Visual Communication - Research - Aspergers Syndrome

As my sister is also a sufferer of Aspergers syndrome, I believe it would be good idea to research into Aspergers as it will enable me to find a clearer explanation on what it involves. I have never really understood what causes the syndrome or what effect it can have. So by doing this brief, I find it will give me the opportunity to understand better.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. This is a lifelong disability that affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes information and relates to other people. Autism is often described as a 'spectrum disorder' because the condition affects people in many different ways and to varying degrees. Aspergers syndrome is mostly a 'hidden disability'. This means that you cannot tell that someone has the condition from their outward appearance. People with the condition have difficulties in three main areas. They are:

• Social communication
• Social interaction
• Social imagination

People with Asperger syndrome sometimes find it difficult to express themselves emotionally and socially. For example, they may:

• have difficulty understanding gestures, facial expressions or tone of voice
• have difficulty knowing when to start or end a conversation and choosing topics to talk about
• use complex words and phrases but may not fully understand what they mean
• be very literal in what they say and can have difficulty understanding jokes, metaphor and sarcasm

In order to help a person with Asperger syndrome understand you, keep your sentences short -be clear and concise.

ACCT:


Myself and my mum and dad support the charity, ACCT. This is a parent-led support group for children and families affected by Asperger's syndrome and was set up in Sheffield. It gives children who suffer from aspergers the opportunity to meet people and make friends with people with the same condition, provide support on socialising and basic skills.