Asperger syndrome facts for kids
Asperger syndrome (often called Asperger's) is a way of describing how some people understand others, talk with them, and act in social situations. Someone with Asperger's might find it hard to fit in or act like everyone else in different social settings. It can affect anyone, but it is more common in males.
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Understanding Asperger's: Causes and Support
Asperger syndrome can often be noticed and diagnosed when a person is young. No one knows exactly what causes it. However, many experts believe it has a genetic cause, meaning it can run in families.
The part of the brain that helps with "social behavior" (like understanding and talking to others) might grow or work differently in someone with Asperger's. Another brain area that might be different is the part that controls some body movements, like balance. Because of this, a person with Asperger's might walk or move in a clumsy way. They might also have trouble with physical activities such as sports. They may also do certain body actions over and over, like rocking, flapping their hands, or tapping their feet.
Asperger syndrome cannot be found with blood tests or by just looking at someone's body. A doctor needs to talk with the person and others who know them well. The doctor will also watch how the person moves and behaves, and learn about their past. Many people with Asperger syndrome also have ADHD or OCD.
People who have Asperger syndrome usually have normal or even high intelligence. When they are children, they might need special help at home and school to learn social skills. There is no medicine that can make Asperger syndrome go away. However, sometimes people with Asperger's are given medicine to help with depression, which they might experience.
Adults with Asperger syndrome often learn ways to "cope" and act in ways that seem normal, though they might still have some differences. Most people with Asperger's can talk clearly with friends and family. They might find it harder to talk with new people.
Common Characteristics of Asperger's
People with Asperger's often show certain characteristics, including:
- Having one-sided, very long conversations. They might not notice if the listener is paying attention or trying to change the topic.
- Showing unusual nonverbal communication. This can include not making much eye contact, having few facial expressions, or using awkward body postures and gestures.
- Having a very strong interest in one or two specific, narrow subjects. Examples include baseball statistics, train schedules, weather, or snakes.
- Seeming not to understand, empathize with, or be sensitive to others' feelings.
- Finding it hard to "read" other people or understand jokes and humor.
- Speaking in a voice that is flat, stiff, or unusually fast.
Asperger syndrome is most noticeable when a person acts differently in social situations. Their social differences can vary a lot. Not everyone with Asperger syndrome has the same level of difficulty. Also, someone who just dislikes people in general does not necessarily have Asperger's.
Other common characteristics include disliking changes in their daily routine. They also often dislike making eye contact and will try to avoid it. People with Asperger syndrome usually have fewer facial expressions than others. If someone only has a few of these characteristics, it does not mean they have Asperger's.
History of Asperger Syndrome
In the 1940s, a doctor named Hans Asperger studied some children who were different from most other children he knew, but were similar to each other. He called them "little professors" because he found them interesting. Dr. Asperger wrote a book about these children. He believed his "little professors" had a different kind of personality.
Asperger's Statistics
Asperger syndrome is much more common in males than females. Statistics show that about three males are affected for every one female.
Images for kids
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Functional magnetic resonance imaging helps us learn about the brain.
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Students and families walk to support Autism Awareness Month.
See also
In Spanish: Síndrome de Asperger para niños
