- Asperger Syndrome is a form of autism
- People who have Asperger syndrome may have problems understanding that they have to listen as well as talk. They may have problems making friends. They often want to have friends, and they can feel very lonely, but they don't know how to be a friend.
- They are often really interested in things to an unusual level, like computers, cats, cars or space - but they have trouble having a conversation with someone.
- They can be obsessive about something they are interested in, and don't understand that others are not as interested. Their behaviour can seem a bit different or unusual, or it can be really difficult. Sometimes they get very upset and aggressive. They might be called 'eccentric.
- They may choose to talk to people older or younger than themselves. They may like to be playing with a computer rather than with other people, as they don't have to communicate socially with the computer
- They may find it hard to understand the feelings behind a facial expression. They may think that if someone smiles at them in a friendly way, that person wants to be their best friend. They can then be very disappointed when the person wants to be friends with someone else.
- They have trouble understanding the ‘rules' about not interrupting when someone is talking, or how to take turns, or how to share.
- They may be upset by some noises or smells, or by what some things feel like or look like. For example they might hate the feel of shoes on their feet, or how sand feels, or refuse to wear anything that is red.
- They may be surprised when people do something they haven't expected. For example, if someone laughed because of something amusing, they might not know it was funny.
- They like things to happen the same way all of the time
- They are usually repeatedly targeted by bullies because they are different
- Some may do inappropriate things to try and make friends, and this can get them into trouble.They need a lot of understanding and kindness.