Definitions for "Asperger's Syndrome"
a developmental behavior disorder that is characterized by social skills deficits, social withdrawal, and repetitive behaviors; thought to be similar to autism but without the language impairment
A condition at the more able end of the Autistic spectrum. Essential features of Asperger's are severe and sustained impairment in social interaction and the development of restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, and activities. There are no clinically significant delays in language, cognitive development or in the development of age-appropriate self-help skills, adaptive behaviour (other than in social interaction), and curiosity about the environment in childhood. Unlike people with 'classic autism' who often appear withdrawn and uninterested in the world around them, many people with Asperger's syndrome try hard to be sociable and do not dislike human contact.
People with Asperger's Syndrome appear to demonstrate normal cognitive and language development ( though the onset of speech may be slightly delayed). They are less obviously socially impaired than children with autism, and may develop relationships with parents and other family members. It is with peers that the qualitative impairments in reciprocal social interaction become most apparent. They may also have unusual or elaborate preoccupations with objects or topics.