines, individuals with Asperger's Syndrome usually adopt such patterns quite well and make significant progress in them.
The advantages of this inclination are also numerous. Routines can help calm situations that might be causing anxiety. They can help a person with Asperger's deal with depression or uncertainty in life. Most people withAsperger's facesome degree of discomfort with change, but not all will show outward signs.
Additional resources for characteristics of a person with Asperger's Syndrome
For those who are further interested in Asperger's Syndrome, there are a number of great resources online that follow-up is highly recommended. The following represent some of these contacts.
psychology today
psychology todayis currently arguably the leading psychology journal and a free online information resource. Among its many valuable assets, there is much to learn about Asperger's Syndrome alone.
autism speaks
If you are looking for information about autism or Asperger's Syndrome, you should definitely spend some time on the website forautism speaks. This organization is a leader in autism and Aspergers awareness, advocacy, education, networking resources and more.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Die National Institutes of HealthNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokeprovides the public resources and US government stance on Asperger's Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders today. From treatment information to organizational links, clinical trial information and more, this government resource is a virtual one-stop shop.
Asperger's Syndrome diagnosis has recently undergone an evolution in the way it is viewed, treated and investigated. However, those with this condition have always displayed many of the same types of traits over time. ThisAsperger's Symptoms Checklistcontains some of the most commonly observed characteristics in individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, regardless of how the science itself develops.
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FAQs
Can you live normally with Aspergers? ›
The majority of children and adults with Asperger syndrome live well and are able to enjoy life and do many things that neurotypical people can do. Many people will have some level of difficulty with some daily tasks or interactions.
What's the difference between autism and Aspergers? ›The principal difference between autism and what was once diagnosed as Asperger's is that the latter features milder symptoms and an absence of language delays. Most children who were previously diagnosed with Asperger's have good language skills but may have difficulty “fitting in” with their peers.
What can trigger Aspergers? ›The Likely Answer: There's No Single Cause
While the exact cause of Asperger's isn't known, many experts believe the disorder is probably triggered by a variety of factors. A combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental issues might work together to cause the syndrome.
Many kids are diagnosed after age 3, with most diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 9. AS is characterized by poor social interactions, obsessions, odd speech patterns, few facial expressions, and other peculiar mannerisms. Often, kids with AS have trouble reading the body language of others.
What is Asperger's personality? ›People with Asperger syndrome often have difficulty 'reading' other people - recognising or understanding others' feelings and intentions - and expressing their own emotions. This can make it very hard for them to navigate the social world. They may: appear to be insensitive, even if they don't intend to be.
How do adults with Asperger's behave? ›Adults with Asperger's syndrome may experience symptoms such as: awkward social interactions. difficulty talking with others. an inability to interpret nonverbal behaviors in others.
Do Aspergers symptoms get worse with age? ›Asperger's syndrome is lifelong. But symptoms tend to improve over time. Adults with this condition can learn to understand their own strengths and weaknesses.
Do Asperger's have empathy? ›They may manifest feelings less outwardly, or their facial expression might not match what the individual is feeling inside. People with Asperger profiles do have empathy, despite an unfortunate stigma that suggests otherwise.
Can someone have Asperger's and not know it? ›It's entirely possible that someone with Asperger syndrome would not present noticeable symptoms until later on in their lives. As social interactions become more complex, their difficulty in responding to and understanding those interactions becomes more pronounced.
What does severe Aspergers look like? ›may have clumsy, uncoordinated movements, an odd posture or a rigid gait. may perform repetitive movements, such as hand or finger flapping. may engage in violent outbursts, self-injurious behaviors, tantrums or meltdowns. may be hypersensitive to sensory stimulation such as light, sound, and texture.
What part of the body does Aspergers affect? ›
Asperger's syndrome affects a person's affect and manner more than it does any particular body part. Children with Asperger's syndrome speak very quickly and have a dull voice, and often have an unusually formal manner of speaking.
What does mild Aspergers look like in adults? ›Adults with mild autism may come off as socially awkward. They may not understand the back-and-forth nature of conversations. One common behavior is unintentionally talking too much about yourself or your interests and not allowing the other person time to talk.
Can you have Aspergers and not know it? ›It's entirely possible that someone with Asperger syndrome would not present noticeable symptoms until later on in their lives. As social interactions become more complex, their difficulty in responding to and understanding those interactions becomes more pronounced.