Asperger’s syndrome, also known as Asperger disorder (AD), is a developmental disorder that affects an individual’s ability to communicate and socialize with others.

If you notice certain characteristics and symptoms in your child, it is essential to get an evaluation from a professional to seek appropriate treatment.

10 signs that your child might have Asperger’s syndrome

Social Interactions Difficulties

Children with Asperger’s syndrome struggle with social interactions. They may ignore their peers, avoid social occasions (including birthday parties or family events), or prefer to be alone.

They struggle to understand social norms like taking turns, making eye contact, and engaging in small talk. It may seem like they have a lack of interest in socializing, which makes it challenging to form and maintain friendships.

Repetitive Behaviors

Repetitive behaviors are a significant part of Asperger’s syndrome, and children can display a range of unusual or repetitive behaviors.

It can be through repetitive movements (rocking, flapping hands), actions (lining up toys), or speech (echolalia – repeating the words of others). They develop a strong attachment to routines and react intensely when something disrupts their routine or pattern.

Communication Difficulties

Children with Asperger’s syndrome may have trouble with language. They may repeat phrases, speak in a robot-like tone, take language too literally, or talk excessively on a specific topic of interest.

They may have difficulty grasping nonverbal cues, like body language, tone of voice or facial expressions, which can lead to misunderstandings during a conversation.

Lack of Eye Contact

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome may find it uncomfortable to make eye contact while interacting with others. They are typically more comfortable looking at things rather than individuals.

They may find it challenging to hold eye contact or might try to avoid eye contact with others.

Narrow Interest and Hobbies

Children with Asperger’s may have an obsession with certain topics, hobbies, or interests. They may talk extensively about one topic or engage in one activity repetitively.

This difficulty in broadening their interests and hobbies makes it hard for them to participate in other activities that require diverse interests, which limits their socialization.

Related Article Recognizing Asperger’s in your child

Sensory Sensitivities

Children with Asperger’s syndrome can be very sensitive to stimuli in their environment. They may find bright lights, loud noises, certain textures, or tastes overwhelming or unbearable.

Sensory overload can lead to anxiety, discomfort, and distress. Because of these difficulties, they may have difficulty in new environments, like a noisy playground or a crowded shopping center.

Difficulty Understanding Humor

Children with Asperger’s syndrome may have difficulty understanding jokes and sarcasm. They take things too literally and may not know when someone is being sarcastic or using humor.

As a result, they may become confused, anxious, or agitated in social situations.

Anxious or Agressive Tendencies

Children with Asperger’s syndrome may experience high levels of anxiety, leading to aggressive outbursts or withdrawal from social activities.

They may struggle with uncontrolled emotional responses or breakdowns, particularly when their routine is disrupted. This behavior of their can be concerning to others, and in turn, it affects their socialization.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills Underdevelopment

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome may also experience underdevelopment in their fine or gross motor skills development. They may have trouble with hand-eye coordination, balance, or manipulating small objects.

They may be clumsy or have difficulty with activities that involve fine motor coordination, such as writing, coloring, or cutting with scissors.

Difficulty with Change

Children with Asperger’s syndrome may struggle with changes, no matter how small they are. They are often comfortable within a predictable routine, and resistance to change within that routine usually occurs.

They may become upset or agitated when their routine is altered, creating anxiety and making it difficult for them to adjust or cope in different situations.

Conclusion

If you notice any of these signs in your child, or you suspect they have Asperger’s syndrome, early diagnosis and intervention are vital to help them thrive despite their condition.

Early diagnosis can enable supportive therapies, coping skills, and other resources to help a child with Asperger’s to reach their full potential.