Home > School and Learning > Learning Differences > Asperger's Syndrome > The Six Characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome

Slideshow Iconslideshows MORE

|

The Six Characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome

Previous
2 of 7
FatherandSonTalking,HearttoHeartTalk
Next

Impairments in Language Skills

Those with Asperger's syndrome have very specific problems with language, especially with pragmatic use of language, which is the social aspect. That is, they see language as a way to share facts and information (especially about special interests), not as a way to share thoughts, feelings, and emotions. The child will display difficulty in many areas of a conversation processing verbal information, initiation, maintenance, ending, topic appropriateness, sustaining attention, and turn taking. The child's prosody (pitch, stress, rhythm, or melody of speech) can also be impaired. Conversations may often appear scripted or ritualistic. That is, it may be dialogue from a TV show or a movie. They may also have difficulty problem solving, analyzing or synthesizing information, and understanding language beyond the literal level.

Use this printable checklist to determine your child's language skills.

Next: Narrow Range of Interests and Insistence on Set Routines

From Parenting Your Asperger Child by Alan Sohn, Ed.D., and Cathy Grayson, M.A. Copyright © 2005. Used by arrangement with Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

If you'd like to buy this book, click here or on the book cover. Get a 15% discount with the coupon code FENPARENT.

you might also like:

from our community:

what’s hot

  1. Top 10 End-of-the-Year Gifts for Teachers
  2. 10 Gender-Predicting Old Wives' Tales
  3. Top 12 Fundraising Ideas
  4. VIEW ALL

stay connected

Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

editor’s picks

highlights

8 Printable Thank-You Cards for Teachers
As the end of the school year approaches, it's nice to thank your favorite educators for all their hard work. Print any of these free printable teacher appreciation cards to show your gratitude in a cute and simple way.

Great Gift Ideas for Dad's First Father's Day
Every dad's first Father's Day is a special one. Honor Daddy's important new role with a fun and heartfelt gift from you and your baby.

Explore Funbrain Jr. with Your Preschooler
Looking for fun online games, adorable stories, and cool printables for preschoolers and kindergartners? Check out the new Funbrain Jr., a fun place to learn for children ages 2 to 6.

11 Succulent Vegetarian Recipes for the Grill
Barbecue season isn't just for meat-lovers! These vegetarian recipes for the grill are a healthy and delicious alternative to typical barbecue fare.