Asperger's Traits Checklist - Signs and Symptoms in Children & Adults

Asperger's Traits Checklist: Signs and Symptoms in Adults and Children

Asperger's syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition related to autism. It is considered a high-functioning form of autism as those affected often have average or above-average intelligence. People with Asperger's exhibit difficulties with social interactions, communication challenges, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.

There is a wide spectrum when it comes to the severity of symptoms. Some people may just have mild quirks while others show more pronounced behavioral patterns. Using an Asperger's traits checklist can help identify signs of the condition.

Key Symptoms of Asperger's

Here are some of the most common symptoms and traits of Asperger's syndrome:

• Problems picking up on social cues
• Difficulty making eye contact
• Challenges understanding humor, metaphors or figures of speech
• Awkwardness in conversations
• Inability to read subtle facial expressions or body language
• Lack of interest in peer relationships
• Poor empathy or emotional reciprocity
• Dislike of physical contact, may avoid hugs and handshakes
• Difficulty understanding others' perspectives
• Repetitive motor behaviors like rocking or hand flapping

In addition to social and communication difficulties, those with Asperger's often have restricted interests or repetitive behaviors. Examples include:

• Intense interest in niche topics like trains, maps, weather, etc.
• Getting stuck on particular thoughts or concepts
• Repeating words and phrases out of context
• Pacing or rocking the body repeatedly
• Inflexible adherence to routines and order
• Sensitivity to textures, sounds, touch, etc.

Asperger's Traits Checklist in Children

In children, signs of Asperger's often become apparent between the ages of 5 and 9. Here are some behavioral patterns to look for:

• Doesn't respond to name being called
• Avoids or delays eye contact
• Seems to be in own world
• Poor pretend play skills
• Doesn't engage in interactive play with peers
• Unusual tone of voice or speech patterns
• Doesn't understand personal space boundaries
• Lines up toys rather than playing creatively
• Obsessed with particular objects or activities
• Gets frustrated by minor changes in routine
• Shows unwavering honesty or bluntness
• Doesn't understand jokes, irony or sarcasm
• Advanced vocabulary but poor conversation skills
• Clumsy, uncoordinated movements

Keep in mind some of these behaviors overlap with general developmental delays or sensory processing disorders. But if many are present, it may indicate high-functioning autism like Asperger's.

Asperger's Traits in Adolescents

In the tween and teenage years, characteristics of Asperger's become more pronounced as social interactions get more complex. Look for:

• Socially awkward or inappropriate
• Trouble making or keeping friends
• Doesn't understand dating norms
• Poorly fitted or unusual clothing choices
• Lack of interest in pop culture
• Formal, pedantic way of speaking
• Failure to pick up on innuendo or figures of speech
• Clumsy gait or movements
• Bullying or teasing from peers
• Resists changes in timetables or environments
• Prone to overreaction and tantrums
• Preoccupied with a particular topic

Adolescents with undiagnosed Asperger's are at higher risk for struggles like anxiety, depression and behavioral issues due to difficulties fitting in socially.

Asperger's Traits in Adults

In adults, Asperger's symptoms may be more subtle but still affect relationships and work performance. Common signs include:

• Avoids eye contact and prefers minimal facial looking
• Monotone or unusual speech cadence and tones
• Misinterprets sarcasm, metaphors and humor
• Social anxiety or reluctance in groups
• Dislikes physical contact like handshakes or hugging
• Unable to read body language or facial expressions well
• Oversharing personal information
• Little interest in small talk but will infodump on special interests
• Gets frustrated easily by minor disruptions
• Rule-oriented thinking, difficulty with abstract concepts
• Clumsiness, odd gait, repetitive tapping motions

Adults with Asperger's often develop coping mechanisms to help mask some of their social difficulties. But symptoms usually persist and can impact relationships or career advancement.

Diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome

If initial screening reveals a number of potential Asperger's traits based on a checklist, follow-up with a professional evaluation. A diagnosis is made through:

• Developmental history - Looking at developmental milestones and behavior patterns over time.
• Observation - Watching for symptoms during structured activities and free play.
• Questionnaires - Asperger's specific screening tools and general developmental checklists.
• Assessments - Testing cognitive abilities, communication skills, motor skills, etc.
• Interviews - Speaking with parents, teachers, caregivers, and the individual if possible.
• Medical exam - Ruling out conditions with overlapping symptoms like ADHD or intellectual disability.

