Autism Spectrum Disorder.docx

The second type of Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) is Asperger syndrome(AS). Asperger syndrome is “a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by autistic social dysfunction and isolated idiosynchratic interests, in the presence of normal intelligence. There is no history of language delay”(APA,1994;WHO.1993). There are two main symptom areas in Asperger syndrome which are having persistent difficulties with social communication and social interaction, and also having restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour activities or interests (Wing,1981;1991). Similarly to autistic people, those who with Asperger syndrome have difficulties in interpreting social rules and body language. This will lead to their confusion and misunderstanding when communicate with others. In addition, they are difficult to understand or use facial expressions, tone of voice, jokes, sarcasm and abstract concepts. They tend to keep on repeating what others said because it is hard for them to understand the conversations at the first place. The difficulties in recognising or understanding others’ feeling. They may appear to be unconcerned and they may find that seeking comfort from other people is out of their concern. That is why they are having difficult in forming and maintaining their friendships. Besides, people with Asperger syndrome prefer daily routines and rules. They are not able to accept the sudden changes in their routines and always attach to the same routines. For example, they are always want to travel the same way to their daily destination such as school or workplace. They also eat the same food for breakfast. Furthermore, those who with Asperger syndrome may very sensitive to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, lights, colors, temperatures or pain. For example, they are sensitive to spinning objects and light and it may cause them to captivate on that things.