Asperger syndrome is a mild form of autism (not all autistics are nonverbal and minimally responsive). The main diagnostic difference between Asperger syndrome and "classic" autism is that in Asperger syndrome there is no "significant" language delay, while children with autism typically don't learn to speak until several years later than "normal" and sometimes not at all. All other autistic characteristics can be present in both disorders to varying degrees. Both autism and Asperger syndrome are in the category of pervasive developmental disorders (also known as the "autistic spectrum" or "autistic continuum") with the most severe autism at the low end and Asperger syndrome near the high end, and shading into "normal" with those who have one or two traits -- not enough to be diagnosed with anything. Less severe autism overlaps a bit with more severe Asperger syndrome on the spectrum; in fact, "high-functioning" autism and Asperger syndrome are considered by many to be indistinguishable in adulthood, with history of language development pretty much determining which diagnosis is given.

Asperger syndrome was first described by Dr. Hans Asperger in Austria in 1944, about the same time as Dr. Leo Kanner was describing "infantile autism" (the more severe form) in the U.S.A. Dr. Asperger's works were not translated to English until the 1970s, and Asperger syndrome has only recently begun to be recognized in the U.S.A., since its inclusion in the DSM-IV in 1994.

Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder of neurological origin. It is not a mental illness, nor is it a disease; it cannot be "cured," but compensation strategies can be learned. Individuals with Asperger syndrome cannot "choose" to think, behave, and interact "normally." We are "wired" differently. There is evidence that certain parts of the brain may be physically underdeveloped.

The main characteristic of Asperger syndrome is a complete or almost complete inability to perceive social cues. Think of us as "social-blind." We can communicate with others strictly through words but have little concept of other forms of communication, including eye contact. Many of us can only talk about concrete topics and, when comfortable with individuals to whom we are speaking, tend to perseverate on specific topics, coming back to the same topic over and over and having trouble ending conversations if we are not finished saying what we wanted to say. This causes many problems socially, as we are perceived to be eccentric, strange, socially inept, and aloof, and it is very difficult for many individuals with Asperger syndrome to hold jobs as a result. It would seem that there is more likelihood of success in jobs that are less social, such as working with computers, but independence -- being able to work at one's own pace and in one's own way -- is also important. Even though Asperger syndrome is not as obviously disabling as "classic" autism, we are in an even more difficult situation in some ways since our disability is "invisible," and we are expected to be "normal" and to participate normally in society when that is an impossibility for us.

There are frequently sensory problems, and many people with Asperger syndrome do not like to be touched and will avoid hugs or other physical contact. Many are sensitive to noise, particularly loud and/or high-frequency sounds. Some have a very acute sense of time. Others have almost no sense of time, which would make the person appear to "procrastinate" and do things slowly, even though the person does not realize that he/she is doing so. Something that goes along with that is a tendency to spend long periods of time doing things that others consider low-priority, particularly in studying rather narrow interests, leaving little time for things that may be more important; this sometimes leads to the label of "lazy." Many tend to collect or accumulate things (some call it being a "packrat"). Often, a person with Asperger syndrome will have specific repetitive or ritual actions or behaviors and may rock or do other things that may be considered "odd." Other traits include clumsiness, naiveté, and sometimes the presence of symptoms of related disorders, like Tourette syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or attention deficit disorder.

On the plus side, many with Asperger syndrome are highly intelligent, analytical, and have very good memories for facts and details. But knowing how to score well on IQ tests isn't enough to function in society if there are serious social deficits. Interestingly, some think that Albert Einstein had Asperger syndrome. Bill Gates also displays many Asperger traits.

Those with Asperger syndrome usually realize that they are "different" but don't know why. I spent years trying to make friends, never understanding why nobody else was interested in being friends with me. I still can't figure out what I was doing wrong (or not doing right). I was well aware, ever since I was in elementary school, that I did not "fit in."

Many adults only find out that they have Asperger syndrome when they have children diagnosed with Asperger syndrome or autism and recognize the characteristics in themselves (there seems to be a genetic component). Unfortunately, most physicians and psychologists will not recognize it, especially in adults, due to unfamiliarity with the disorder, giving misdiagnoses of various types of mental illnesses and personality disorders. Local autism centers should have information and be able to help in finding a doctor familiar with Asperger syndrome if one would like to be evaluated for it.