What is Asperger's Syndrome?
Understanding Asperger's Syndrome from TSC
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Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder that affects a child's ability to socialize and communicate effectively with others. Doctors group AS with other conditions that are called "autistic spectrum disorders" or "pervasive developmental disorders," all involving problems with social skills and communication. Asperger's is considered to be at the milder end of this spectrum. These disorders are present at birth, but the signs of the disorders usually are noticed during the child's first three years. Asperger's syndrome can affect people of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds, although it is three to four times more common among men. Because AS is one of the autism spectrum disorders, you may want to learn about the similarities and differences of all of them. For more information on Asperger's Syndrome, The National Institute of Mental Health can help.
