Asperger’s syndrome is a developmental disorder in which children have significant problems with social interaction and communication. They may also engage in repetitive behaviors or display a fixation on certain interests. Asperger’s syndrome usually manifests between ages 2 and 6, although it may not be evident until many years later and often goes undiagnosed until young adulthood. The problems in social relations are quite severe in patients with the disorder, and can interfere with learning basic skills.

The causes of Asperger’s syndrome and other autistic spectrum disorders remain unknown. Widespread brain abnormalities may contribute to Asperger’s syndrome. In addition, the disorder appears to have a strong genetic component.

Children with Asperger’s syndrome typically have normal-to-high levels of intelligence and verbal skills, but are very awkward when interacting with others and display a fixation with certain topics of interest. Boys are three to four times more likely than girls to have the disorder, according to the NINDS. This disorder has only recently been widely recognized. As a result, guidelines for diagnosing and treating Asperger’s syndrome are still being established.

Children with Asperger’s syndrome display many of the symptoms of patients with high-functioning autism. However, unlike autism, mental retardation typically does not occur in patients with Asperger’s syndrome. Children with Asperger’s syndrome do not experience delays in language and cognitive development, but are likely to display less-accomplished verbal and nonverbal skills than children with high-functioning autism. Children with Asperger’s syndrome are also more likely to think imaginatively and to have mild motor coordination difficulties than children with high-functioning autism.

To outsiders, children with Asperger’s syndrome may appear rude or “odd.” In some cases, children with Asperger’s syndrome may see their condition improve as they grow older, whereas in others social difficulties may become more obvious. It is not uncommon for adolescents with this disorder to become anxious or depressed as they come to recognize their differences.

Difficulties with social interaction remain a lifelong problem for many people with Asperger’s syndrome. Adult patients may have an increased desire to form friendships but their inability to grasp conventions of social interaction may pose an obstacle to such relationships. As a result, these patients sometimes form friendships with people much older or younger than themselves.