Asperger Syndrome - How to Understand People Who See the World Differently? Symptoms, Diagnosis, Daily Life and Support

Asperger Syndrome - learn about the symptoms, causes and ways to support people with this disorder. Find out what everyday life looks like with Asperger's and how to help your loved ones

Each of us perceives the world differently, but for people with Asperger's, these differences can be much greater. For them, reality is full of nuances that can be incomprehensible or overwhelming. What's more, the behavior of people with Asperger's is often mistaken for a lack of empathy, rudeness, or eccentricity. In fact, it's just a different way of looking at the world.

In this article, we explain what exactly Asperger syndrome is, what its symptoms are, where it comes from, and – most importantly – how to effectively support people with this disorder on a daily basis.

What is Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger Syndrome is a developmental disorder that falls within autism spectrum (ASD). People with Asperger's do not have intellectual delays or speech problems, but they do have difficulty with social relationships and understanding social norms.

The syndrome was first described in the 1940s by an Austrian physician Hans Asperger. Today, it is increasingly talked about in the context of neuroatypicality – a different, but not worse, way of functioning of the brain.

Asperger Syndrome Symptoms – What to Look Out For?

While each case is different, there are several common characteristics of Asperger's:

• Difficulties in establishing relationships – people with Asperger’s often do not understand so-called “non-verbal codes” such as body language, gestures or facial expressions.
  
• Lack of flexibility in thinking – they prefer patterns, routines and predictability. Changing plans can cause a lot of stress.
  
• Intense interests – can talk or think for hours about their favourite topic (e.g. trains, space, mathematics).
  
• Problems with emotional empathy – this does not mean they do not feel, but they find it harder to read the emotions of others.
  
• Sensory hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity – some sounds, smells or textures may be unbearable.
  
• Trouble expressing their emotions – they often come across as cold or indifferent, even though deep inside they are experiencing everything very intensely.
  

Causes of Asperger Syndrome– Where Does It Come From?

Scientists have not yet identified a single, specific cause of Asperger's. However, it is known that:

• There is a strong genetic basis
  
• There may be differences in the structure and functioning of the brain.
  
• Environmental factors (e.g. stress during pregnancy) cannot be completely ruled out, but they are less important than genes.
  

Importantly, Asperger's syndrome is the result of poor upbringing, vaccinations, or any parental mistakes.