Asperger's syndrome (AS) is an autism spectrum disorder. It is milder than autism but shares some of its symptoms. It is more common in boys than girls.
An obsessive interest in a single subject is a major symptom of AS. Some children with AS have become experts on dinosaurs, makes and models of cars, even objects as seemingly odd as vacuum cleaners. Their expertise, high level of vocabulary and formal speech patterns make them seem like little professors.
Children with AS have trouble reading social cues and recognizing other people's feelings. They may have strange movements or mannerisms. All of these make it difficult for them to make friends. Problems with motor skills are also common in children with AS. They may be late learning to ride a bike or catch a ball, for example. Treatment focuses on the three main symptoms: poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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Asperger Syndrome
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development) - http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/asperger_syndrome.cfm
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Asperger Syndrome(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/detail_asperger.htm
- Asperger Syndrome(Nemours Foundation) - http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/asperger.html
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Asperger Syndrome(Autism Society of America) - http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=life_aspergers
Also available in Spanish http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=espanol_asperger
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Asperger Syndrome(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Asperger Syndrome(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Asperger+Syndrome%22
- Article: Asperger's syndrome: from hiding to thriving. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18600166&tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Asperger's syndrome: differences between parents' understanding and those diagnosed. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18551831&tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Altered cerebellar feedback projections in Asperger syndrome. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18495494&tool=MedlinePlus
- Asperger's Syndrome -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=asperger+syndrome[majr]+AND+english[la]+AND+humans[mh]+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus
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National Institute of Child Health and Human Development - http://www.nichd.nih.gov/
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National Institute of Mental Health - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
Also available in Spanish http://espanol.ninds.nih.gov/
- Autism - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/autism.html
- Children and Teenagers - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/childrenandteenagers.html
- Mental Health and Behavior - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mentalhealthandbehavior.html
The primary NIH organization for research on Asperger's Syndrome is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/