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How to tell if someone has aspergers. Recognizing Asperger’s Syndrome: Comprehensive Guide to Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

How can you identify Asperger’s Syndrome. What are the main characteristics of this condition. Why is accurate diagnosis crucial for individuals with Asperger’s. How does Asperger’s differ from other autism spectrum disorders.

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Understanding Asperger’s Syndrome: A Unique Neurodevelopmental Condition

Asperger’s Syndrome, once considered a distinct diagnosis, is now classified under the broader umbrella of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Despite this reclassification by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013, many clinicians still reference Asperger’s Syndrome when discussing potential ASD diagnoses with patients and families. This neurodevelopmental condition is characterized by a unique set of symptoms that can significantly impact an individual’s social interactions, communication skills, and behavioral patterns.

Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome often exhibit exceptional abilities in specific areas while struggling with social cues and interpersonal relationships. This complex interplay of strengths and challenges makes Asperger’s a fascinating and sometimes misunderstood condition.

The Spectrum of Asperger’s Symptoms

Is there a typical profile for someone with Asperger’s Syndrome? The answer is not straightforward. Asperger’s manifests differently in each individual, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Some people may experience minor issues that don’t significantly interfere with their daily lives, while others may face substantial challenges in academic, social, and professional settings.

  • Difficulty with social interactions and understanding social cues
  • Intense focus on specific interests or topics
  • Challenges with nonverbal communication
  • Preference for routine and resistance to change
  • Sensory sensitivities
  • Above-average intelligence in specific areas

Identifying Asperger’s Syndrome: Key Signs and Behaviors

Recognizing Asperger’s Syndrome can be challenging, as its symptoms often overlap with other conditions or may be mistaken for quirky personality traits. However, certain key signs can help in identifying this neurodevelopmental condition.

Social Interaction Challenges

Do individuals with Asperger’s struggle with social interactions? Often, yes. People with Asperger’s may find it difficult to interpret social cues, maintain eye contact, or engage in reciprocal conversations. They might appear aloof or disinterested in others, even when they genuinely want to connect.

Communication Patterns

How do people with Asperger’s communicate? Their communication style may be characterized by:

  • Literal interpretation of language
  • Difficulty understanding sarcasm, idioms, or figurative speech
  • Tendency to speak at length about topics of interest without recognizing others’ engagement levels
  • Challenges in maintaining back-and-forth conversations

Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behaviors

What kind of interests do individuals with Asperger’s typically have? Many people with Asperger’s develop intense, focused interests in specific topics or activities. These interests may be unusual in their intensity or subject matter. Additionally, they may engage in repetitive behaviors or routines, finding comfort in predictability and structure.

Diagnosing Asperger’s Syndrome: A Multi-faceted Approach

Accurately diagnosing Asperger’s Syndrome requires a comprehensive evaluation process. There isn’t a single definitive test for Asperger’s; instead, clinicians use a variety of assessment tools and methods to evaluate behavior, personality, language skills, IQ, and mental health.

Diagnostic Tools for Children

Which tools are commonly used to assess children for Asperger’s? Several standardized assessments can help identify Asperger’s symptoms in children:

  • Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)
  • Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GADS)
  • Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (ASDS)

These tools evaluate various aspects of a child’s behavior, social interactions, and developmental milestones to help clinicians make an accurate diagnosis.

Adult Diagnosis

Can Asperger’s be diagnosed in adulthood? Yes, although it may be more challenging. Many adults with Asperger’s have developed coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms. However, specialized assessments and in-depth interviews can help identify Asperger’s in adults who may have gone undiagnosed earlier in life.

Asperger’s vs. Autism: Understanding the Distinctions

While Asperger’s is now classified under the autism spectrum, there are some distinctions that were historically used to differentiate between the two conditions. Understanding these differences can provide valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by individuals with Asperger’s.

Language Development

How does language development differ in Asperger’s compared to classic autism? Individuals with Asperger’s typically don’t experience significant delays in language development. They often have a rich vocabulary and may even be exceptionally articulate in their areas of interest. In contrast, those with classic autism may have more pronounced language delays or difficulties.

Cognitive Abilities

Do people with Asperger’s have different cognitive profiles compared to those with classic autism? Generally, individuals with Asperger’s have average to above-average intelligence, with some demonstrating exceptional abilities in specific areas. This contrasts with the wider range of cognitive abilities seen across the autism spectrum.

