What is Asperger's Syndrome (AS)?

Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) was named in honor of Hans Asperger, an Austrian psychiatrist and pediatrician, by researcher Lorna Wing, who first used the term in a 1981 paper.  In 1994, AS was recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as Asperger’s Disorder.

AS is a pervasive developmental disorder that is continuous and lifelong.  It is listed under the Pervasive Developmental Disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV-TR) of the American Psychiatric Association.  There is still debate about whether or not AS is a form of high functioning autism or is its own separate condition on the high end of the autistic spectrum.

AS is characterized by the following:

• an inability to use multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures for social interaction 

• lack of social or emotional reciprocity 

• social impairment and difficulty developing peer relationships appropriate to developmental level

• a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people

• clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements

• repetitive routines or rituals

• speech and language peculiarities

• excellent rote memory and musical ability

• intensely interested in one or two subjects (sometimes to the exclusion of other topics)

• talks at length about a favorite subject or repeat a word or phrase many times

• diagnosed much more frequently in males than females

Most individuals with AS can learn to cope with their differences, but may continue to need support to maintain an independent life. It is possible for an individual to learn how to manage the symptoms and become capable of gainful employment and development of relationships.

                                    Nonverbal Learning Disorder

                                     What do AS & NLD have in common?

Want to Learn More About AS?

See our page of additional resources for more information

   For Additional Information
For an applications to Transitions@LifeWorks, please contact Program Director, Linda Walsh walshl@lifeworkssc.org or 707-568-2300 x 16

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