Asperger’s: common characteristics
As children, people with Asperger’s disorder are sometimes described as ‘little professors’. This is because they can be extremely knowledgeable about their favourite topics. They might also have advanced language skills for their age and might start discussions.
People with Asperger’s disorder often miss social cues and can misinterpret language. For example, they can have difficulty understanding jokes, or they might take things too literally.
You might hear Asperger’s disorder referred to as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is an umbrella term for a range of related conditions that share some common symptoms.
Checklist for signs of Asperger’s
Social interaction
Children with Asperger’s disorder might:
- initiate interactions with others but have difficulty in sustaining social interaction
- interact with people if they need something or to talk about something that interests them, but not for the sake of being social or out of genuine interest in others
- interact in an awkward and stilted way (for example, they might avoid eye contact while speaking or interpret things literally)
- interact more easily with adults than with children
- not show emotion or empathy.
Communication and language
Children with Asperger’s disorder might:
- be very verbal (for example, they might label everything in a room)
- join words together at the usual developmental stage (around two years)
- communicate with others about their own interests
- use a flat or monotone voice
- answer questions, but not initiate questions if the topic doesn’t interest them.
Repetitive or persistent behaviours
Children with Asperger’s disorder might:
- have restricted or obsessive interests that make them seem like ‘walking encyclopaedias’ about particular topics
- prefer routines and rules
- not respond well to change.
What to do next
If you're concerned about your child’s development, or your child already has an Asperger’s disorder diagnosis, the important thing is to get help and support as soon as possible. The sooner children receive intervention services, the more effective these services can be in fostering positive outcomes.
Here are some places to start:
Video:
Finding and starting early intervention for ASD
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41mb
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In this short video, parents talk about finding and starting early intervention for their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They share their experiences with interventions and tests.
As they note, there are many excellent resources and interventions available, but it’s important to choose interventions based on scientific evidence that work for your child.
