Asperger Syndrome

In 1944 Hans Asperger a Viennese paediatrician first identified a pattern of behaviours and abilities, predominantly among boys. These included a lack of empathy with others, solitariness, little ability to form friendships, one-sided conversations/ odd speech, intense interest in a particular subject and clumsy movements. This was the first basis for the identification and diagnosis of children with Asperger's Syndrome.

Significantly, children with Asperger's Syndrome do not meet the diagnostic criteria for Autism however, most researchers and clinicians agree that Asperger's Syndrome is part of the spectrum of Autistic Disorders.

People with AS vary greatly in abilities, background and age as many do not receive a diagnosis until adolescence or adulthood.

Asperger Syndrome is a manifestation of autism found on the Autistic Spectrum. This condition presents with a more subtle display of difficulties, yet has enough distinct features to be classified separately.

An issue which sets the person with Asperger Syndrome apart from those affected by the more well known forms of autism, is that there are usually minimal learning disabilities, to the contrary, people with Asperger Syndrome often have average or even above average intelligence. Because of this factor, with the right support, these children can often be successfully integrated into mainstream education. Many adults with Asperger Syndrome do lead independent lives, whilst others will require lifelong supervision and services.

Research undertaken by Dr Christopher Gillberg (1991), implies that Asperger Syndrome affects 36 per 10 000 of people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and interestingly, the ratio of boys to girls is 10:1, whereas with the other forms of autism, the ratio is 4:1.

Aspire - Post Assessment Support
The Horizon Service is here to support parents & adults with the diagnosis process & subsequent post-diagnosis needs
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