Kids Awareness Series

Asperger’s syndrome, which is categorized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), under the Pervasive Developmental Disorders differs from Autism in the following ways. 

1.)  There are no significant delays in language

2.)  There are no delays in their cognitive development

3.)  No clinically significant delays in development in self-help skills

4.)  No clinically significant delays in adaptive behaviors

5.)  No delays in curiosity about the environment in childhood

The diagnostic criteria for Asperger’s syndrome are that the child must demonstrate impairment in social interaction as shown by at least two of the following:

1. Impairment in the use of nonverbal behaviors(such as eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures) during social interaction
2. Lack of development of relationships with their peers
3. Failure to seek enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (ie.. a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people
4. Failure to reciprocate emotions or social gestures

The child must also demonstrate restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:

1. Encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal in intensity or focus
2. Apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
3. Stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (ie.. hand flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements
4. Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

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