Asperger’s Syndrome is a form of high-functioning autism.  People with Asperger’s Syndrome and/ or high-functioning autism suffer from a ‘triad of impairments’ (social communication, social interaction and social imagination).  You can read more about Asperger’s Syndrome on the National Autistic Society‘s website.

Visit High-Functioning Trafford’s website for help and support with Asperger’s Syndrome and high-functioning autism.

International Asperger’s Day falls each year on 18th February – the birthday of paediatrician Hans Asperger (1906-1980) whose early work was key in identifying autistic spectrum disorders in children.  Although the American Psychiatry Association has begun the process of phasing Asperger’s Syndrome out of its diagnosis manual (to be replaced with a more general diagnosis of high functioning autism), Asperger’s Syndrome remains a real condition.  Thousands of people around the world have a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome and identify with others who have the same condition.

Here are ten ways you can help someone with Asperger’s Syndrome or high-functioning autism deal with day-to-day situations.

1. Help raise awareness of the condition – share this post and let others know about the National Autistic Society or High Functioning Trafford.

2.  Remember that Asperger’s Syndrome/ high-functioning autism is a hidden condition – there may be no outward signs that someone is autistic.  Be understanding.

3.  Avoid making assumptions.  Many autistic people are incredibly gifted – others may be of average ability.  The key to understanding autism is to realise that autistic people are just as unique as ‘neuro-typical’ (i.e. non-autistic) people.  You cannot easily categorise a person on the autistic spectrum.

4.  Be aware of factors that may cause sensory overload.  Autistic people may be super-sensitive to light, touch, sound, smell, etc.  This may lead to them becoming extremely stressed in a way that they cannot easily express.

5.  Be sensitive in conversation.  Autistic people may struggle to make eye contact or they may display ‘odd’ body language.  They may not answer when you speak to them.  They may not look at you when you speak but this doesn’t mean they are not listening.  This doesn’t mean that they are being unfriendly or that they are ignoring you.  They may be unable to take in what you are saying because of overstimulation (see point 4) or they may not have the skills to behave in a way that is accepted as ‘normal’.  People with high-functioning autism may need plenty of processing time, so you may wait have to wait a while to get an answer.

6.  Be careful with words: people with autism tend to take things literally.  If you comment to an autistic person that it’s raining cats and dogs you might get an alarmed response!

7.  If you see a child throwing an uncontrollable tantrum, please ignore it and never make comments or pass judgement on their parents’ ability to discipline them.  Some autistic children do this when stressed: they are not being naughty.

8.  Accept stimming.  People with autism may comfort themselves by ‘stimming’.  This can range from humming to tapping to jumping up and down on the spot.  This enables them to cope in stressful situations.

9.  People with autism tend to need routine and clear expectations: they may dislike or even fear surprises.  Be sensitive to this.

10.  Many people with high-functioning autism do not have a diagnosis.  Keep this in mind when dealing with young people or adults who seem ‘difficult’.  What is difficult behaviour from your point of view might be the only way they can cope with a given situation.