Asperger’s syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that falls under the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 1 Hodges, H., Fealko, C., & Soares, N. (2020). Autism spectrum disorder: definition, epidemiology, causes, and clinical evaluation. Translational pediatrics, 9(Suppl 1), S55–S65. https://doi.org/10.21037/tp.2019.09.09 umbrella. The affected individual, child or adult, may have a variety of symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome—leading to a unique experience for each sufferer.
Therefore, identifying and understanding these symptoms is crucial to help people with Asperger’s syndrome navigate all aspects of their daily life, including work, relationships, and self-care.
Common Symptoms Of Asperger’s Syndrome
Research and clinical practice 2 Hosseini, S. A., & Molla, M. (2021). Asperger Syndrome. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557548/ categorise the common signs and main symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome into different domains, namely:
1. Social interaction
Individuals with AS experience several difficulties in social interaction and communication, such as:
- Difficulty in understanding social cues
- Challenges in maintaining friendships
- Difficulty in engaging in or sustaining reciprocal communication
- Impaired understanding of others’ emotions or perspectives
- Difficulty with nonverbal communication
- Limited or narrow range of social interests or activities
- Difficulty with understanding social norms, rules, and expectations
- Difficulty with empathy or perspective-taking
- Social awkwardness
2. Restricted and repetitive behaviours
People with symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome often adhere to rigid and repetitive behavioural patterns like:
- Repetitive movements (such as rocking, hand flapping, spinning, etc.)
- Adherence to strict routines and fixation on specific rituals
- Highly focused and intense interests in specific topics or activities
- Difficulty with imaginative play and lack of interest in peer activities
- Difficulty in adapting to new and unfamiliar situations
- Engagement in repetitive or stereotyped behaviours (such as lining up objects, stacking items, or repeating certain phrases)
- Resistance to changes in environment or routines
- Inflexibility or rigidity in thinking
3. Sensory sensitivities
The symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome related to poor sensory processing include:
- Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as lights, sounds, textures, tastes, or smells
- Overwhelming response or aversion to certain sensory inputs
- Sensory overload and sensory-seeking behaviours (like reacting to bright lights, loud noises, certain textures, etc.)
- Sensory sensitivities manifesting in various ways (such as covering ears, avoiding bright lights or loud noises, etc.)
4. Speech and language
People with Asperger’s syndrome experience several speech and language issues, like:
- Atypical speech patterns
- Pragmatic language difficulties (such as understanding social cues, sarcasm, humour, etc.)
- Delayed or impaired speech and language development in early childhood
- Limited use of gestures or facial expressions to convey emotions or meanings
- Echolalia or repetitive use of words or phrases from other sources, without understanding their meaning
- Difficulty with using and understanding nonverbal communication, such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice
- Maintaining eye contact or an appropriate tone of voice while conversing
5. Motor coordination
Individuals with AS tend to experience motor coordination difficulties that impact activities of daily living, sports, or other physical activities. These include:
- Impaired coordination or clumsiness
- Difficulty with fine or gross motor skills (such as tying shoelaces, using utensils, or catching a ball)
- Challenges with handwriting or other fine motor tasks
- Difficulty with physical coordination, balance, or spatial awareness
6. Emotional regulation
People with Asperger’s syndrome experience emotional dysfunction, such as:
- Difficulty in recognizing, understanding, or regulating emotions
- Emotional meltdowns or outbursts in response to sensory overload
- Difficulty with coping skills, self-regulation, or emotional flexibility
- Challenges with managing frustration, anger, anxiety, or stress
- Emotional regulation difficulties may result in mood swings, emotional sensitivity, or difficulties in social situations
Read More About Asperger’s Syndrome Here
Asperger’s Syndrome In Children
Symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome in children typically manifest in early childhood (usually around the age of 2-3 years) and may vary in severity and presentation among individuals. Some common symptoms 3 Mirkovic, B., Pinabel, F., & Cohen, D. (2016). Quand évoquer le syndrome d’Asperger chez l’enfant, l’adolescent et le jeune adulte ? [Asperger’s syndrome symptoms in children, adolescents and young adults]. La Revue du praticien, 66(1), 83–90. include:
- Difficulties with social interaction and communication
- Repetitive behaviours and rigid routines
- Problems in understanding social cues, nonverbal communication, and maintaining friendships
- Limited interests or preoccupations with specific topics
- Speech difficulties, including speaking in a formal or monotone manner
- Motor coordination challenges
- sensory sensitivities
- Poor emotional regulation
However, it’s important to note that not all children with Asperger’s syndrome would exhibit the same symptoms, and the severity and presentation of symptoms may vary widely. Some children may have mild Asperger’s symptoms, while others may experience more significant challenges that affect their social, academic, and emotional well-being.
