Asperger syndrome

Asperger syndrome is characterised by any, some or all of the those of autism but in particular:

• Impaired non-verbal communication
   
• Impaired speech (but not language)
• Might have a very wide vocabulary but have little understanding of how to use it in a social context
• Over-literal interpretation, concrete thinking
   
• Lack of theory of mind and empathy
• (Sally-Ann test)
• Inability to put themselves in the position of others
   
• Idiosyncratic, stereotyped, asocial interests and activities
• All-consuming hobbies and interests, which dominate conversation and cause boredom in the listener
   
• Motor co-ordination difficulties
• Dyspraxia common, especially in childhood, often staying clumsy with poor spatial awareness into adulthood

People with Asperger Syndrome can be severely impaired on a functional level whilst having above average cognitive abilities.

See also Pervasive Developmental Disorders