Often regarded as a milder form of autism, Asperger's syndrome is a developmental disorder that has an impact on a person's ability to communicate and socialize effectively with other people. Children and adults who suffer from Asperger's syndrome tend to exhibit different types of awkwardness in social situations, and also may exhibit an all-absorbing interest in very specific topics and ideas.

Asperger's syndrome is grouped with a number of other conditions known as autistic spectrum disorders. All of these disorders involve problems relating to social skills and communication. While Asperger's is thought to be a mild form of the disorders in this spectrum, it still involves noticeable symptoms that can be difficult for the individual to deal with regularly. While there is no known cure for this disorder, there are forms of treatment that can improve interaction in social situations.

Some of the signs and symptoms that are associated with this disorder include engaging in conversations that are one-sided and long winded without even noticing whether or not the listener is listening, showing an intense obsession with narrow subjects like weather, train schedules or sports statistics and displaying unusual forms of nonverbal communication such as a lack of eye contact, awkward gestures or body postures and few facial expressions. People who are suffering from Asperger's Syndrome may have a difficult time reading other people, or they may not appear to understand humor. Additionally, they may appear not to understand other people's feelings, or they may appear to be insensitive about them. They may move clumsily and without any coordination, and their gait may be rigid, or their posture odd.

Children all do have quirks and unique personality characteristics, so it may be difficult to diagnose Asperger's in toddlers and young children because it is much more natural for them to be egocentric. When children begin to show frequent problems in school, or when they seem to be having difficulty making friends, those might be indicators that you should consult a physician. Doctors and researchers are not yet sure what it is that causes Asperger's, although a strong genetic component has been considered. The disorder has also been linked to a number of structural abnormalities that exist in a number of different regions within the brain.

Diagnosis of this disorder will begin with the physician asking questions about the behavior of the person who may be suffering from it. The doctor will want to know what symptoms have presented them selves and how long they have been presenting for. It is also important to address whether or not the behaviors have been occasional or continuous, and whether or not there is anything that seems to improve the symptoms. Asperger's syndrome can vary significantly in signs and severity, meaning that an official diagnosis can be difficult to make.

Asperger's disorder cannot be cured, though there are specialized interventions that are capable of focusing on social skills training as well as behavior management in order to address the more severe symptoms that they exhibit. Working closely with a trained physician is necessary when dealing with Asperger's syndrome and its numerous social and behavioral symptoms.