Key Facts About Asperger Syndrome Every Parent Should Know

Asperger syndrome has been recognized as a mild autism spectrum disorder since the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual was published in 2013. Asperger's is often considered a 'high-functioning' form of autism because children with the disorder are able to develop cognitive abilities that match or exceed those of healthy children. However, their social skills may be impaired, affecting their ability to interact with others. Here are facts every parent should know about Asperger's.

What Is Asperger’s?

Asperger’s is a neurological disorder that is considered to be a mild form of autism. Its symptoms are less severe than those of autism. Many people with Asperger’s are often considered to have above-average cognitive skills but struggle to maintain their attention. Unlike children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, who lack an ability to focus, children with Asperger's focus obsessively on specific and often unusual topics.

This is why many people with the disorder are able to become experts on niche topics. Children and adults with Asperger’s have been described as socially awkward and lacking social maturity. However, most of them can perform day-to-day tasks and are able to function capably without intervention.