Living with Asperger’s: Challenges and Strengths

Asperger’s Syndrome presents both challenges and unique strengths. Understanding these can help individuals with Asperger’s, their families, and support systems to develop effective strategies for navigating daily life.

Social and Emotional Challenges

What are the primary social and emotional challenges faced by individuals with Asperger’s? Some common difficulties include:

  • Difficulty forming and maintaining friendships
  • Challenges in understanding and expressing emotions
  • Anxiety in social situations
  • Sensory overload in busy or noisy environments

Strengths and Abilities

What unique strengths do individuals with Asperger’s often possess? Many people with Asperger’s demonstrate:

  • Exceptional focus and attention to detail
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Unique perspectives and creative thinking
  • Loyalty and honesty in relationships

Treatment and Support for Asperger’s Syndrome

While there is no cure for Asperger’s Syndrome, various therapies and support strategies can significantly improve quality of life for individuals with this condition. A comprehensive treatment plan typically involves a multi-disciplinary approach tailored to the individual’s specific needs and challenges.

Therapeutic Interventions

Which therapeutic approaches are most effective for individuals with Asperger’s? Some commonly used interventions include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Social Skills Training
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech and Language Therapy

These therapies aim to improve social interaction, communication skills, and adaptive behaviors, helping individuals with Asperger’s navigate daily life more effectively.

Educational Support

How can educational environments be adapted to support students with Asperger’s? Tailored educational strategies may include:

  • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
  • Structured learning environments
  • Visual aids and clear, concrete instructions
  • Accommodations for sensory sensitivities

Asperger’s in Relationships: Navigating Social Connections

Relationships can be particularly challenging for individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome, but they can also be deeply rewarding. Understanding the unique dynamics of Asperger’s in relationships is crucial for both individuals with the condition and their partners or family members.

Romantic Relationships

How do Asperger’s traits impact romantic relationships? Some common challenges include:

  • Difficulty interpreting partner’s emotional needs
  • Challenges with intimacy and physical affection
  • Misunderstandings due to literal interpretation of language
  • Struggles with spontaneity and flexibility

However, many individuals with Asperger’s form strong, lasting relationships characterized by loyalty, honesty, and deep connections based on shared interests.

Family Dynamics

How does Asperger’s affect family relationships? Families of individuals with Asperger’s may face unique challenges:

  • Misinterpretation of social cues within family interactions
  • Difficulties in understanding and responding to emotional needs of family members
  • Stress from rigid routines or intense focus on specific interests
  • Challenges in participating in typical family activities or traditions

Open communication, education about Asperger’s, and family therapy can help navigate these challenges and strengthen family bonds.

The Future of Asperger’s Research and Understanding

As our understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions evolves, so does our approach to Asperger’s Syndrome. Ongoing research continues to shed light on the underlying mechanisms of this condition and potential new approaches to support and intervention.

Emerging Research Areas

What are some promising areas of research in Asperger’s Syndrome? Current research focuses on:

  • Genetic factors contributing to Asperger’s
  • Brain imaging studies to understand neural differences
  • Development of more targeted interventions
  • Exploration of adult outcomes and long-term support needs

Changing Perspectives

How is societal understanding of Asperger’s evolving? There’s a growing recognition of neurodiversity, which views conditions like Asperger’s as natural variations in human neurology rather than disorders to be cured. This shift in perspective is leading to more inclusive approaches in education, employment, and social settings.

As we continue to learn more about Asperger’s Syndrome, it’s clear that early identification, appropriate support, and a nuanced understanding of this condition are crucial. By recognizing both the challenges and unique strengths associated with Asperger’s, we can create more inclusive environments that allow individuals with this condition to thrive and contribute their unique perspectives to society.

Asperger’s Syndrome Signs and Symptoms

Children and adults with Asperger’s syndrome experience a wide variety of symptoms, and no two cases are exactly the same.

Some individuals will face minor issues that don’t interfere with their everyday lives, while others will struggle to function in academic, social, and workplace environments.

For many years, Asperger’s syndrome was considered a distinct diagnosis, but in 2013 the American Psychiatric Association reclassified Asperger’s under the broader umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, many clinicians continue to reference Asperger’s syndrome as part of discussions with patients and families when looking at a potential ASD diagnosis. (1)

Knowing the symptoms of Asperger’s can help parents, and patients themselves, get an accurate diagnosis.