Signs Of Asperger’s In Adults
Asperger’s symptoms in adults may continue from childhood or may present themselves for the first time in adulthood. Common symptoms 4 Roy, M., Dillo, W., Emrich, H. M., & Ohlmeier, M. D. (2009). Asperger’s syndrome in adulthood. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 106(5), 59–64. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2009.0059 include:
- Difficulties in social interaction
- Communication challenges
- Rigid rituals and routines
- Sensory processing issues
- Relationship difficulties and employment challenges
- Intense interests and special obsessions
- Difficulties in emotional regulation
- Impaired speech
- Low self-esteem and confidence
- High levels of depression and anxiety
Much like the AS symptoms in children, Asperger’s symptoms in women and men also display a wide variation. Some individuals may even have 5 Mazzone, L., Ruta, L., & Reale, L. (2012). Psychiatric comorbidities in asperger syndrome and high functioning autism: diagnostic challenges. Annals of general psychiatry, 11(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/1744-859X-11-16 high-functioning Asperger’s symptoms. Nonetheless, understanding and managing these symptoms can be crucial for affected adults to thrive in various aspects of their daily life, including work, relationships, and self-care.
How To Identify Asperger’s Syndrome
It’s important to note that individuals with Asperger’s syndrome may present with varying degrees of severity and combinations of the aforementioned symptoms.
Identifying the signs 6 Faridi, F., & Khosrowabadi, R. (2017). Behavioral, Cognitive and Neural Markers of Asperger Syndrome. Basic and clinical neuroscience, 8(5), 349–359. https://doi.org/10.18869/nirp.bcn.8.5.349 and symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome can be done through careful observation and assessment by qualified healthcare professionals or specialists in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Asperger’s syndrome was once considered a separate diagnosis within the autism spectrum, but it is now classified as part of the broader autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 7 de Giambattista, C., Ventura, P., Trerotoli, P., Margari, M., Palumbi, R., & Margari, L. (2019). Subtyping the Autism Spectrum Disorder: Comparison of Children with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 49(1), 138–150. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3689-4 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
To receive a diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome, an individual must meet specific diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5. The evaluation process for Asperger’s syndrome often includes a physical exam, interviews, questionnaires, behavioural observations, and standardised assessments.
Takeaway
If you notice symptoms of AS in your child or loved one, it’s important to seek professional help for a proper diagnosis and prompt treatment. Consulting a doctor or mental health professional can provide valuable insights and support. With timely intervention, individuals with ASD can receive effective treatment and support to manage their symptoms and lead healthier lives.
At A Glance
- Asperger’s syndrome (AS) is a type of autism spectrum disorder.
- It is characterized by a range of symptoms that impact behavioral and cognitive patterns, as well as social relationships.
- The symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome can be categorized into difficult social interactions, repetitive behavior, sensory processing issues, poor motor coordination, and impaired emotional regulation.
- Signs of Asperger’s in adults and children vary in different conditions.
- Identifying and understanding these symptoms can lead to the early and proper diagnosis of AS.
- Effective treatment options for Asperger’s syndrome include therapy as well as medications to manage associated symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When do the signs of Asperger’s syndrome first appear?
The signs of Asperger’s syndrome typically first appear in early childhood, usually around 2-3 years, although some signs may become more noticeable as the child grows older.
2. What is the most distinguishing symptom of Asperger’s syndrome?
The most distinguishing symptom of Asperger’s syndrome is difficulty with social interaction—including challenges in understanding social cues, maintaining friendships, and engaging in reciprocal communication.
3. What can be misdiagnosed as Asperger’s syndrome?
Neurodevelopmental disorders (such as autism spectrum disorder), mental health disorders (like ADHD or social anxiety disorder), and introverted personality traits can often get misdiagnosed as Asperger’s syndrome.
4. What are the physical traits of Asperger’s syndrome?
Asperger’s syndrome does not typically present with specific physical traits. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior, rather than by physical characteristics.
