Mum noted that I was not always aware of 'social graces' eg. appropriate conversation or comments, and also felt that he was not always ascertain the motives of people, and thus may be vunerable. Mum stated that I do not seem to understand the 'flow' of conversations, and noted that I can talk to people, regardless of their interest in the topic or their availability to talk at that point in time. I was noted to get 'stuck' on subjects, repeating the same information over and over again, During the assessment I was quite happy to interact with and answer the questions put to him by the adult working with him, however he did not ask her any questions or develop a conversation beyond this answer.
I was reported to be a cuddly baby, who was able to be consoled when hurt or upset. Mum did however, that I will initiate more physical contact than is appropriate for his age. He displayed imaginative ability, however his imitatin skills were limited. He rarely brought objects (eg. books, toys) to his parents to share enjoyment or interests with them, and rarely directed and shared attention via pointing out objects of interest. My eye eye contacted as a baby was reported to have good, and it has remained appropriate. My general use of the non verbal behaviours that are utilised to regulate social interaction (eg. eye to eye gaze, facial expression, body language) was felt to be largely appropriate, although mum noted that i can have trouble interpreting the facial expressions of others.
Thus, it was felt that I displayed an impairment in reciprocal social interaction of the type seen in individuals with Asperger syndrome. He presents with poor interaction and social skills, and his use of language for social interaction, and to convey information other than his interests, was also felt to be limited.
Restricted Range of Interests / Resistance to Change
Inderviduals with Aspergers syndrome present with restricted, repetitive and sterreotyped behaviour, interets and activities. Abnormal sensory responses are also included in this area.
I was not reported to present with any stereotyped, repetitive motor mannerism, nor did he display any nonfunctional routines or rituals. Some sensory sensitivities were reported, with me noted to have resisted grooming activities when younger (eg. hair cut / brush / washing, cutting nails, cleaning teeth), to dislike the feel of certain materials and to have disliked the feel of sand on his feet when younger. I was also noted to be very sensitive to pain, and to prefer softer textured foods.
I presented with a history of displaying restricted patterns of interest. He has had an interest in Japanese animation, which saw me buying comics and videos before clothes ot personal hygiene items. I then become preoccupied with killer whales, collecting figurines, posters, videotapes etc. which we would then watch over and over. He has certain TV programs which he has to tape, and his taping of these shows is 'non negotiable'
I presented then, with restricted patterns of behaviour, as manifest by restricted and obsessional interest and some difficulties with sensory processing.
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