Re. Kerry's query, "What is Asperger's syndrome?"
Asperger's syndrome was once thought to be a distinct form of Autism
affecting people of high intelligence, but having distinctive
characteristics. However the opinion now seems to be that it is just one end
of a continuum across the Autistic population, and that these intellectually
more able individuals just manifest the characteristics of autism
differently, partly because they are bright.
Fundamentally it's a question of difficulty with social interaction; lack of
drive to communicate; adherence to repetitive routines and narrow personal
interests. (That's a quick off-the-cuff summary!)
At one end of the continuum the person may simply seem rather self-absorbed,
and shy to the point of awkwardness.
For an excellent description of current oppinion in a readable form, try
"Autism and Asperger syndrome" edited by Uta Frith and published by
Cambridge University Press. (Contributions within from Lorna Wing, Digby
Tantam, Hans Asperger et al.)
Otherwise, the British Autistic Society has leaflets.
Yours, Ron Hinton
>
Dr R.A.L.Hinton
Director, Tactile Diagrams Research Unit &
Senior Tutor to Students with Disabilities
Education Dept.
Loughborough University,
Leics. LE11 3TU
United Kingdom
Tel: 01509-222770 Fax: 01509-223912
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