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Asperger’s syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder. Asperger’s syndrome is considered an autism spectrum disorder. In fact many individuals with autism have symptoms similar to those presented by Asperger’s syndrome. However, there are only true similarities between the two conditions. The similarities between Asperger’s syndrome and autism revolve around social interaction and the need for routine. Aside from these two similarities, the symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome are much more specific. Asperger’s syndrome is also not as common as autism making specialized treatment harder to receive.

Asperger’s syndrome can typically be detected in children as young as 3 years old. The development of young children with Asperger’s syndrome is similar to that of the average child. However, there are a few skills that children with Asperger’s syndrome will be lacking. Symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome in young children include a lacking of fine motor and social skills. Young children displaying symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome will statistically begin to talk before the age of 2, and will have rather intensive vocabularies.

However the most defining symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome are in regards to social interaction. Children with Asperger’s syndrome are typically unable to connect with others like an average child would. Avoidance of eye contact, lack of empathy, and the inability to read the body language of others are prime examples. These social skills that come naturally to the rest of us are nonexistent in children with Asperger’s syndrome. It is for this reason Asperger’s syndrome has been referred to as “social dyslexia”. Without these basic social skills, children with Asperger’s syndrome tend to struggle in situations where interaction is vital such as school and at home.

As a child with Asperger’s syndrome reaches puberty, the struggle to communicate becomes worse. The human need to interact combined with their inability to successfully communicate can take toll. Many teenagers with Asoperger’s syndrome develop other conditions due to their lacking of social skills. Teens with symptoms of Asperger’s tend to become depressed and introverted.

Asperger’s syndrome has no cure and its cause has not yet been determined. Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome function through individual growth. This knowledge of what they are and are not capable of acts as their guide in life. While they may be able to learn some of their missing social skills, they will never be fully capable of socialization. There is no medication meant specifically for individuals with Asperger’s syndrome, although medication is often given to combat the linked conditions. Conditions linked to Asperger’s syndrome can include ADD, anxiety disorders, and depression. The symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome are difficult for the individual as well as the family. S It is for this reason support groups for parents of children with symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome are common.