Symptoms
So how can I tell if a person has Aspergers syndrome? A diagnosis is needed by a qualified professional but having several of the following traits could indicate the likelihood of Aspergers.
Socio-communicative difficulties:-
being a loner
being active but odd
being aloof or passive
poor or exaggerated eye contact
solemn/serious expression
lack of empathy
naivety
difficulty with group work in a classroom or in team sports like football
children with AS respond better to adults than to their peer group
unable to initiate small talk but try getting them to stop talking about their special interest
Language difficulties:-
Rigidity of thought:-
a love of routine with extreme distress if it changes
unusual play patterns e.g. lining toys up or taking them apart
tendency to read factual rather than fiction books
obsessional interests
Common Obsessions (examples):-
Gross Motor Movements:-
clumsy
poor co-ordination e.g. catching a ball or being accident prone
flapping movements or nervous tics
may walk with a lumbering stooped gait
Other Aspergers syndrome Traits:-
higher than normal anxiety levels
more interest in things rather than people
hyper or hypo sensitivity to temperature/noise/smell/touch
independent or creative thinker