What are the similarities and differences between Asperger syndrome and autism?
• Behavioural difficulties: these are an important part of the diagnosis of AS, as with autism; • Language: children with Asperger syndrome usually have fewer problems with language than those with autism, often speaking fluently, though their words can sometimes sound formal or stilted. • Coexisting learning difficulties: boys and girls with Asperger syndrome do not usually have the accompanying learning disabilities associated with autism; in fact they are often of average or above average intelligence. • Verbal skills: children’s good verbal skills mask a tendency to rely on literal meaning and an inability to read body language and facial expressions. • Social skills: children with AS make better efforts to adapt socially – they have a genuine desire to make social contact. • Anxiety: this features significantly in the lives of those affected. Anxiety is often related to low self-esteem, fear of failure, fear of being misunderstood and of not understanding others. Additionally, gir