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Testing for Asperger’s Syndrome

Your doctor might suggest that your child take a test to see if he or she has symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome.

Some assessments are designed for children, while others are specifically created for adults.

Asperger’s is no longer considered its own syndrome in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Because doctors are now instructed to diagnose Asperger’s under the broad category of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), some may not screen for Asperger’s-specific symptoms.

Still, testing tools may help clinicians better evaluate behavior, personality, language skills, IQ, mental health, and more in people with Asperger’s. And some of the tests may overlap with measures that help identify classic autism.

Tools to Assess Children for Asperger’s

There’s not one specific test to diagnose Asperger’s, but many are used to analyze and assess the condition. Some of these include:

  • Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) This widely-used assessment tool helps identify children with an autism spectrum disorder and determine the severity of their condition. It includes 15 items that evaluate social interaction, emotion regulation, thinking skills, ability to adapt, and more. Each item is rated on a scale of one to four. It’s a highly sensitive test for kids ages 2 and older, but some studies have shown that CARS may over-diagnose young children as having autism. (1)
  • Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GADS) This is especially helpful in distinguishing between autism, Asperger’s, and other behavioral disorders. It’s appropriate to use with individuals between ages 3 and 22. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes and can be completed by a parent, teacher, or health professional. (2)
  • Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (ASDS) The ASDS evaluation looks at specific behaviors associated with Asperger’s, documents progress, and suggests goals for change. It’s used for assessing children and adolescents and can be completed in 15 minutes by anyone who knows the child well. (3)
  • Autism Spectrum Rating Scales (ASRS) This evaluation detects symptoms and behaviors of autism spectrum disorders in kids ages 2 to 18. It takes about 20 minutes to complete and is the first test that compares the child with a national sample of children with autism spectrum disorders. (4)
  • Social Responsiveness Scale This test is commonly used to distinguish autism spectrum disorders from other psychiatric conditions. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete and is suitable for individuals ages 4 to 18. (5)

Tools to Assess Adults for Asperger’s

Some common evaluations used to analyze Asperger’s in adults include:

  • Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale (RAADS) This test includes 80 questions that can help identify adults who show symptoms of Asperger’s. RAADS analyzes language, social interactions, sensory-motor skills, interests, and more. A mental health professional scores and analyzes the results. (6)
  • Asperger’s Quotient Test (AQT) This 50-question online test measures symptoms of Asperger’s in adults. It’s not used to make a formal diagnosis but rather to give you a rough idea of whether you have certain symptoms that might be characteristic of Asperger’s. (7)
  • Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI) With this test, a psychologist or other professional interviews a person, asking questions about language, communication, social interaction, interests, and other behaviors. It can be used for both children and adults. (8)

Genetic Testing to Spot Autism-Linked Mutations

Genetic testing can spot changes in a person’s DNA that are associated with specific conditions. For instance, genetic disorders such as Rett syndrome or Fragile X syndrome are linked to autism spectrum disorders. Other genetic variability may also play a role.

Your doctor might recommend genetic tests, such as chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) or whole-exome sequencing (WES). One expert says such testing may uncover an identifiable genetic cause for an autism spectrum disorder in 15 to 30 percent of children who have already been diagnosed. (9) However, genetic testing will not give answers to everyone.

Other Common Tests Used to Assess Asperger’s

Your doctor will likely perform a variety of other tests to evaluate you. These might include:

  • A physical, psychological, and/or neurological exam
  • Hearing, speech, or language tests
  • An IQ and/or personality test
  • An electroencephalography (EEG), a test that looks at electrical activity in the brain
  • A brain scan, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Standard Developmental Screening for Children

Even if your child doesn’t show any symptoms of an autism spectrum disorder, your primary care doctor or pediatrician will likely screen for developmental delays during routine visits.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during their well-check visits at:

  • 9 months
  • 18 months
  • 30 months

Additionally, all toddlers should be screened specifically for autism spectrum disorders at their 18-month and 24-month well-check visits. (10)

If your child shows signs of an autism spectrum disorder during a standard evaluation, you’ll likely be referred to a specialist for further testing.

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Making a Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will probably use a variety of tools and tests to assess your condition.

Additionally, most professionals refer to the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) DSM-5 to make an official diagnosis (or the International Classification of Diseases, ICD-11, in many countries outside the United States).

