Final answer:
Asperger's syndrome is considered a form of high-functioning autism within the Autism Spectrum Disorders with individuals displaying difficulties in social interaction and communication without severe intellectual impairment. It is distinguished from other neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and is not characterized by hyperactivity or as a precursor to OCD.
Step-by-step explanation:
Asperger's syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that falls under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Previously distinguished as a separate condition, Asperger's is now considered part of the ASD continuum and is characterized by difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. Unlike some other forms of autism, Asperger's is generally associated with preserved language and intellectual abilities, often referred to as high-functioning autism. People with Asperger's may face challenges in reading social cues and making eye contact, similar to other ASD conditions. However, individuals with Asperger's typically do not experience the same intellectual impairment that may be associated with other forms of autism.Asperger's differs from ADHD, another neurodevelopmental disorder, which includes symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and, sometimes, hyperactivity.
The content loaded within Asperger's syndrome does not typically include hyperactivity as a defining character or as being the precursor to OCD in adults. It's crucial to understand that the rate of diagnosis has been increasing, which has improved awareness and treatment. The wide spectrum of ASD means that some individuals are very functional and have intact language skills, seeing their condition not as a disadvantage but rather as an alternative way their brain processes information.