Asperger syndrome, as a form of autism, by definition includes some degree of dysfunctional social interactions and communication, withdrawal into fantasy, compulsive repetitive movements, and intense focus on particular objects or interests.
The defining social characteristics of autism, including withdrawal from others and an apparent lack of responsiveness or interest in other people, occur to some degree in people with Asperger syndrome and other autistic spectrum disorders. A person must demonstrate a true lack of responsiveness and interest in other people, not simply social awkwardness or avoidance, in order to receive the diagnosis of Asperger syndrome.
Social awkwardness, discomfort, or anxiety alone do not represent Asperger syndrome or other autistic spectrum disorders, but more likely a lesser recognized natural temperament known as the highly sensitive temperament. People with this inborn temperament may receive a misdiagnosis of Asperger syndrome because of awkward social interactions, avoidance of social activities, an apparent preference for solitary activity, and intense focus and awareness.
Asperger Syndrome Versus Highly Sensitive Temperament
Both a person affected by Asperger syndrome and a highly sensitive person may appear socially disinterested, awkward, and avoidant. However, whereas the autistic person withdraws from social situations due to disinterest, the highly sensitive person withdraws due to overstimulation. In the same environment, the autistic person senses less due to neurological dysfunction, whereas the highly sensitive person senses more due to an innate heightened neurological sensitivity and awareness.
The term "nervous," attributable to highly sensitive people in social situations, points to the root of the sensation as a phenomenon of a sensitive nervous system. The person with Asperger syndrome, on the other hand, does not feel nervous, but rather appears less affected by outward stimuli.
Empathy Among Autistic People and Highly Sensitive People
People with Asperger syndrome appear to experience less empathy with others, whereas people with a highly sensitive temperament tend to experience increased empathy with others due to heightened sensitivity to subtle nonverbal communication. These significant differences in the inner experiences of autistic people and highly sensitive people distinguish the neurological deficits of Asperger syndrome from the natural developmental differences characteristic of the highly sensitive temperament.
Because diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and recognition of the highly sensitive temperament both rely on outward observation of symptoms or sensations which an affected person feels internally, other people may easily misidentify or fail to recognize either condition. An affected person may better recognize his or her own actual experience and share the significant social symptoms to gain appropriate assistance and understanding from others.
References:
Bolick, Teresa. Asperger Syndrome and Young Children: Building Skills for the Real World. Fair Winds Press, 2004.
Aron. Elaine. The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You. Replica Books, 1999.
Aron, Elaine. The Highly Sensitive Child: Helping Our Children Thrive When the World Overwhelms Them. Broadway, 2002.
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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