Asperger's Syndrome

Einstein, Socrates and Michelangelo are all rumoured to have had it, but what exactly does it mean to have Asperger’s Syndrome?

What is it?

Asperger’s syndrome is a kind of autism that affects the way someone communicates and interacts with other people. Without diagnosis Asperger’s can seriously affect a person’s quality of life. Working might be difficult, and it can be hard for the sufferer’s family and friends to understand why they act the way they do, which can put a great strain on their relationship. But with the right support it’s possible for someone with Asperger’s to live a normal, independent and happy life, so it’s really important that they are diagnosed as early on as possible.

What are the signs?

There are three main areas that a person with Asperger’s usually has problems with, sometimes called the ‘tried of impairment’. That said, everyone is individual so these characteristics vary widely, as does their severity.

Communication - Someone with Asperger’s may have problems expressing themselves or understanding what another person is trying to say. The way they talk might sound unnatural or formal. They might ignore the normal rules of conversation, and are more likely to get confused by jokes, metaphors, or phrases like ‘laughed my head off’, taking them literally.

Social interaction - Because communication is affected, social interactions are much more difficult for people with Asperger’s. They might be very withdrawn or seem disinterested in those around them. Sufferers of Asperger’s also find it hard to interpret the nonverbal signs like expression or tone of voice that are often taken for granted in social interactions. This can make it hard to form relationships.

Imagination - People with Asperger’s have difficulty with abstract or creative thinking. As a way of compensating, this can lead to an obsession with a particular hobby or activity, and keeping strictly to a routine. Disruption of these things, like a delayed train, can cause great anxiety and distress.

Why do people have it?

There’s a common misconception that childhood neglect or emotional deprivation has something to do with it, but that’s now been shown not to be true. No one cause has been found to explain why some people develop Asperger’s. It’s thought there might be a number of physical factors that lead to the brain developing in a different way. What’s more, men are more likely than women to suffer from Asperger’s Syndrome, although we’re not really sure why.

Can it be cured?

Asperger’s Syndrome is a life-long developmental condition that’s hardwired into our brains, so it can’t be cured in the medical sense. But with help, many sufferers go on to live fulfilling lives. Much can be done to develop basic skills to enable people with Asperger’s to be more independent and cope with things they might previously have found very difficult.

What can be done?

If you think you, or someone you know, might suffer from Asperger’s Syndrome it’s really important that you talk it through with a GP or someone who specialises in the condition. There’s plenty of help out there.

A lot can be gained from education. The rules of social interactions can be taught, and social skills like the importance of eye contact, smiling and reading someone’s expression can be developed with help and support.

Befriending schemes give people with Asperger’s the opportunity to develop relationships and put social skills into practise.

A structured, steady environment and sticking to a routine can help the person cope with day-to-day life.

Just as important is the education of the people around the person with Asperger’s. This leads to a better understanding of the person’s behaviour, and helps change communication and social interactions to minimise distress – including the importance of saying exactly what you mean!

With support, it really is possible to live a fulfilling, independent life. Moreover, the characteristics of Asperger’s – routine, openness and attention to detail – might make the person particularly good at a certain kinds of job.

More information

1. The Edinburgh Psychology Centre can help you. Contact us on 0131-668-1440 to find out more or to arrange an initial session.
2. Alternatively you may wish to speak to your GP who should be able to refer you to someone suitable.
3. See our links at www.edinburghtherapy.co.uk/links.htm for details of organisations who may be able to provide assistance or information.

Click here for a pdf version of this Asperger's information sheet.

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