The newest version of the manual states that an individual with Asperger’s should be given a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Those who have deficits in social communication, but no other categories, should be evaluated for social (pragmatic) communication disorder. (11)

Many parents may find it frustrating that the APA no longer recognizes Asperger’s as a separate disorder, but this change doesn’t mean your child can’t receive effective treatment for his or her condition.

Why Testing Is Important to Your Child

Getting an ASD diagnosis related to Asperger’s can be a challenging ordeal. Kids with Asperger’s are often misdiagnosed as having other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some are overlooked, altogether.

That’s why testing tools are vital for helping doctors make an accurate analysis. They can give professionals a clear and in-depth look at your child’s condition.

An accurate diagnosis can ensure kids receive prompt and helpful treatment. Research shows therapies that involve early intervention can help improve many symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. (12)

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

  1. Chlebowski C, Green JA, Barton ML, Fein D. Using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale to Diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. January 7, 2010.
  2. Samadi SA, Biçak CA, Noori H, et al. Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Criteria Changes and Impacts on the Diagnostic Scales-Utility of the 2nd and 3rd Versions of the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS). Brain Sciences. April 23, 2022.
  3. Camodeca A, Todd KQ, Croyle J. Utility of the Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale in the Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. February 2020.
  4. Simek AN, Wahlberg AC. Test Review: Autism Spectrum Rating Scales. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment. April 2011.
  5. Constantino JN, Davis SA, Todd RD, et al. Validation of a Brief Quantitative Measure of Autistic Traits: Comparison of the Social Responsiveness Scale With the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. August 2003.
  6. Ritvo RA, Ritvo ER, Guthrie D, et al. The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R): A Scale to Assist the Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults: An International Validation Study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. August 2011.
  7. Woodbury-Smith MR, Robinson J, Wheelwright S, Baron-Cohen S. Screening Adults for Asperger Syndrome Using the AQ: A Preliminary Study of Its Diagnostic Validity in Clinical Practice. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. June 2005.
  8. Lord C, Rutter M, Le Couteur A. Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised: A Revised Version of a Diagnostic Interview for Caregivers of Individuals With Possible Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. October 1994.
  9. Genetic Testing Can Guide Interventions for Autism and Its Co-Occurring Conditions. Autism Speaks. March 23, 2022.
  10. Screening and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder for Healthcare Providers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 6, 2022.
  11. Autism Diagnosis Criteria: DSM-5. Autism Speaks.
  12. Study Finds Early Intervention Highly Effective. Autism Speaks. November 29, 2009.

Additional Resources

  • About Rett Syndrome. International Rett Syndrome Foundation.
  • Fragile X Syndrome. MedlinePlus. April 1, 2020.
  • Miller DT, Adam MP, Aradhya S, et al. Consensus Statement: Chromosomal Microarray Is a First-Tier Clinical Diagnostic Test for Individuals With Developmental Disabilities or Congenital Anomalies. American Journal of Human Genetics. May 14, 2010.
  • What Are Whole Exome Sequencing and Whole Genome Sequencing? MedlinePlus. July 28, 2021.
  • What Is Asperger Syndrome? Autism Speaks.
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic. January 6, 2018.
  • Developmental Surveillance and Screening. American Academy of Pediatrics.
  • International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD). World Health Organization.

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People with Asperger’s often perform repetitive behaviors, struggle to communicate, and display other awkward mannerisms.

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In some countries, this syndrome is no longer considered an independent diagnosis and is considered as one of the types of autism spectrum disorder. However, not all experts agree with this, and many people with this disorder see little in common with autism in their condition, since they do not have speech and cognitive impairments.

Be that as it may, this disorder seriously complicates a person’s daily existence and can create problems in his professional and personal life. Here are some signs that often distinguish people with Asperger’s Syndrome:

1. Unusual way of speaking. It may seem like you are talking to a computer: the interlocutor brings down a stream of facts at you without pausing and (almost) not listening to you. Sometimes people with this syndrome have an unusual timbre of voice.

2. Difficulties with non-verbal communication. You may notice that your interlocutor almost does not use gestures, and his facial expressions are not rich.

3. Lack of eye contact. It’s not that your interlocutor can’t make eye contact with you, it’s just that they don’t feel the need for eye contact. If you draw his attention to this, he may try not to look away and even go too far, looking at you too intently.

