Asperger’s Syndrome Vs. Autism and Pervasive Development Disorders
Your child may have just been diagnosed or he is showing symptoms of an autism spectrum disorders and you now wonder, What is Asperger’s Syndrome? With a recent – or anticipated – diagnosis you are wondering where to turn. Perhaps you are trying to figure out what this will mean for your child and your family’s future. Here you can find an overview on what Asperger’s Syndrome is and what to expect in the future.
First of all, Asperger’s is an autism spectrum disorder. Autism is a developmental disorder than affects the way a child…or adult…interacts with, perceives and interprets the world. A spectrum means that there are many different forms of autism, ranging from very severe to very mild. Those on the more high functioning side usually get a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome.
Many children as well as adults may be misdiagnosed…this is unfortunately all too common. Many are initially diagnosed with ADHD or OCD or some other condition before a proper diagnosis is reached. This is unfortunate because it delays the start of effective training and treatments that can help someone with Asperger’s syndrome.
So what does this mean?
Social Aspects of Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s Syndrome is primarily a syndrome that has to do with deficits in social functioning. Someone with Asperger’s will have often have trouble both understanding language and using language in a proper way. They often have a pedantic style of talking, and are often referred to as “walking dictionaries.” People with Asperger’s are often very smart, and can talk about facts very easily, but have a lot of trouble with small talk or really any social connections at all, at least when they’re younger.
People with Asperger’s syndrome don’t tend to understand sarcasm or jokes, and take everything you say very literally…even when they are adults. They have very concrete thinking, and are very rule oriented. Those with Asperger’s often depend on routines to get through the day, and can be very upset if their routines are interrupted; children may have meltdowns while adults may get angry or autocratic. They are prone to emotional upset if something does not go right.
Due to their deficits in social skills, children and adults with Asperger’s syndrome often have trouble making friends. When they are kids, they will not understand the concept of playing with others. They will often do something called “parallel play” where they might play next to, but not with, another kid. They have to be taught to share toys and be flexible enough to play with another child. Adults can become very isolated after years of not being able to establish long-lasting friendships.
Obsessive Interests
The interests of children and adults often deviate from their peers, especially when they are older. Those with Asperger’s are often obsessive about specific subjects, such as geology, a particular sports team, or trains, and their peers find this uninteresting. This constant focus on one topic and lack of interest in topics that others bring up tends to isolate them further.
Obsessive interests are a main fabric of the cloth of Aspergers syndrome. Most kids with Asperger’s have something that they are very interested in and talk about it endlessly. One child might be obsessive about cars. Another “Thomas the Train”. A third with volcanoes. And so forth.
Because they are unable to truly show interest in a wide range of subjects that are of interest to their peers, they become social outcasts. This all contributes to the social isolation that is so common in kids with Asperger’s especially when kids start school. While their friends are talking about baseball or video games, the Aspergers child may exclusively talk about volcanoes. It doesn’t take long before his or her peers in school loose interest in both the subject of volcanoes AND in the child.
In an adult, the inability to show interests in general office politics or to chit-chat about sports or the latest TV shows can isolate a person from his or her colleagues. This lack of social integration may make the person with Asperger’s seem like an “odd duck” or just “not fitting in” which can lead to lay offs and lack of promotions.
Sensory Issues Are A Common Symptom Of Asperger’s Syndrome
People with Asperger’s syndrome often have a lot of difficulty with sensory processing. The typical person can usually tune out extraneous noise, smells and visual stimuli, among others. They do it without even thinking about it, because that’s the way their brain is set up.
People with Asperger’s syndrome, however, lack a “barrier” between their brain and the sensory onslaught of the world. They are far, far more sensitive to loud noises – or even soft ones no one else notices; to smells of all kinds…from what comes from your kitchen to the perfume of a passerby on the sidewalk. They often have trouble with the feeling and texture of clothing; with how tight or loose it is, and with the tags on the back. Visual stimuli can also be quite distracting. These sensory concerns need to be minimized for a child with Asperger’s to function in his or her environment, and their concerns need to be taken seriously. Many adults have difficulty holding a job because of the noise, distractions and overall sensory overload of a “cubicle farm” in which they must work. A co-worker tapping a pencil or bright fluorescent lights can overwhelm an adult with Asperger’s.
