Asperger’s disorder

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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, and might also have advanced language skills for their age. Unlike children with autism, they might start discussions, and their language abilities can lead to one-sided conversations.

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. 

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
• be fascinated by shapes like hexagons and octagons.

What to do next

If you're concerned about your child’s development, or already have 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:

• Find out more about diagnosis and the professionals you'll need to see.
• Read about common therapies and interventions in the Parent Guide to Therapies.
• Use the Autism Services Pathfinder to learn how to navigate the service system.
• Visit our forums to share stories and advice with other parents of a child with ASD.
• Join an Early Days group in your area to learn more about ASD and early intervention options.

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