is it aspergers

I have a wonderful 9 1/2 yr old son who is happy and very close to his younger 7 yr old brother. We have recently moved area and school.  The school advised we had both our sons IQ tested. Both performed well above average but we have not received the full report yet. The psychologist did question our 9 1/2 and said he has querkiness and anxiety that may be slight aspergers but probably not worth testing for. He has friends at school but can have problems mixing with peers his own age. He seems to make good long term friends and is very loyal. He does play with others but sometimes chooses to play alone if he does not like what they are doing. He is described as a little professor and has a wide knowledge. In the past he has had concentration problems but this has dramatically improved and no comments have recently been made by teachers. He does get excited and can swing his arms around and seems to rush around. He gets anxious when introducing himself to someone new and will do so in quite a formal speach like manner. He can be seen as arrogant by those who do not know him. He is loving and very sensitive, he spends alot of time making and eventing lego or electrical things (he wants to be an inventor) and can be seen as eccsentric. He sleeps well eats well and appears happy but has problems expressing some emotions at situations where most would, but can get upset at a very minor thing or a straight forward question. He is doing well at school, excells at reading and science but has some difficulty producing matching written work, (it is still well above average though).  He will look at you when you  talk although  this is something which he stuggles with. He does not need any set routine and does not have tantrums or aggression problems, he is very understanding and gentle. We have always thought that there was possibly something amiss but cannot seem to find an area where he ticks all the boxes. We would like to know if you think he has traits of aspergers?

[Jessica L Thomason Sassi, Ph.D., BCBA-D]

Asperger’s Syndrome is characterized by narrow or repetitive patterns of behavior or interests and severe and sustained impairment in social interactions. It doesn’t sound as though he really fits that profile – he has friends (even if he sometimes would prefer to be alone) and has lots of interests (even if he again has some preferences for certain topics).  This suggests that Asperger’s syndrome isn’t a likely diagnosis.  It sounds as though your concerns relate to more subtle aspects of his social interaction skills – but keep in mind that 9 year-olds aren’t necessarily known for their subtle social skills. There is a broad range in what is considered normal social skills for this age and it sounds to me as though your son falls within it. However, for peace of mind, you could express your concerns to your pediatrician – only a professional who sees your child in person will be able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis.

Also keep in mind that with or without a diagnosis of Asperger's, you would probably use the same methods to address the social "quirkiness": Model good social skills yourself (so he can see how to gracefully handle social situations), give him opportunities to practice good socials skills by supporting his attempts to find (and keep) friends, and provide feedback and help when he isn't reacting appropriately to a situation (help him "talk thru" frustrating or other emotionally charged situation).

Best of luck to you and your family