Asperger syndrome
Asperger syndrome is an umbrella term used to classify problematic behaviours similar to, but less severe than, those within the lower reaches of the autistic spectrum. As such, symptoms can vary widely in type and severity between individuals, though difficulties with social interaction[1] and obsessive-compulsive routines are reasonably common diagnostic themes.
It was first described by an Austrian pediatrician, Hans Asperger, in 1944 (one year after Leo Kanner's first paper on autism). In his paper, he discusses "a pattern of behaviors in several young boys who had normal intelligence and language development, but who also exhibited autistic-like behaviors and marked deficiencies in social, communication, and fine motor skills."[2] Research continues into the condition's underlying causes.
The term Asperger's syndrome was first used in a paper by British psychiatrist, Lorna Wing.
Other persons involved in studying Asperger's syndrome include Tony Attwood and Simon Baron-Cohen.
References
- ↑ Especially in the reading and understanding of non-verbal cues.
- ↑ http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/aswhatisit.html#DSM