Autism-World

Q: I have a brother who is “high functioning” but, on his paperwork, it says “mild autism” could it be aspergers? what is really the difference between these?

Answer:
Children with Autism (high functioning or not) have language delays. Children with Asperger’s have relatively normal language development. Children with autism are frequently seen as aloof and uninterested in others. This is not the case with Asperger’s Disorder. Individuals with Asperger’s Disorder usually want to fit in and have interaction with others; they simply don’t know how to do it. They may be socially awkward, not understanding conventional social rules, or may show a lack of empathy. They may have limited eye contact, seem to be unengaged in a conversation, and not understand the use of gestures.

Another distinction between Asperger’s Disorder and autism concerns cognitive ability. While some individuals with Autism experience mental retardation, by definition a person with Asperger’s Disorder cannot possess a “clinically significant” cognitive delay and most possess an average to above average intelligence.

While motor difficulties are not a specific criteria for Asperger’s, children with Asperger’s Disorder frequently have motor skill delays and may appear clumsy or awkward.

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This entry was posted on Saturday, September 1st, 2007 at 9:39 pm and is filed under Ask and answer.