Eccentric adults have always existed, but until recently, Asperger’s syndrome wasn’t recognized as a possible cause of odd adult behavior. Asperger’s syndrome, one of the neurological disorders on the autism spectrum, can be mild, causing only somewhat unusual behavior, or severe, causing almost complete inability to function in society without assistance. Adults with Asperger’s, like children with the disorder, have trouble deciphering the normal rules of society, which impacts their home, work and social lives.
Social Symptoms
Social difficulties are one of the hallmarks of Asperger’s syndrome. Unlike people with autism, who withdraw from other people, people with Asperger’s often want to fit in but don’t know how, Ami Klin, Ph.D., and Fred R. Volkmar, M.D., Yale Child Study Center explain. The inability to “read” other people’s social signals or to display empathy for other’s problems leads to awkward social encounters. A person with Asperger’s syndrome may monopolize a conversation with long monologues or make shockingly rude comments that hurt others feelings. They don’t do this deliberately, and are quite remorseful when told that their behaviors hurt others or are inappropriate, the Better Health Channel states.
Communication Symptoms
People with Asperger’s often communicate poorly with others. Many talk incessantly, often about topics that others have no interest in. Their thought patterns may be scattered and difficult to follow and never come to a point, Klin and Volkmar state. Speech patterns may have an odd cadence or lack the proper inflections. A person with Asperger’s may have difficulty understanding humor and may take what’s said too literally.
Cognitive Symptoms
While people with Asperger’s syndrome are often of above-average intelligence, they may process information more slowly than normal, the Asperger’s Association of New England (AANE) explains, making it difficult to participate in discussions or activities that require quick thinking. People with Asperger’s may have trouble with organization and seeing the “big picture,” often focusing on one aspect of a project or task. Most are rigid and inflexible, making transitions of any type difficult.
Physical Symptoms
Adults with Asperger’s syndrome are often physically awkward. Many have a peculiar walk, poor posture or general clumsiness or difficulty with physical tasks, according to Klin and Volkmar.
Emotional Symptoms
Unlike people with autism, people with Asperger’s want to fit in with others. Their social- and work-related difficulties can cause anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, obsessive compulsive behaviors and depression. They may feel disconnected and distant from the rest of the world, a feeling called “wrong planet” syndrome, according to AANE.
About this Author
Sharon Perkins has worked as a registered nurse in oncology, labor/delivery, neonatal intensive care, infertility and ophthalmology. Perkins started writing professionally for the Wiley “Dummies” series in 2001, and has co-authored seven books for the series, and acted as developmental editor for several more. Perkins received her registered nursing degree from Western Oklahoma State College in 1986.