This comprehensive evaluation is key for an accurate diagnosis, especially since no single definitive test for Asperger's exists. Diagnosis is often a specialist like a developmental pediatrician, psychiatrist, neuropsychologist or clinical psychologist.

Asperger's vs. High-Functioning Autism

High-functioning autism (HFA) refers to autistic people with average or above-average intelligence. Those with HFA exhibit similar symptoms as those with Asperger's, including:

• Difficulty with social interactions
• Repetitive behaviors
• Restricted interests
• Sensory issues

However, some key differences between HFA and Asperger's include:

• Language delays - More common in HFA than Asperger's
• Cognitive abilities - Wider range seen in HFA
• Clumsiness - More pronounced motor delays in HFA
• Age of onset - Symptoms appear earlier in HFA, by age 3

There is much overlap between HFA and Asperger's. Some view them as essentially the same diagnosis, while others maintain they are distinct conditions.

Changes to Diagnostic Criteria

In 2013, the release of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual eliminated Asperger's syndrome as its own separate diagnosis. It was absorbed into the broad diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

However, many professionals and individuals still use the term Asperger's. It refers to the higher functioning end of the autism spectrum.

Asperger's Traits Checklist

Here is an Asperger's traits checklist summarizing some of the most characteristic signs of the condition:

Social Symptoms

• Difficulty making friends
• Resists physical contact like hugs
• Dislikes or avoids eye contact
• Can't read facial expressions well
• Doesn't understand personal space boundaries
• Doesn't engage in pretend play with peers
• Unaware of social rules and etiquette
• Socially awkward or inappropriate
• Can't interpret body language or nonverbal cues

Communication Challenges

• Delayed language development
• Abnormal speech patterns and cadence
• Trouble starting or sustaining conversations
• Takes figurative language literally
• Talks extensively about special interests
• Abrupt topic changes
• Unusual tone of voice or volume
• Doesn't understand sarcasm or humor

Restricted & Repetitive Behaviors

• Lines up toys rather than playing creatively
• Rigidly follows routines and schedules
• Obsessively pursues interests
• Repeats phrases or words out of context
• Unusual movements like hand flapping
• Highly sensitive to textures, smells, sounds
• Insistence on sameness

Other Traits

• Above average intelligence
• Uneven cognitive profile
• Clumsiness and uncoordinated movements
• Difficulty adapting to change
• Over- or under-sensitivity to pain
• Prone to anxiety and depression

Not all individuals with Asperger's will exhibit every symptom on this checklist. But recurrent social difficulties plus restricted/repetitive behaviors are core signs of the condition.

Treatment for Asperger's Syndrome

While no cure for Asperger's exists, various therapies and interventions can improve communication skills, social abilities and behavior. Treatment options include:

• Behavioral therapy - Social skills training, parenting coaching, learning coping strategies.
• Speech therapy - Improving conversational turn-taking, reading body language.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - Helping manage anxiety, adapt to change, address thought patterns.
• Occupational therapy - Sensory integration training, improving motor coordination.
• Medications - Drugs that treat co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD or ADHD.
• Alternative approaches - Animal therapy, music therapy, art therapy.
• Educational support - Accommodations and modifications tailored to the child.
• Social groups - Support groups for individuals with Asperger's and their families.

A combination of therapies, training, school support, medications if needed, alternative approaches, and family/community resources allows those with Asperger's to reach their full potential.

Living with Asperger's Syndrome

While Asperger's presents challenges in communication, social abilities, and behavior, those affected can still live fulfilling lives especially with proper support. Here are some tips for living well with Asperger's syndrome:

• Seek understanding and acceptance from family, friends, coworkers.
• Find communities and social groups tailored to those with Asperger's.
• Don't be afraid to disclose having Asperger's and explain how it impacts you.
• Advocate for accommodations at school or work when needed.
• Consider counseling to manage complications like anxiety, depression, etc.
• Develop coping strategies that work for your individual needs.
• Focus on utilizing strengths such as attention to detail, memory, hyperfocus, etc.
• Explore creative outlets, hobbies, or careers aligned with your interests.

With the right supports in place, individuals with Asperger's can pursue meaningful relationships, social connections, academic accomplishments and fulfilling careers.

In Conclusion

Asperger's syndrome is a form of high-functioning autism with symptoms involving social challenges, communication difficulties, restrictive behaviors and unique sensitivities. Using an Asperger's traits checklist helps identify signs of the condition in children, teens and adults. While there is no cure, therapies and supports allow individuals with Asperger's to manage life challenges and reach their potential. With understanding and accommodations, those with Asperger's can thrive personally and professionally.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.