Has the world ever seemed so confusing and unsure to you that you almost feel out of place? Unfortunately a person suffering from Asperger syndrome feels this way almost all the time. This rare syndrome was first diagnosed by a German doctor named Hans Asperger in 1941. Though difficult to diagnose, treatments do exist. Recognition of specific signs is the key to treating this incurable disorder. .
Commonly known as "high functioning autism", Asperger is defined as a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by an inability to understand how to interact socially. Dr. Asperger described sufferers as "individuals who exhibited many idiosyncratic, odd-like behaviors." There are no physical sign of this disorder that can be found. .
Twenty to twenty five people in ten thousand suffer from this syndrome, yet the cause or origin of this disorder is still unknown. Studies have shown that it is highly likely to be genetic or hereditary. The studies have also shown that it is three to four times more common to be found in boys than girls. Asperger Syndrome is rarely recognized in infancy but is believed to develop two to three years before symptoms appear. Current surveys place the average age of clinical diagnosis around the age of ten. .
The three key factors that affect a person who suffers from Aspergers involve their language, behavior, and cognitive skills. Their speech can be stilted and quite repetitive while their voice tends to be very flat and emotionless. They lack common sense and the ability for concrete thinking. According to ASPEN (Aspergers Syndrome Education Network), "Children with these diagnoses exhibit serious and chronic social, behavioral and communicative impairments. Not every child is the same but some characteristics may be:.
socially awkward and clumsy in relations with other children and/or adults.
naive and gullible.
often unaware of others' feelings.
unable to carry on a "give and take" conversation.