☉Asperger syndrome
Asperger syndrome — also referred to as Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's disorder, Asperger's, or just AS — is a pervasive developmental disorder related to autism. It manifests in individual ways and can have both positive and negative effects on a person. It is recognized by the medical community as one of five neurobiological pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) considered to be part of the autistic spectrum. It is typically characterized by issues with social and communication skills. Due to the mixed nature of its effects, it remains controversial among researchers, physicians, and people who are diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.
The diagnosis of AS is complicated by the lack of a standardized diagnostic screen.(在這方面如果可以方便一點就好了) Instead, several different screening instruments and sets of diagnostic criteria are used. AS is often not identified in early childhood, and many individuals are not diagnosed until they are adults.(嗯…應該是這樣，如果不是遇到他/她們2人，我應該永遠不會察覺自己〝是？〞一個AS) Assistance for core symptoms of AS consists of therapies that apply behavior management strategies and address poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness(什麼樣的clumsiness？). Many individuals with AS can adopt strategies for coping and do lead fulfilling lives - being gainfully employed, having successful relationships, and having families(這段就不用了，好像特意安慰似的，讀起來很刺眼). In most cases, they are aware of their differences and can recognize if they need any support to maintain an independent life.
☉Classification and diagnosis
Asperger's Disorder (Asperger Syndrome) is defined in section 299.80 of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) by six main criteria:
＊Qualitative impairment in social interaction;
＊The presence of restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors and interests;
＊Significant impairment in important areas of functioning;(大概是指跟社會性功能有關的部份？)
＊No significant delay in language; (對…例子如我，不然應該會被我的嚴父〝診斷〞出來；據嚴父的說法，他於上小學一年級前 自己教我注音符號的時候，發覺我學得非常快；所以，這個部份應該不牽涉到AS的弱項？還是AS的語言學習 在注音符號這一項本來就不是典型會遇到問題之處？那 注音符號到底在語言當中屬於一個什麼樣的位子？是因為跟社會性無關嗎？注音符號不牽涉到需要解釋其社會性的意義？屬於機械性記憶、零碎記憶？因為機械性記憶在某些AS身上屬於優勢能力，所以剛好可以適用在我的情形上？)
＊During the first three years of life, there can be no clinically significant delay in cognitive development such as curiosity about the existing environment or the acquisition of age appropriate learning skills, self-help skills, or adaptive behaviors (other than social interaction)
