Aspergers syndrome

Asperger’s syndrome is an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Children are diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, rather than another ASD, if they have age-appropriate language skills and intellectual ability.

The key distinction between Asperger’s syndrome and other ASDs is the lack of a learning difficulty. This means that Asperger’s syndrome and high functioning autism can be very similar in terms of presenting needs.

Asperger’s syndrome tends to cause children to seem overly mature, with an associated difficulty in expressing themselves, especially emotions, and understanding verbal and non-verbal communication. Children with Asperger’s syndrome can also tend to develop intense interests and lack flexible thinking.

We have worked with numerous children with Asperger’s syndrome. The impact of this difficulty can vary significantly between each child but in all cases Asperger’s syndrome results in special educational needs (SEN). In some cases, SEN additional support may be adequate, whereas in others an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will be necessary. Careful assessment of the impact of the child’s needs is required to establish the necessary level of support and special educational needs advice should be sought.