ASPERGER’S SYNDROME 22 February, 2019

Asperger’s Syndrome Asperger’s Syndrome is a disorder on the autism spectrum that causes restriction to normal functioning in: -Communication -Socialisation -Imagination -The ability to behave and think with any level of flexibility -Physical Co-ordination It affects male and female but affects the male population in significantly higher numbers. 22 February, 2019

Asperger’s Syndrome “COMMUNICATION” “IMAGINATION” “SOCIALISATION” Language impairment across all modes of communication: speech, intonation, gesture, facial expression and other body language. “IMAGINATION” Rigidity and inflexibility of thought process: resistance to change, obsessional and ritualistic behaviour. “SOCIALISATION” Difficulties with social relationships, poor social timing, lack of social empathy, rejection of normal body contact, inappropriate eye contact. 22 February, 2019

ASPERGERS SYNDROME Possible Traits 22 February, 2019

Asperger’s Syndrome Limited range of interest and pronounced lack of flexibility Adherence to specific rituals and do not like change, candidates are comfortable in their routines Anxiety features significantly in the lives of those affected, this is normally to a feeling of low self-esteem, the fear of failure of being misunderstood and of not understanding others A characteristic may be that of being very egotistical and chauvinistic in the creation of impossibly high standards for themselves in all that they do Disruptive behaviours either at home or college or in both may be evident Very often the signs of Asperger’s Syndrome are not noticed until the young person is at secondary age, the difficulties may not be academic (very often the candidate is in the top end of the class, if not top!) 22 February, 2019

Asperger’s Syndrome Normally exhibit to a greater or lesser degree a Triad of Impairment, this is the defining characteristic of autism Difficulties in developing social relationships, very poor social timing, do not relate to body language General lack of social empathy combined with lack of understanding of other people’s feeling Candidates may use inappropriate eye contact Average or above intelligence, normally have speech/verbal skills Good verbal skills mask a tendency to rely on literal meaning and an inability to read body language and facial expressions Weak physical and visual-motor skills and clumsiness are characteristics of Asperger’s syndrome 22 February, 2019