What are some common signs or symptoms of Asperger syndrome?
The most distinguishing symptom of Asperger syndrome is a child’s obsessive interest in a single object or topic to the exclusion of any other. Some children with Asperger syndrome have become experts on vacuum cleaners, makes and models of cars, even objects as odd as deep fat fryers. Children with Asperger syndrome want to know everything about their topic of interest and their conversations with others will be about little else. Their expertise, high level of vocabulary, and formal speech patterns make them seem like little professors. Other characteristics of Asperger syndrome may include: • Limited interests or an unusual preoccupation with a particular subject to the exclusion of other activities • Repetitive routines or rituals • Peculiarities in speech and language, such as speaking in an overly formal manner or in a monotone, or taking figures of speech literally • Socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior and the inability to interact successfully with peers • Problems
