Characteristics of Asperger's and Autism
Asperger's is known as a disorder that falls under the "autism spectrum." The autism spectrum is a general grouping of psychological disorders. The primary symptoms of the autism spectrum of disorders involve difficulties with social interaction and communication. Other symptoms of the autism spectrum of diseases include behavior that is either repetitive or restricted, as well as very limited interests. One of the difficulties with diagnosing these types of disorders is that many people have some of these symptoms and it is difficult to draw a sharp line between normal and pathological behavior.
Asperger's Syndrome
Because Asperger's is included in autism spectrum of disorders, people with Asperger's tend to have trouble with interacting socially as well as certain stereotypically limited behavior patterns and interests. One of the differences between Asperger's and the other disorders in the autism spectrum is that there are relatively few deficits in cognitive and linguistic development. This means that a child with Asperger's has relatively normal language development and will be able to speak using words and sentences at a normal age. For this and other reasons, Asperger's is often thought of as a "milder" form of autism.
Autism
Autism is generally thought of the textbook example of an autism spectrum disorder. The symptoms---problems with social interaction and with repetitive behavior---are generally thought of as having a very strong basis in genetics. The exact genes involved and their mutations, however, have not been identified. There are other theories as to the causes of autism, including an increased risk as a result of receiving childhood vaccines, but these are not well supported. Autism affects the brain, but the exact way in which the brain is affected is not known.
Tags: autism spectrum, Asperger Syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, difficulties with, generally thought