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Asperger's

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Chase, Age 8



definition

Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is another PDD (or ASD) which, like autism, affects communication skills, social interactions and behavior. In the 1940s, at about the same time Dr. Leo Kanner was documenting the condition he called "early infantile autism", Hans Asperger, an Austrian psychiatrist, wrote about a similar pattern of behavior he observed in some of his young male patients. What is now referred to as Asperger's Syndrome is considered to be at the high end of the autism continuum, although there is some debate as to whether it should be thought of as a separate condition altogether.

More males than females are affected with both disorders. Difficulty with understanding social situations and relating to one's environment is also characteristic of both. However, by definition, individuals with AS have average or above-average intelligence and their language skills seem to develop normally during the preschool years. Although those with AS may have continuing feelings of being disconnected from their surroundings, many learn to use coping skills and become successful and productive adults.