[Tinkerbelle]

Cheers Doug

They call it autistic spectrum disorder because it is exactly what it says on the tin ... a spectrum of different difficulties and varied degrees of severity. I can only speak from an Aspergers point of view but if anyone recognises any of the symptoms I'll list below, coupled with your child being thought of as the 'different', 'nerdy' or 'geeky naughty kid' then to recognise what it could possibly be may help.

• Not pick up on social cues and lack inborn social skills, such as being able to read others' body language, start or maintain a conversation, and take turns talking.

• Dislike any changes in routines.

• Appear to lack empathy.

• Be unable to recognize subtle differences in speech tone, pitch, and accent that alter the meaning of others’ speech. Thus, your child may not understand a joke or may take a sarcastic comment literally. Likewise, his or her speech may be flat and difficult to understand because it lacks tone, pitch, and accent.

• Have a formal style of speaking that is advanced for his or her age. For example, the child may use the term “beckon” instead of “call,” or “return” instead of “come back.”

• Avoid eye contact.

• Have unusual facial expressions or postures.

• Be preoccupied with only one or few interests, which he or she may be very knowledgeable about. Many children with Asperger's syndrome are overly interested in parts of a whole or in unusual activities, such as doing intricate jigsaw puzzles, designing houses, drawing highly detailed scenes, or astronomy.

• Talk a lot, usually about a favorite subject. One-sided conversations are common. Internal thoughts are often verbalized.

• Have delayed motor development. Your child may be late in learning to use a fork or spoon, ride a bike, or catch a ball. He or she may have an awkward walk. Handwriting is often poor.

• Have heightened sensitivity and become overstimulated by loud noises, lights, or strong tastes or textures.