Friday, November 28, 2008

Characteristics of Asperger Syndrome

By Denise Smith

Did Albert Einstein suffer from Asperger Syndrome? His single minded focus leads many experts to believe he did. While Asperger Syndrome has only fairly recently been diagnosed many famous people throughout history are believed to have suffered form it.

Our understanding of Asperger Syndrome is still very limited. The fact that little is known about this disorder can make diagnosis very difficult. The symptoms of this disorder can vary significantly between suffers. As more people become aware of the syndrome hopefully research will increase to find the causes and treatments of this disorder.

People that suffer from Asperger Syndrome seem to carve out their own special niche in life. Those affiliated usually have average to above average intelligence. It is their often unusual behavior and single minded focus that often can set them apart from society.

People with Aspergers Syndrome many times suffer from varying degrees of difficulty dealing with social interactions. Sufferers may have difficulty making eye contact and may monopolize a conversation with unrelated topics important only to them. A person with Asperger Syndrome may suddenly leave the room in the middle of a conversation simply because the urge strikes them.

People with Asperger Syndrome often perceive language on different level than other people do. Most people use language as not only a way to share information but also feelings and emotion. Those with Asperger's often only see language as a way of expressing their special interests. They experience language on a very literal level and don't understand the subtleties that often accompany effective communication. Those affected may also have difficulties in initiating and sustaining conversations.

Children with Asperger Syndrome have been shown to prefer a set a rigid routine in their lives. They need this rigid structure to feel safe and increase their level of security. Children with Asperger Syndrome tend to have few interests. They tend to focus on a limited amount interests and become obsessive about those interests.

Those that suffer from Asperger Syndrome may have difficulty solving problems and staying focused. They see the world in black in white believe everyone see the world exactly as they do. Fine motor skills may also be affected. This may be expressed in difficulty writing, bike riding or even playing catch.

While much is still not known about Asperger Syndrome, knowing and understanding the characteristics can help a great deal in creating tolerance and acceptance. People with this syndrome are often extremely brilliant in their own unique way. In children, one or all of their senses can be affected, resulting in an over or under reaction. Society still has much to learn about how people with Asperger Syndrome see the world. - 15438

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