Asperger Syndrome, also known as AS, is a developmental disorder characterized by classifications such as possessing a limited scope of interest, repetitive behaviors, difficulties with speech and language, the inability to interact socially, complications in non-verbal skills, and the propensity to be somewhat clumsy or awkward (Asperger's Syndrome). In February of 2010, AS was officially listed as an autism spectrum disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, or DMS (Hamilton). Asperger Syndrome is commonly called "high-functioning" autism, and there is now a debate as to if a child can successfully transition into adulthood and become independent. Although many studies have shown that a person with AS will not succeed in a college environment and continue to be independent through adulthood, I believe that with the proper early intervention and treatment that a person can be successful by their own specific standards. The way we define success differs from each person for example, graduating college and getting a full time job in your area of study. However, for a person with AS their goals are very different from those who do not have a learning disability. Success to them may be to live on their own one day, work a part time job, or even something as simple as making friends. Their goals are quite different from the norm but so is the way they learn, so if they achieve these set goals I believe that they have achieved success. .
The Diagnostic Guide of Mental Disorders is a manual that categorizes mental disorders and learning disabilities. In February 2010 Asperger's became listed under the autism category in the DSM and it caused much controversy for people who had been living with AS for a majority of their lives. Although many people don't agree with the new addition to the DSM, being placed under a new category will allow for parents to get more help for their child who have Asperger's.
