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The symptoms of Asperger's disorder match many of the symptoms of Autism.
Prominent among these are the complete disinterest in social interaction
and the preoccupation with nonfunctional rituals. However, Asperger's
patients are not cognitively handicapped; their language develops at a
normal rate, although they may be awkward in their motor movements,
particularly in the preschool period. Asperger's tends to be noticed later
than Autism, but this distinction is becoming more difficult because of
the rising number of cases of Autism that are not noted until the child is
18 months old. Asperger's patients continue to have problems with social
interaction and to have stereotyped patterns of interest and activity
throughout their lives. Asperger's has been rarely diagnosed, but its
frequency appears to be on the increase. It may be,
like Autism, seen more frequently in males, but some researchers believe
that females with the same disorders are given a host of alternative
diagnoses. Last updated 12/19/03 |
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