NINDS Asperger Syndrome Information Page

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Autismo en Español

EDUCATIONAL HELPS ...

A publication of National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Reviewed 10-06-2003
Approx. 4 pages when printed.

What is Asperger Syndrome?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
Related NINDS Publications and Information

What is Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger syndrome (AS), one of the autistic spectrum disorders, is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by an inability to understand how to interact socially. AS is commonly recognized after the age of 3. People with high-functioning autism are generally distinguished from those with AS because autism is associated with marked early language delay. Other characteristics of AS include clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements, limited interests or unusual preoccupations, repetitive routines or rituals, speech and language peculiarities, and non-verbal communication problems. Generally, children with AS have few facial expressions. Many have excellent rote memory, and become intensely interested in one or two subjects (sometimes to the exclusion of other topics). They may talk at length about a favorite subject or repeat a word or phrase many times. Children with AS tend to be self-absorbed, have difficulty making friends, and are preoccupied with their own interests.

Is there any treatment?

There is no specific course of treatment or cure for AS. Treatment may include psychotherapy, parent education and training, behavioral modification, social skills training, educational interventions, and medications for specific behavioral symptoms.

What is the prognosis?

Children with AS have a better outlook than those with other forms of pervasive developmental disorders, but in most cases, these individuals will continue to demonstrate difficulties in social interactions. There is also an increased risk for development of psychosis (a mental disorder) and/or mood problems such as depression and anxiety.

What research is being done?

The NINDS conducts and supports a broad range of research on developmental disorders, including AS. The goals of these studies are to increase understanding of disease mechanisms and to find ways to treat, prevent, and ultimately cure these disorders.

Select this link to view a list of all studies currently seeking patients.

Organizations

Information temporarily unavailable. Please check back Tuesday, May 4, 2005. Thank you for your patience.

Related NINDS Publications and Information

Autism

Autism information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Autism Fact Sheet

Autism fact sheet developed by NINDS, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Autismo

Información del autismo del Instituto nacional de desórdenes y del movimiento neurológicos/Spanish-language fact sheet on autism compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

Provided by: The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD 20892

December 2003

Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

Reviewed October 9, 2003

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