What is Asperger's Syndrome?

Asperger's Syndrome is a neurologically-based developmental disorder that is classified as one of the Autism Spectrum Disorders.  Although parents often notice problems at an early age, diagnosis is usually made during preschool or later. 

Asperger’s Syndrome is considered to be milder than autism, as individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome usually have average to above average IQ and do not demonstrate significant language delays.  Vocabularies may be extraordinarily rich, and some children sound like "little professors."   However, there are often deficits in the social use of language and in the tone or inflection of their voices. 

Asperger's Syndrome has many similarities with autism in that both are characterized by a significant impairment in social interaction as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors, areas of interest, and activities.  Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome have a great deal of difficulty reading nonverbal cues (body language) and often have difficulty determining proper body space.  An obsessive interest in a single subject is also often observed.