condition name:
asperger's syndrome
condition information:
Autism is a developmental disability that affects the way people interact with the world. As a spectrum condition, it affects people in different ways. Asperger's syndrome is considered a type of autism. Affecting an estimated 700,000 people in the UK alone, autism is relatively common.
Autistic individuals will see things differently to other people. It is not a disease, nor is it something that can be 'treated', there are however approaches and support frameworks that can be helpful.
Asperger's syndrome is a diagnostic profile that sits within the autistic spectrum. The developmental disability affects people across the globe regardless of gender, race or social background. People on the autistic spectrum will share similar difficulties but will be affected in different ways. Some autistic people will have learning disabilities and other mental/physical health concerns.
Those diagnosed as Asperger's may not have the learning disabilities often associated with autism, but can have more specific learning difficulties. They typically have fewer problems with speech compared to autistic people, but may still find it hard to understand and process language. Those diagnosed as Asperger's tend to have average or above average intelligence.