4. Problems with etiquette. Such a person may seem rude or ill-mannered, but in fact he simply lacks intuition telling how to behave correctly. For example, he may turn away and go about his business without listening to what you say to him, or invite you to dinner and not come, or open the door when you arrive, look at you and, without greeting, go into the house. The rules of good manners, which are accepted in society, are alien to him.

5. Obsessive focus on one topic (often unusual). He may collect things that others would not think of collecting, he may have an unusual hobby, he may show an obsessive interest in some person. And talk non-stop about the subject of your passion, not noticing how it tires your interlocutors. Sometimes he suddenly switches to another hobby. If he has lost interest in the person he adored, he will suddenly become cold with him.

6. Inability to understand the feelings of another person. They are often seen as cold, unfeeling, lacking in empathy. But it’s not that they’re incapable of empathy or unwilling to show kindness. They just have less emotional experiences than others. Often they cannot understand why other people are so upset or excited, and then they prefer to go away and think about it alone.

7. Poor communication skills. Sometimes they talk non-stop about their own, not noticing that others are offended or they are no longer interested in listening. And when they don’t like someone, they abruptly end the conversation. Such behavior from the outside seems absurd.

8. Inability to share feelings. Are you surprised when a well-known person at a meeting does not even ask how you are doing, and does not tell about his success himself? But it is unusual for people with Asperger’s syndrome to share feelings and impressions.

9. Black and white thinking. Having once come to an opinion or decision, they will stick to it, in spite of any arguments. It is difficult for them to accept that other people have a different point of view.

10. Lack of flexibility. Plans changed at the last minute? For a person with Asperger’s, this is a test fraught with psychological overload, he is not ready for impromptu. He can be upset by real trifles, seemingly not worthy of attention, or by something that is unusual for him.

11. Following routine. Structure and established rules are extremely important to him. In the event of a violation of the usual routine, they feel unsettled and begin to panic.

12. Hypersensitivity. They can be very sensitive to touch and try their best to avoid it, except for a partner. They will recoil if they are patted on the back and will not allow themselves to be hugged. They may also have other autistic traits, such as heightened sensitivity to sounds, lights, and even hard tags on the inside of clothing.

Can Asperger’s syndrome be cured in adults?

There are no specific drugs for this disorder. But psychological counseling in this case can be very helpful. A psychologist can teach such a client how to cope with stress, communicate more effectively and interact with others, which will make his daily life easier.

Text: Alina Nikolskaya Photo Source: Getty Images

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How to Identify Asperger’s Syndrome in Adults: Key Features

General Signs and Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s Syndrome is one of the Autism Spectrum Disorders with milder symptoms than those of autism. People may exhibit only some of these or all of the characteristics.

Social symptoms that may affect the person’s interaction or communication with others include:

  • Problems making or maintaining friendships

  • Isolation or minimal interaction in social situations

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  • Poor visual contact or a tendency to stare at others

  • Problems interpreting gestures

  • Inability to recognize humor, irony and sarcasm

  • Unacceptable behavior or strange manners

  • Lack of empathy, problems expressing empathy, controlling emotions, or expressing feelings

  • Lack of common sense

  • Tendency to one-sided conversation (prefer to talk about themselves)

  • Passion for certain topics

  • Interpreting information literally

  • Following a strict schedule or routine

An adult or child with Asperger’s may not show all of these signs, but is generally prone to social difficulties.

For example, a person with Asperger’s may talk obsessively about one particular subject. Obsessing over different types of birds, sports statistics, or your own personality is a good example of this.

He may not understand when someone feels uncomfortable, offended, or disinterested. Since he does not always recognize social cues, he may speak loudly at the wrong time or place. Others may interpret these symptoms as bad manners or simply rude behavior.

Language and speech problems. Unlike other autism spectrum disorders, a person with Asperger’s usually does not experience speech delays. But it does have some language features. From the outside, the speech image of a person with Asperger’s syndrome may seem unusual:

  • Scripted, formal or “robotic” type of conversation

  • Lack of intonation, voice modulation

  • Monotony or rhythm , loud speech

  • Problems using the meaning of words in a social context

  • Repetition or intrusive speech

A person with Asperger’s usually has a strong vocabulary and good grammar skills, but may be unable to use language correctly in social situations .

