Asperger Symptoms

Understanding through Compassion

Many Asperger symptoms are internal, making them difficult to understand. As public awareness is raised about pervasive developmental disorders, the symptoms of Aspergers will be
more readily recognized.

Many children who have Asperger symptoms go undiagnosed for a long time. Since they are typically high functioning and intelligent, individuals with this condition have more than their share of obstacles to face. Recognizing the symtoms of AS is the first step.

The tell-tale signs of Asperger syndrome are not visual in nature. Children do not break out in an autism rash or run a tangible fever. The condition is one of perception and experience. The signs of AS are internal in nature.

How does Aspergers manifest itself?

Since others can't see or measure another individual's thoughts, feelings, or experiences, it's very difficult to recognize the signs of this disorder. However, this condition does manifest itself in a number of ways
that can be detected, specifically through behavior.

1. Self-stimulatory behavior is a visual sign that a child is having difficulty processing sensory input. While many neurotypical people have trouble understanding the PDD experience with sensory overload, there are behavioral signs of Aspergers that can help identify a problem.
   • repetitive movements that seem to have no purpose like hand-flapping and rocking back-and-forth
   • intolerance for certain sounds, visual stimuli, and movement
   • tantrums
   • odd posture and body movements
2. Asperger Syndrome also manifests itself in behaviors associated with thought processes.
   • need for order and routine
   • intolerance for change that can lead to tantrums
   • behaviors similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder

3. Aspergers shows itself in the social realm as well.
   • avoiding eye contact
   • seeming lack of empathy
   • one-sided conversations on particular topics
   • inability to read body language
   • inability to understand figurative language and humor

Diagnosing a condition like Asperger syndrome would be much easier if the tell-tale signs were more visible. Careful observation and sensitivity to another person’s experiences can help lead the way to a deeper understanding of this pervasive developmental disorder.

Trying to understand how individuals with this disorder experience the world may be difficult, but it's a necessary step in understanding the behavioral Asperger symptoms.

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