Autism spectrum disorder, or autism belongs to a family of disorders known as neurological disorders. In short, autism affects the very way that the brain works. It changes behaviour patterns, social interaction abilities and communicative skills. What many people don't know though, is that not all cases of autism are so cut and paste. There are many children with undiagnosed cases of autism, that only have mild symptoms. This form of autism is more commonly referred to as Asperger's syndrome.
What are the symptoms of Asperger's then?
Children that have Asperger's show milder symptoms of autism, and typically do not share the sign of autism related to language and intellectual issues. Children with this type of autism, as usually considered to be high functioning autistics. Instead of the delayed language skills and lower IQ levels typical of ASD, Asperger's individuals may even have above average IQ's.
What symptoms do they show instead?
Asperger's afflicted children will often still have the delays in the motor skills, the inability to interact properly in social interactions, limited if not complete absence of understanding of things like humour or sarcasm. The social cues of language and humour that we use to make jokes or add sarcasm to a conversation are often well outside the realm of their understanding.
They may also exhibit sensory issues, such as strong dislikes for smells or certain textures and the inability to cope with other stimuli, that other individuals have no issues coping with. Strong odors, or even rough textures can bring them out of sorts. This is why many children with autism will only be able to wear one type of fabric for their clothing, as well as for their blankets, as any other type can be quite upsetting to them.
Another important thing to note, is that unlike autism, which is easily diagnosed in childhood, Asperger's in much more commonly diagnosed in teens and adults. This is simply due to the milder affects of ASD on the teen or adult during childhood, and the lack of the major delays associative of autism.
No matter where on the autism spectrum a child or adult falls, they will need extra help and attention being able to cope with the world. Between the delays in their development, and their inability to understand the world around them, a lot of love and care needs to be given to help them cope with the world and the outside stimuli to the best of their abilities.
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