Cognitive features. Typically, children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome have normal to above average intelligence. While some excel academically, others may struggle. Some common cognitive features of people with Asperger’s Syndrome include:

  • Excellent rote memory

  • Ability to understand technical or factual information

  • Problems absorbing abstract information details a tendency to focus on them, which can lead to missing the “big picture”

  • Independence of thought

Physical symptoms. Adults with Asperger’s syndrome may experience physical symptoms such as:

  • Awkward movements

  • Problems with coordination

  • Sensitivity to loud noises, smells, clothes or food texture

9000 2 They may seem clumsy or awkward. They may have trouble with simple activities such as catching a ball. But some don’t have motor problems.

How to recognize the syndrome?

Typically, a child with Asperger’s Syndrome begins to experience difficulties as early as preschool age – it is difficult for him to follow the rules and instructions, and he differs from other children in facial expressions, movements and speech. In addition, at this age there is a difficulty in the ability to put oneself in the place of another or to assess the consequences of one’s actions. He experiences very great difficulties in establishing contacts, and it is difficult for him to ask for help.

As teenagers with Asperger’s syndrome grow up, they drop out of social life. They do not understand the forms of social communication, and they have little or no common interests with their peers. In addition, they are perfectionists in everything they do, they do everything much more carefully than others, and do not accept criticism. All this all the more does not contribute to socialization and reduces emotional contact.

By adulthood, the characteristics of the syndrome have developed to such a level that people with Asperger’s syndrome often prefer to live alone. Social communication is still a big problem for them, and any need to move away from the typical behavior pattern is stressful. They also have an increased tendency to immerse themselves in certain subjects or hobbies. Adults find it difficult to express emotions and remain unusual in speech and motor skills. Unlike people with autism, people with Asperger’s can live on their own, with or without an escort.

Does Asperger’s cause aggressive behavior?

Many parents wonder if Asperger’s Syndrome is associated with aggressive behavior. The answer does not seem clear.

Several high-profile massacres, including the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting, the 2012 Newtown, Connecticut massacre, and the 2018 Parkland, Florida massacre, were allegedly committed by men with an autism spectrum disorder.

Aggression and violence among people with autism spectrum disorders are reactive, not pre-planned and premeditated. For example, children with autism may resort to violence if they are sick or frustrated or unable to communicate how they feel.

”Aspergers” are rather peaceful people, they are not so much aggressive as naive. And their naivete is easy to use with malicious intent. And this is happening. The syndrome makes Aspergers vulnerable to communication deficits. In life, they often face ridicule or bullying, which can cause a desire for revenge.

Although Asperger’s Syndrome can provoke violent behavior, most studies do not show a specific link between violent crime and autism alone. Some research suggests that other psychiatric comorbidities may explain aggressive behavior in people with autism.

Researchers continue to study this connection and hope to gain more information about the role that Asperger’s and other mental illnesses play in violent crime.

Sometimes Aspergers have special talents

Many people with Asperger’s see their symptoms as a gift, they have special talents and abilities. Some of the positive qualities that distinguish people with Asperger’s include:

  • High IQ

  • Ability to focus intensely and for a long time on something

  • Excellent rote memory

  • Unique special sense of humor

  • High marks for fairness and honesty

There are many adults with this disorder who are successful lawyers, doctors, artists, writers, professors, and educators. Among the famous people in history retrospectively rated as ”Aspergers”: Benjamin Franklin, Napoleon Bonaparte, scientists Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci, composer Ludwig van Beethoven, musician Elvis Presley, Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

In fact, some people with Asperger’s are offended by the notion that their symptoms need to be “treated” or “cured.”

Asperger Syndrome: Diagnosis and Care

No two people with Asperger’s Syndrome are the same. The disorder manifests itself in different ways. Some have only minor problems, while others face serious difficulties.

In addition, since Asperger’s syndrome is now classified under the broad diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, some symptoms are no longer recognized as exclusively Asperger’s symptoms, but rather “belong to the spectrum”. This change was included in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) in 2013.

Key takeaway for parents: If your child develops any unusual signs or symptoms that may indicate that he or she has an autism spectrum disorder, see a professional. It can provide accurate and fast diagnosis. The sooner children are diagnosed, the sooner they can begin effective treatment to help them cope better.

American scientists have found that the hormone oxytocin increases social intelligence in autistic people. Perhaps this is one of the medicinal ways of better awareness and warming of emotions, which means changing the quality of social interaction.