Fixation On Routine Is A Common Symptom Of Asperger’s Syndrome
Aspies (as those with Asperger’s syndrome are affectionately called) often fixated on a routine. Following a set routine is extremely common. And any change in routine may cause a meltdown. Yet stubbornly sticking to routine helps those with Asperger’s feel safe and grounded. Yet family, friends, and co-workers can feel that this fixation with routine is extreme. With kids, even small change in routine, like sitting in a different chair around the dinner table, can cause a meltdown.
A lot of children with Aspergers need to know exactly what will happen in order not to feel completely overwhelmed. A good tip is to ensure that you tell your child, in advance, if there will be any change in his or her routine (such as an upcoming vacation). A good strategy is to write down what you will do, where you will go, who will be there etc. Paint a picture in your loved one’s mind so that he or she can turn the future vacation into a routine before it occurs. The more your child understand what will happen and when, the more accepting he will be of the changes and the easier he will be able to handle the new experience.
Most adults learn to handle changes in routine…if for no other reason than the world around them is never predictable and they must learn in order to survive. Nevertheless, most adults with Asperger’s still feel much more comfortable following a routine. This lack of spontaneity can cause challenges in relationships…how many girlfriends want their boyfriend to always take them to the same restaurant? And once there to order the same diner time after time.
Good Things About Asperger’s Syndrome
While not a comprehensive list, these are the main and most common features of Asperger’s syndrome. Not to fear, though, not everything about having Asperger’s is negative. People with Asperger’s are often more likely to be unfailingly honest, loyal, and hard working. They are often very intelligent and can make great contributions…especially in fields that they are passionate about…when they are older. They have a unique way of looking at the world that can benefit all those around them.
Bill Gates, Albert Einstein, and some of the great thinkers of the world are suspected to have or have had Asperger’s. While many aspects of Asperger’s Syndrome will always remain a challenge, and while there is no question your child will have a more difficult path through the world than many others, always remember there is often benefit to thinking a little bit differently. When you think about a diagnosis of Asperger’s and its associated symptoms and wonder “What is Asperger’s” remember you have a choice about the way you look at it.
Once we understand how a child or adult with Asperger’s thinks, and understand that sensory issues as well as the need for routine motivate their actions, we can devise treatments and training to help them cope with an ever-changing world. Many treatments allow those with Asperger’s to succeed and thrive. Hopefully treatments can make life a little easier especially for those with Asperger’s and the people who love them.
These are just a few of the answers you will need to successfully survive and thrive with Aspergers. To find information to help both children and adults with Asperger’s syndrome see our solutions page. Also ensure you sign up for the FREE Asperger’s Syndrome Newsletter to gain additional information to help your loved one be happy and succeed in life.
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11 Responses to Defining Aspergers Syndrome Versus Autism and Pervasive Development Disorders
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I have a highly functioning son thats 32 now and needs help.They are testing him for high functioning autism and aspbergers.I just pray to god everyday that he will take care of Josh cause we aren’t getting any younger.If anyone has information out there please pass it along.Thanks from the bottom of our hearts.
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i have a nephew on each side of the family with different autisms and a son with ADHD/ODD and i feel that u can never have anough information. my youngest son is 19 months old and im concerned that he’sstarting some behavior that might need an early diagnosis…thank you for the information,it was very helpful and informative.
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I am worried over my son. He is asperger and he is 28 years old. I need help. I need you to find social events, meet friends in social and information for it and he is independent but my husband and I are worried that he always depend over us. search group of adult asperger condo etc.. please inform us more informations.
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I hope this helps me with my son. I have a son that is ADHD and it’s been a difficult road. Now I have reason to believe my youngest son has Autism/Aspergers.
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Christie, I am the mom of 6 children and my 5th child is somewhat “different” no diagnosis yet. Either way I just wanted you to know I will be lifting you up to the Lord and Praying he would give you the grace and patience with your children. And that he would provide for your every need.
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i hope this helps us with grandson
Our 8 year old has Asperger’s and we use the guide / information you make available to us everyday in our lives -- such as decreasing anxiety, how to prepare for the next year & how others can help us. I am attaching a photo of our son Chance-8 years old and is making progress everyday. I also sent a family picture from Christmas. He works very hard at everything he does. Thanks for being there for my family and others.
