What is Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger Syndrome (AS for short) is a neurological condition characterized by a lack of social understanding, limited ability to have a reciprocal conversation, and an intense interest in a particular subject.  The best way to understand this condition is to think of it as describing someone who perceives and thinks of the world very differently to other people.

Asperger Syndrome is caused by a dysfunction of specific structures and systems in the brain.  Research studies involving the use of brain imaging technology and neuropsychological tests reveal structural and functional  differences in specific regions of the brain.  These differences are most likely caused by abnormalities in embryonic cells during fetal development that affect brain structure and wiring and then goes on to affect the neural circuits that control thought and behavior.  To give you a better analogy, let the wiring in a house represent the wiring in the brain.  In a neurotyical (or "normal") brain, flipping a light switch would turn a light on or off.  In an Aspergian (someone with AS) brain, however, flipping that same light switch would turn the radio or garage door opener on or off.  We could reroute the circuitry in our brains, but that would result in a significantly longer processing and response time.  Such is the case when we learn social interaction skills.  Therefore, we take longer to respond to social cues because we have to consciously think about everything we say or do.

It is critically important to understand that Asperger Syndrome is a neurological condition resulting from anomalies in the physical brain rather than from emotional or behavioral problems.  However, such problems most certainly can, and often do, result from the condition.  An Aspergian has no more control overhow he or she views the world and interprets what is seen heard, felt, or understood than has someone who has suffered a mild stroke or developed Alzheimer's disease.  Asperger Syndrome is a serious, lifelong condition that requires individualized expert intervention and should be treated as such.  While some people describe the condition as a "mild" form of Autism, there is certainly nothing "mild" about the many challenges that we Aspergians face on a daily basis.

It is also known that Autism Spectrum Disorders, including Asperger Syndrome, tend to run in families.  Additional evidence of the genetic link to AS was observed in higher incidences of family members, especially fathers, who have similar behavioral symptoms, but in a limited form.  While a specific gene for AS has yet to be identified, the most recent research indicates that there are most likely a common group of genes whose variations make an individual susceptible to the condition.