Asperger’s syndrome is considered to be a form of autism, which is a lifelong disability that affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes information and relates to others. People with Asperger’s Syndrome have usually difficulties in three main areas: social communication, social interaction and social imagination.

Sometimes these problems are noticed soon after birth, but more often they become apparent at the second or third year of a child's life. While there are some similarities with autism, people with Asperger’s syndrome have fewer problems with speaking and are often of average, or above average, intelligence. They may have specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia and dyspraxia or other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and epilepsy. However with the right support and encouragement, they are likely to be able to lead full and independent lives.

References

What is Asperger’s Syndrome? The National Autistic Society: www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=212

Factsheet 12: Autism and Asperger's syndrome: for parents and teachers Mental Health and Growing Up, Third Edition, The Royal College if Psychiatrists: www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinfoforall/mentalhealthandgrowingup/12autismandaspergers.aspx

Find Out More and Seek Help

The National Autistic Society: www.autism.org.uk
It champions the rights and interests of all people with autism and aims to provide individuals with autism and their families with help, support and services that they can access, trust and rely upon and which can make a positive difference to their lives.

MENCAP: www.mencap.org.uk
It’s the voice of learning disability. "Everything we do is about valuing and supporting people with a learning disability and their families and carers".

Guideline on Autism Spectrum Disorder: www.sign.ac.uk/pdf/pat98young.pdf
In children and young people aimed at parents, carers and young people.

Websites

Autistic Society: www.autisticsociety.org/
An excellent and easily navigable site providing lots of information about most aspects of autism and Asperger's syndrome. There are links to current medical research, news updates, and medications. There are also forums for carers, lists of alternative treatments, and advice on various legal issues.

On-line Asperger’s Syndrome Information and Support (OASIS): www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger
Information is provided about related disorders, social skills, education, including links to research papers and support groups. There are also sections for children, and to express thoughts about autism.

Department of Health Learning Disabilities: www.dh.gov.uk/en/SocialCare/Deliveringadultsocialcare/DH_079431
This site aims to provide up to date information from the Government for professionals in the field, and is working on being accessible to learning disabled people themselves. Content is comprehensive, navigation easy and there are an impressive number of links and essential downloadable PDF documents.

Pediatric Development Behavior Homepage: www.dbpeds.org
This site is designed to promote effective treatment and outcome for children and families affected by learning, developmental and behavioral problems. The site provides access to clinical and educational information including short articles for parents, links to other relevant internet sites, job and research opportunities and hosts a developmental and behavioral pediatrics discussion list for professionals.

Further Readings

Andrews, D.N. (2006), ‘'Mental health issues surrounding diagnosis, disclosure and self-confidence in the context of Asperger’s Syndrome'
In Murray D. Coming out Asperger. London: Jessica Kingsley, pp. 94-107. Available from the NAS Information Centre.

Attwood T. (2006). 'Psychotherapy'
In Attwood T. The complete guide to Asperger syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley, pp. 316-326. Available from the NAS Information Centre.

Berney, T. (2006). ‘'Psychiatry and Asperger syndrome'’.
In: Murray D. ed. Coming out Asperger. London: Jessica Kingsley, pp. 67-87.Available from the NAS Information Centre.

Berney, T. (2007). 'Mental health needs of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders'
In Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, Vol. 1(4), pp. 10-14. Available from the NAS Information Centre.

Farrugia, S. and Hudson, J. (2006). 'Anxiety in adolescents with Asperger syndrome: negative thoughts, behavioral problems and life interference'
In Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 21(1), pp. 25-35. Available from the NAS Information Centre.

Konstantareas, M.M. (2005). 'Anxiety and depression in children and adolescents with Asperger syndrome'
In Stoddart K.P. ed. Children, youth and adults with Asperger syndrome: integrating multiple perspectives. London: Jessica Kingsley, pp. 47-59. Available from the NAS Information Centre.

Royal College of Psychiatrists. (2006). 'Psychiatric services for adolescents and adults with Asperger syndrome and other autistic-spectrum disorders'
London: Royal College of Psychiatrists. Download from: www.rcpsych.ac.uk