&
 
 
   
       "Everybody is different -
     that is the joy of humanity"
   
   
 
Asperger's Syndrome is a form of autism; a disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to others.

Some people with Asperger's try very hard to be sociable but find it difficult to know what to say, or how to follow social conventions. This may lead to a lack of understanding of others.

The Autistic Society suggests that many people with Asperger's Syndrome are not diagnosed. This leads to misunderstanding and unresolved difficulties. There are probably more people on the continuum for Asperger's than are diagnosed with the condition, but a greater awareness of the Asperger's difference is helping many people who have felt isolation through their communication differences. Diagnosis enables an individual to make adjustments for their future living. It may also help families to understand the problems.

  
   
         
   
 

We have found that strategies that are helpful to people with Asperger's Syndrome are often useful for other people who have communication difficulties.

Possible Difficulties

  • Taking things literally (e.g. if someone says "she bit my head off")
  • Continuously talking regardless of the listener's interest
  • Problems due to lack of imagination and creativity
  • Lack of common sense
  • An almost obsessive interest in a hobby or collection
  • Lack of sensitivity to the needs of others
  • Feelings of vulnerability, isolation or depression
  • Changes in routine may be upsetting

Potential Areas of Strength

  • Often able to speak fluently and knowledgeably about specific subjects
  • Memorising facts and figures about a specialised subject
  • Ability to focus and concentrate
  • Individuals with Asperger's tend not to gossip
  • Honesty and Directness
  • Conscientiousness and dedication
  • Tolerance of predictable work
  • Reliability with regard to completing routine tasks

Someone with Asperger's Syndrome can develop productive areas of specialisation in the workplace or in education. Individuals may be found in areas of employment which involve focused tasks such as computing, research or inventory keeping.

Those with talents in specific fields are more likely to succeed and blossom with understanding and forward planning.

  
   
     
         
   
 

"I feel like the sun has started shining after the rain…
I can make sense of why I am like I am."

A person with Asperger's syndrome after diagnosis, taken from“Taking Responsibility” by Andrew Powell for The National Autistic Society.

  
   
         
   
 
You may think that the description above matches you, or someone you are close to. You may like to look at the section on which describes the steps you can follow to confirm any suspicions.

Asperger's syndrome is a difference that needs to be diagnosed by a specialist. To get more information, please visit The National Autistic Society’s website www.nas.org.uk.

If you have already taken an assessment, you may be concerned about telling others - see the section on for why this could be a good step.

For sources of more information on Asperger's Syndrome or autism, please see our and pages.