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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSigns and symptoms of Asperger's syndrome include:
- Engaging in one-sided, long-winded conversations, without noticing if the listener is listening or trying to change the subject
- Displaying unusual nonverbal communication, such as lack of eye contact, few facial expressions, or awkward body postures and gestures
- Showing an intense obsession with one or two specific, narrow subjects, such as baseball statistics, train schedules, weather or snakes
- Appearing not to understand, empathize with or be sensitive to others' feelings
- Having a hard time "reading" other people or understanding humor
- Speaking in a voice that is monotonous, rigid or unusually fast
- Moving clumsily, with poor coordination
- Having an odd posture or a rigid gait
When to see a doctor
All kids have their quirks, and many toddlers show a sign or symptom of Asperger's syndrome at some point. It's natural for small children to be egocentric, and many little ones show a strong interest in a particular topic, such as dinosaurs or a favorite fictional character. These aren't reasons to be alarmed.
However, if your elementary schoolchild has frequent problems in school or seems unable to make friends, it's time to consult your pediatrician. These difficulties have many possible causes, but developmental disorders such as Asperger's syndrome need to be considered. Children whose eccentricities interfere with learning and social development should have a comprehensive evaluation.
- 1. Asperger syndrome fact sheet, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm. Accessed Sept. 4, 2008.
- 2. Toth K, et al. Asperger's syndrome: diagnosis and treatment. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2008 Aug;165(8):958-63.
- 3. Khouzam HR, et al. Asperger's disorder: A review of its diagnosis and treatment. Comprehensive Psychiatry. 2004 May-Jun;45(3):184-91
