Asperger Disorder is a higher functioning form of Autism. This means, with the exception of social competence, thinking ability is usually average or above average.

What makes children with Asperger Disorder most recognizable are deficiencies in social and communication skills associated with repetitive and restrictive behaviors. Commonly included in communication disturbances are odd patterns of speech. Deficient social-adaptive skills make it hard for affected children to interpret other people’s body language. For example, they may not recognize a parent’s annoyance or anger and continue to engage in behaviors seemingly intended to provoke more annoyance or anger. Poor eye contact can be seen as early as toddlerhood, and often persists into adult life.

Ritualistic, repetitive behaviors, like reciting a sequence of numbers or moving arms or legs in a complex, but stereotyped fashion, may become intense and intrusive enough to qualify as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Indeed, it’s common to see children with Asperger Disorder exhibit several associated disorders. Among the most frequent accompaniments of Asperger Disorder are OCD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Depressive and Anxiety Disorders.

Asperger Disorder is several times more common in males than in females. The disorder may affect several individuals within an extended family, suggesting inheritance may play an ill-defined role. Many theories have been proposed to explain the occurrence of Asperger Disorder, including poor bonding between parent and child, exposure to toxins during pregnancy and the accumulation of mercury from thimerosol-preserved vaccines. None of these proposed causes for Asperger Disorder has been scientifically established.

The treatment of Asperger Disorder aims to improve an affected child’s ability to understand and relate to other people. One well proven form of treatment is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA therapy). Through ABA therapy, a skilled therapist can improve an affected child’s performance of Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s), like personal hygiene, managing finances, employment routines as well as social mores.

A child’s intellectual level (IQ) and level of motivation are directly related to successful integration into society. Equally important is effective treatment of associated disorders.