Resources for Adults with Asperger’s

\"ResourcesAsperger’s disorder or syndrome is classified as a mild form of autism or high functioning autism. This disorder is a psychological disorder that affects the ability to communicate and interact with others in a social setting. A child with Asperger\’s syndrome will often avoid eye contact, display awkward movements and gestures, and focus on one or two specific topics and learn all they can about these topics.

Individuals who suffer from Asperger\’s are intelligent and have normal language development. However, they display other behavioral peculiarities and have difficulty with social interaction. Children and adults have difficulty \’reading\’ facial expressions and non-verbal communication.

The exact cause of Asperger’s syndrome is unknown at this time but scientists suspect that genetics plays a large part in the development of the condition. A child with Asperger’s syndrome can lead a very normal life with therapies and medication to assist with social interaction. Treatment can be helpful, but it is best to begin as early as possible.

The adult with Asperger’s syndrome is not in any way developmentally disabled, but in fact, they are often extremely intelligent and considered logical and deep thinkers. Many famous people are suspected of suffering from Asperger’s syndrome, such as Keanu Reeves, Woody Allen, Bill Gates, Al Gore, and Bob Dylan. Asperger’s syndrome knows no socioeconomic or racial boundaries. However, it is interesting to note that it is three to four more times likely in men than women.

Resources for adults with Asperger’s are best found through the National Autistic Society where Asperger’s, a high functioning form of autism, is also addressed along with helpful information and local groups and website links are found pertaining to this psychological disorder. Additionally, there are support groups for the families of Asperger’s syndrome, both for the child and the adult sufferer.

Parents may not be able to pinpoint peculiarities in their young children related to Asperger\’s because these differences are also normal behaviors in children. However, parents do note subtle differences between siblings. Sometimes a diagnosis is overlooked or mis-diagnosed as ADHD. Often a diagnosis is never made until the later years in childhood or even by the Asperger sufferer themselves when they reach their early adult years. Adult Asperger sufferers may say that they just felt “different” and that their thinking process was not the same as that of their peers.

For more information and resources for adults with Asperger’s disorder, contact your local Autism organization or do an online web search for additional groups regarding Asperger’s syndrome.

RESOURCES

Foundation for Autistic Childhood Education and Support

Have Dreams: Ready 2 Learn

Autism Speaks: Asperger Syndrome

Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support

Asperger Syndrome Training and Employment Partnership

National Autistic Society: Resources for Adults with Asperger

Your Little Professor: Resources for Asperger Syndrome