Asperger Syndrome (also called Asperger’s disorder) is one of the autism spectrum disorders – a pervasive developmental disorder which, according to the diagnostic criteria listed below, “causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

The following criterion are from the DSM-IV:

Asperger’s disorder is one of five specific “Pervasive Developmental Disorders” listed:

A. Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:

  • marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
  • failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
  • lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
  • lack of social or emotional reciprocity

B. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:

  • encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity of focus
  • apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
  • stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
  • persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

C. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

D. There is no clinically significant general delay in language e.g., single words used by age two years, communicative phrases used by age three years).

E. There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or in the development of age-appropriate self-help skills, adaptive behavior (other than in social interaction), and curiosity about the environment in childhood.

F. Criteria are not met for another specific pervasive developmental disorder or schizophrenia.

Are you a self-diagnosed adult with Asperger syndrome, or do you know someone who has diagnosed him or herself?  How did you determine you were “officially” on the autism spectrum?  What steps have you taken to act on your self-diagnosis? Do you want a diagnoses? if so why? do you think it will help you? if you havent been diagnosed or would like an assesmemt contact SAAS and we can point you in the right Direction…