The most distinguishing symptom of Aspergers is difficulty with social interaction. People with Aspergers often have difficulty understanding and responding to social cues, interpreting body language and facial expressions, and forming relationships. They may also have difficulty making friends and engaging in meaningful conversations.
People with Aspergers may also display restricted or repetitive behaviors. This can include engaging in idiosyncratic interests or behaviors, having difficulty transitioning from one activity to another, and exhibiting a need for sameness and routine. They may have difficulty understanding non-literal language, such as jokes and sarcasm, and may take language very literally.
Other symptoms of Aspergers can include difficulty interpreting nonverbal communication, difficulty with eye contact, difficulty adjusting to changes in routine, and difficulty understanding social boundaries. People with Aspergers may also be hypersensitive to certain sensations, such as sound, touch, smell, and taste.
These symptoms can vary in severity from person to person, and can significantly impact a person's ability to function in everyday life. Aspergers is a spectrum disorder, which means that people can experience a wide range of symptoms and levels of severity.