What is Asperger Syndrome?

The following information comes from Autism Victoria www.autismvictoria.org.au.
As mentioned - the effects can be varied. Some kids are quirky, sometimes its hard to tell if it's that or something more. I have italicised how each points apply to Cyclone...so it doesn't seem as dry. Fantastic and well written info though.


A developmental disorder which falls within the Autism Spectrum. Main features of this disorder become obvious during early childhood and remain constant throughout life, although common features and degree of actual impairment can vary. Rarely recognised before the age of 3. More common in boys than girls.
Core features are lack of social skills, limited ability to have a two way conversation and an intense interest in a particular subject. Most of these children attend normal primary schools.

COMMUNICATION

Although these children are often highly articulate, content of speech may be abnormal, tending to be pedantic and often centering on 1 or 2 favourite topics. Sometimes a word or phrase is repeated over and over in stereotyped fashion. Usually, there is a comprehension deficit despite apparent superior verbal skills. Non verbal communication, both expressive and receptive is often impaired.

Cyclone is beautifully spoken, he often surprises people with his language. If you interrupt him when he is trying to tell you something he will get very frustrated if anything interrupts him and begins again from the start of the story, word for word.

When he was about 2.5 years old he told my mother a story about Thomas the Tank Engine - it went for 30 minutes nonstop and she couldn't get a word in edgewise.


SOCIAL INTERACTION

There tends to be impairment in a two way social interaction due to an inability to understand the rules governing social behaviour. A lack of empathy with other and little to no eye contact may be evident. Can appear to be stuck on the egocentric stage of social and emotional development. They tend to perceive the world exclusively from their own point of view. Although interested in social relationships often social contact is made inappropriately.


He wants to play, he wants to have friends but doesn't quite know how to approach other children. Either he runs up and threatens them or launches into a long sermon about how the planets orbit the sun or how what type of weapons a Jedi needs to defeat the Dark Lord.
He doesn't seem to get how games are played, he hates losing and berates himself for not being better to the point it is heartbreaking to hear.


SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

Is often naive and peculiar. Can tend to be intensely attached to particular possessions often engaging in repetitive activities. Resistant to change, coping best when life is predictable. They prefer structure and may concentrate exclusively on matter in which they are interested. Are often known as loners who never quite fit in because of eccentric behaviour, peculiar ways of speaking and a lack of social skills.


Cyclone just wants to build all day. When there have been shared toys (like blocks) at daycare, kindergarten or school he assumes they are his and cannot bear to share them. He builds wonderful structures and others are welcome to help as long as they follow his instruction. If not he berates them horribly and they retreat.

COMMON FEATURES

*Excellent rote memory, absorbs facts easily. *Generally performs well with maths, science and reading. *May be anxious and unable to cope with criticism or imperfection. *Often the victims of teasing and bullying leading to withdrawal into isolated activities. *Can appear to be clumsy and have an unusual gait or stance. Often seen as odd or eccentric. *Language appears good but may have limited content and poor social understanding. *Self interested and lacks empathy.

He walks fine. He isn't clumsy. He gets bullied sometimes because others seem to pick that it's easy to set him off. At least he "brings it" and follows through with his threats rather than talking tough then running off to his mother crying when it doesn't work out. Am I terrible for saying that? I don't care if I am, I hate shit-stirring little bastards. At least Cyclone means what he says.
He says terrible things that upset others though, and doesn't care if they look shocked or upset