Some Children with Autism Do Make Wonders

Asperger's syndrome was named for an Austrian doctor named Hans Asperger, who first described the disorder in 1944. However, Asperger's syndrome was not recognized as a unique disorder until much later.

Although Asperger's syndrome is similar in some ways to autism -- another, more severe type of PDD -- there are some important differences. Children with Asperger's syndrome typically function better. Some children with AS are highly functioning, have generally normal intelligence and near normal language development, however they may have problems in communication as they grow older.

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What Are the Symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome?

The symptoms of Asperger's syndrome vary and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

1. Problems with social skills: Children with Asperger's syndrome generally have difficulty interacting with others and often are awkward in social situations. They generally do not make friends easily.

2. Eccentric or repetitive behaviors: Children with this condition may develop odd, repetitive movements, such as hand wringing or finger twisting.

3. Unusual preoccupations or rituals: A child with Asperger's syndrome may develop rituals that he or she refuses to alter, such as getting dressed in a specific order.

4. Communication difficulties: People with Asperger's syndrome may not make eye contact when speaking with someone. They may have trouble using facial expressions and gestures, and understanding body language. They also tend to have problems understanding language in context.

5. Limited range of interests: A child with Asperger's syndrome may develop an intense, almost obsessive, interest in a few areas, such as sports schedules, weather, or maps.

6. Coordination problems: The movements of children with Asperger's syndrome may seem clumsy or awkward.

7. Skilled or talented: Many children with Asperger's syndrome are exceptionally talented or skilled in a particular area, such as music or math.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the "Aspies" (children with asperger's) are known for having a "world" of their own. They hardly connect with people, more so communicate or interact with others. They do not even look straight to the eyes with you speak with them. Social skills of these children are described below:

1. A preference for adult company.

2. The rules of sharing and listening are often misunderstood and the child may dominate conversations and play time.

3. Children with Asperger's syndrome often have a special interest that may border on an obsession. They are prone to giving long monologues on their interest that will bore most children as well as adults.

4. Their attempts at friendship are often clumsy and may come across as rude and immature.

5. Asperger's syndrome is marked by the tendency to interpret everything literally. This means that sarcasm and figures of speech do not make much sense in a social context to them.

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Bill Gates, the phenomenally successful billionaire CEO of Microsoft, has been diagnosed by amateur, "armchair physicians" on the internet and in the media for years. His legendary eccentricities, including the habit of "rocking" and a disdain for the opinions of others,which has led many to speculate that he is an "Aspie," or sufferer of asperger's. While no doctor has ever given Mr. Gates an official diagnosis, he stands as a hero for many Aspies who look to his success with hope. Other famous personality believed to have been suffering of AS were Albert Eistein, Isaac Newton, Leonardo da Vinci, Satoshi Tajiri (creator of pokemon), and Ludweg van Beethoven.