Asperger's syndrome is very common. In fact, you probably know someone with Asperger's. It is a developmental disorder. This means that a child with Asperger's syndrome develops differently -- both physically and mentally -- than typical kids.

• Is Asperger's the same as autism?
• Who discovered Asperger's?
• What do kids with Asperger's act like?
• How is someone diagnosed with Asperger's?
• How is Asperger's Syndrome treated?
• Can kids with Asperger's go to school?

Is Asperger's the same as autism?

Autism is a disorder similar to Asperger's but much more serious. People with autism seem to live in their own world because they do not relate well to other people. They do not make eye contact, do not speak very much and have no interest in socializing with others.

Kids with Asperger's show some signs of autism, but it is easier for them to be around others. These kids may sometimes act rude because they do not know how to properly act in social situations. However, this does not mean that they are not intelligent. Many kids with Asperger's speak well and are very smart. Until 1994, Asperger's was considered a mild form of autism, but it is now known as a separate disorder.
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Who discovered Asperger's?

During the 1940s, a man named Hans Asperger noticed that a group of very intelligent boys did not behave like the rest of their peers. After studying these children, Asperger decided that they must have a developmental disorder.
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What do kids with Asperger's act like?

If someone has Asperger's syndrome, they want to be social but find it difficult. They might have trouble reading body language and social cues, having conversations and looking other people in the eye. Some people with Asperger's have an extreme sensitivity to light, pain or noise.

Kids with Asperger's also tend to be obsessed with one certain topic. They might talk about this topic a lot. They also might collect certain things -- such as stamps, shells or coins -- and organize their things very carefully.

People with Asperger's are often very smart. On average, someone with Asperger's has an intelligence level that is equal to or higher than the average person.

However, it is important to remember that every case of Asperger's is different.
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How is someone diagnosed with Asperger's?

Lately, more kids have been diagnosed with this syndrome. Experts do not know if this is because more doctors have been on the lookout for it, or if it is because more kids are developing it.

It is common for a doctor to first think that a patient with Asperger's has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because the symptoms are very similar.

For a doctor to diagnose a patient with this syndrome, the patient must have at least an average intelligence level and speaking skills. These two characteristics help doctors rule out autism.

It is best if someone is diagnosed while still young, so that he or she can be treated during the important developmental period.


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How is Asperger's Syndrome treated?

There is no cure for Asperger's syndrome, but there are many things that can be done to help a person with Asperger's have a more normal life. There are different kinds of therapy that can be very helpful. These therapies help people with Asperger's improve their speech, and behavioral and social skills. There are also medications that can lessen the symptoms.
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Can kids with Asperger's go to school?

Yes. In fact, most kids with Asperger's go to regular schools. They might get special help from a teacher's aide, but they are able to attend school with other students their age. Some kids with Asperger's go to schools that are specifically designed for kids with special needs. However, Asperger's does not prevent children from getting a normal education.
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