http://www.as-if.org.uk/downloads.htm#Free%20Lealfet offers a
leaflet to download and print out. Explains Asperger's in simple
language. What a nifty idea, to help in seeking support from any
who might be part of your current life. Triad of impairments? Ah,
probably a good idea to elaborate on that, since I'm puzzled. -Zer
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp explains it thus:
> Asperger Syndrome is a condition which forms part of the
Autistic Spectrum, it is caused by a biological brain dysfunction.
In order for there to be a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder,
there have to be impairments in three main areas:-
> i. Communication - concrete understanding of language and
formal, monologue type use of speech and a distinct difficulty in
interpreting non-verbal forms of communication.
> ii. Social interaction - difficulty in relating on a social level to
others, inability to read the thoughts and feelings of others;
forming relationships is a problem area.
> iii. Imagination - rigid and inflexible ways of thinking associated
with obsessions and stereotyped behaviours and a resistance
to change. Alongside this is poor motor co-ordination which may
appear as a physical clumsiness.
> Characteristics specific to Asperger syndrome
(as opposed to other areas of the autistic spectrum) are:
> * Language peculiarities - including overly dull speech,
speaking in a monotone, hyper-correct use of grammar and
vocabulary, semantic pragmatic problems (i.e. although
vocabulary may appear quite advanced, it may be used in
inappropriate situations, and may also be quite 'empty', i.e. the
individual does not always have a thorough comprehension of
the words they are using)
> * Imposition of rules and routines - obsessional insistence on
sameness, that is also imposed on others. Can sometimes
lead to phobias and avoidance behaviour.
> * Non-verbal communication problems - may include blank
facial expressions, limited eye contact, lack of understanding of
sarcasm or irony (as the Asperger individual takes language very
literally, when a tone of voice or a raised eyebrow can completely
change the meaning of seemingly genuine words, they will not
interpret these visual, non verbal cues and therefore will miss
the intended meaning of the conversation)
> * Clumsiness - may include poor gross motor skills, poor
co-ordination, ungainly movement, trouble learning certain
activities (e.g. riding a bike), or performing certain tasks (e.g.
balancing on one leg to put on shoes etc.)
> * Problems with social relationships - there will be problems
with making friends in the first instance, and then in maintaining
the relationship. This is not a phase the person is going through;
there will always be problems interacting with peers. As a child
the individual may have preferred the company of adults, or may
have sought out younger playmates (whose social skills were
less complex and therefore easier to understand).
> * An overriding, all pervasive single (and usually odd) interest -
this is not just a hobby or a normal fad, it is more far reaching
and obsessional in nature. ....
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Source: http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp