<P> As a pervasive developmental disorder, Asperger syndrome is distinguished by a pattern of symptoms rather than a single symptom . It is characterized by qualitative impairment in social interaction, by stereotyped and restricted patterns of behavior, activities and interests, and by no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or general delay in language . Intense preoccupation with a narrow subject, one - sided verbosity, restricted prosody, and physical clumsiness are typical of the condition, but are not required for diagnosis . Suicidal behavior appears to occur at rates similar to those without ASD . </P> <P> A lack of demonstrated empathy affects aspects of communal living for persons with Asperger syndrome . Individuals with AS experience difficulties in basic elements of social interaction, which may include a failure to develop friendships or to seek shared enjoyments or achievements with others (for example, showing others objects of interest); a lack of social or emotional reciprocity (social "games" give - and - take mechanic); and impaired nonverbal behaviors in areas such as eye contact, facial expression, posture, and gesture . </P> <P> People with AS may not be as withdrawn around others, compared with those with other, more debilitating forms of autism; they approach others, even if awkwardly . For example, a person with AS may engage in a one - sided, long - winded speech about a favorite topic, while misunderstanding or not recognizing the listener's feelings or reactions, such as a wish to change the topic of talk or end the interaction . This social awkwardness has been called "active but odd". Such failures to react appropriately to social interaction may appear as disregard for other people's feelings and may come across as insensitive . However, not all individuals with AS will approach others . Some of them may even display selective mutism, not speaking at all to most people and excessively to specific others . Some may choose only to talk to people they like . </P> <P> The cognitive ability of children with AS often allows them to articulate social norms in a laboratory context, where they may be able to show a theoretical understanding of other people's emotions; however, they typically have difficulty acting on this knowledge in fluid, real - life situations . People with AS may analyze and distill their observations of social interaction into rigid behavioral guidelines and apply these rules in awkward ways, such as forced eye contact, resulting in a demeanor that appears rigid or socially naïve . Childhood desire for companionship can become numbed through a history of failed social encounters . </P>

Which term is used to describe disorders similar in many ways to autism