Asperger Syndrome

Abstract

Asperger syndrome (AS) is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by social dysfunction and idiosyncratic interests in the presence of normal intelligence. There is no history of language delay. Persons with AS are often described as being active but odd, with a pedantic manner of speaking. In addition, they often present with a variety of medical and psychiatric conditions, a topic that has not received systematic study. This review summarizes the literature on this topic, with particular reference to publications in the last two decades. The purpose is to underscore the need for early identification and treatment of these conditions.