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Asperger Syndrome

Asperger Syndrome Overview

Asperger syndrome, also known as Asperger disorder or AS, is a pervasive developmental disorder (a spectrum of behavioral disorders including autism). Asperger syndrome is characterized by an inability to understand how to interact socially and a pattern of repetitive behaviors and/or restricted interests. Unlike persons with autism, those with Asperger syndrome do not show a marked delay in language development or cognitive development. Asperger syndrome is commonly recognized in children after the age of 3 years and is more frequently diagnosed in boys.
 
Individuals with Asperger syndrome have serious impairments in their social and communication skills, including poor nonverbal communication. However, many individuals have good cognitive and verbal skills, and typically have normal to superior intelligence. Many have excellent rote memory and become intensely interested in one or two subjects.  
 
Children with Asperger syndrome are typically educated in the mainstream setting but usually require special education services. These children often have difficulty making friends and are often teased or bullied by their peers.



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Asperger Syndrome

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Overview

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by the sufferer experiencing either obsessions or compulsions that occur repeatedly and persistently and interfere with their daily life. Obsessions are thoughts or worries that intrude on the person's normal thinking and that the sufferer knows are excessive or unwarranted. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors, loosely defined as habits that the sufferer feels compelled to perform and has difficulty resisting that are either done in response to obsessions or follow rigid rules.

Approximately 1%-2% of the general population will likely develop OCD at some time in their life. Those statistics seem to hold in a variety of cultures. It tends to run in families and to occur more often in women than men. On the other hand, some studies indicate that OCD may be more prevalent in boys than girls. There are many famous, accomplished people who suffer fro...

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Pervasive Developmental Disorder: Asperger Syndrome »

Asperger disorder is a form of pervasive developmental disorder characterized by persistent impairment in social interactions, repetitive behavior patterns, and restricted interests.

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