Unlike most people with autism, individuals with Asperger syndrome experience no delay in the onset of speech. In fact, their speech tends to be formal, pedantic and long-winded. Persons with AS often have monotonous vocal intonation and limited use of gestures. They may have difficulty comprehending other people’s expressions, gestures and non-literal statements. Therefore, individuals with Asperger syndrome usually do not understand jokes, irony and metaphors.
Source: Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD)
*Asperger syndrome, or Asperger's, is a term that is no longer used as a formal diagnosis. In current diagnostic criteria, the syndrome is included under the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders.
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