Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's syndrome (AS) is characterized by social and behavioral disorders also seen in people with autism. However, unlike classic autism, children diagnosed with AS have normal speech progression until about the time they turn four years old. Communication skills eventually reach a point where they are almost as limited as a child with autism. One distinctive aspect of AS that some children exhibit is the intense fascination with peculiar subjects (e.g., weather forecast, airplane schedules, historical dates). Once a specific area of interest is identified, they develop a deep knowledge of the topic that is rather extraordinary in comparison to others. Children with AS are likely to be disinterested in hobbies and activities enjoyable to their peers, which further distances them from the group. AS is not as disabling as autism and may even be undetectable until the child reaches middle school--a time when their hang-ups and social ineptitude become more evident.

Some AS patients also have a neuropsychological disorder called Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD). Also known as Right Hemispheric Insufficiency due to the belief that the abilities impacted are controlled by the right half of the brain, children with NVLD struggle to perform numerous information-processing skills such as:

Organization.
Adjusting to change.
Figuring out math problems.
Spatial perception (affects balance, sense of direction, and the skills required to comprehend data portrayed in pictures or charts as opposed to words).
Motor functions (affects ability to write or engage in an activity requiring hand-eye coordination such as tennis).
Implied reasoning (decision-making based on inferences, not what is obvious).
Social skills (e.g., recognizing when it is someone's turn to talk, understanding nonverbal behavior and emotions.

Those with NVLD are often eloquent speakers, but they are unable to put their thoughts into written format. Students suffering from any symptoms of NVLD may become discouraged when confronted with academic and social scenarios, especially in the years following grade school. Due to these setbacks, children with NVLD may not excel in athletic competition, feel alone, and be accused of indolence if they are consumed by a seemingly reasonable assignment. It is reasons like this that NVLD patients can become depressed or experience social anxiety.

If you or someone you know has a child with AS, you may deserve government benefits. A Florida social security disability lawyer will be able to discuss this in greater detail with you.