I hope this reaches out to those who have young ones with Aspergers for this will help answers those "whys and why nots". 
I just started your book 2 days ago. It's like I’ve been starving & it's food! It's nice to read stuff where I don't feel like my 7 yr old is defective. I’ve known that all along the main reason I even want to put a label on her differences is because I want to be a better, more effective mom to her. Thanks for the time & effort you put into researching this & writing your books to help others like me. Sherilin Vickery Riley, Chattanooga, TN
I enjoy and appreciate the information, anything to help my son and my own understanding of what life is like for Nicholas. It also helps me educate my son's teacher and EA which this process is ongoing and at times very frustrating.
My name is Matt Turner from Australia. I have a 6 y.o. with Aspergers (fairly mild). I found your work insightful and helpful - my wife is a doctor and spent many hours wading through medical texts to no avail. Our son Finley Turner is a very bright, friendly, healthy, unconditionally loved boy who can lose it sometimes. The guide helped us understand what to do and it helps him as much as us. Thanks for the work and I have recommended you to other parents in similar situations.
I found your articles to be extremely helpful...I applaud you for sharing your story and helping others who are going through similar situations. Thank you for sharing your story.
I was pleasantly surprised by the consistency, and thoroughness of the topics. I think this is a valuable tool for anyone who has someone with Aspergers or knows some who has Aspergers. I think this was a valuable tool for me because as a parent we all need a kick in the butt and stay on task, constantly fighting, updating and communicating with caregivers, teachers and finding tools for our children. Keep it up!
I definitely found your information helpful. My grandson was just diagnosed this summer. He is very smart and sweet. We will continue to be an advocate for him thanks to your information. I am including a picture of him. Thank you,
"Hi my son of 3 and a half years was diagnosed today, I had concerns so prior to his appointment I researched it and joined your newsletter. The information was so helpful and very supportive it was almost like having a counselor as I opened each email I felt like some one really understood my situation so thanks you so much for that, it's a very hard thing to accept and you do feel alone but with the letters I was given inspiration and hope that not everything was going to be doom and gloom it was and still is a lifeline. Mr. and Mrs. Allcok, ST Albans, Hertfordshire, England
"I have found the newsletters very valuable. I have forwarded them to teachers who work with Matthias when they apply."
I have been reading your Newsletter for a while now. Find attached a picture of my family. Joel is the little boy in glasses. Thanks for putting a smile on me. My knowledge and support is increasing. I feel more positive towards helping my son than ever.
I am Ben's grandmother and see him every single day. He is a joy. What your info does is help us to understand the melt downs that quite frankly we have always put down to the meds that he takes. We have proved your theory of a strict regime for Ben. Each letter adds to our knowledge. Keep it up dear friend. We learn from you every day and will I am sure continue to learn. God Bless you.
Your newsletters have been extremely helpful to me. They are easy to read, and cover important topics that are relevant to what I'm looking for. I'm a clinical social worker at a private art college in NYC. Thank you for taking the time to put something like this together! Sincerely,
My son is almost 20 years old and has always had trouble socially when in a group setting. We had to pull him out of high school when he was 16 because he became too anxious in the class room and could not handle the tennis team even though he was one of the best players. He is okay one on one socially with people but as soon as there is more than two people he becomes very self conscious and insecure, and because of this does not make many friends.
He has missed many family functions because of this, and even in a restaurant will position himself at the table so that strangers cannot appear to be staring at him.
He has seen many psychiatrist, psychologist,theropist, and been on many different kinds of psychiatric drugs the last 10 years. He has been diagnosed with ADD,OCD,and Borderline Personality Disorder at different times during this period. It all started when his third grade teacher noticed he wasn’t making friends, and then projected into obsessive thoughts that he said he could not get out of his head. Strange thoughts like he was concerned with aging when he was in the seventh grade. Could this be a form of autism? He is just finishing 90 days in an intensive outpatient rehab progam getting DBT treatment but is not responding well to the treatment. He is being treated for Borderline Personaliy Disorder. Could he have been diagnosed incorrectly and thus be getting the wrong treatment. He finds these types of programs very difficult because he has to go to group sessions and live in a house with many other patients. Eventually he feels allinated and outcast because he cant handle the group situation he is basically living in. Is this the wrong method of treatment if he has Autism?