PDD HOME Asperger's Autism  Childhood Disintegrative Disorder Rett's Fragile X Syndrome Not Otherwise Specified References Discussion

      Asperger's Syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder similar to high-functioning autism.  A child with Asperger's will show deficits mainly in social areas, such as interpreting nonverbal cues and engaging in interpersonal interaction, while maintaining their intelligence and language skills. They may exhibit repetitive behaviors similar to that of autism.  People with Asperger's appear "clumsy" due to an awkward gait. Visual spatial disorder may also be contributing to this observable "clumsiness". Characteristics of this disorder generally appear later in childhood, whereas, classic autism is seen by age three in most cases. Traditionally, socially-based developmental delays are not noticed in children with Asperger's until they are in an environment where their same-aged peers begin surpassing them.

The Asperger's community has adopted Liane Holiday-Wiley's suggested name of "Aspie" because it does not indicate that one is broken or dysfunctional. The psychological discipline also has several terms that are considered appropriate, such as Asperger's Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome, and Asperger Disorder.

A. According to the DSM-IV, Asperger's must include qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:

	Marked impairment in the use of several nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
	Inability to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
	No interest in seeking to share enjoyment, interests or achievements with others
	Lack of social or emotional reciprocity

B. Asperger's also includes restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities as manifested by at least one of the following:

	Encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
	Inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
	Stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms
	Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

C. Clinically significant impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.

D. No significant delay in language

E. No significant delay in cognitive development or age-appropriate self-help skills, adaptive behavior or curiosity about the environment in childhood

F. Criteria is not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Schizophrenia

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