What is Asperger syndrome, what are the symptoms of Anne Hegerty’s condition and what are the signs in adults and kids?
ASPERGER Syndrome is one of many forms of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
These are the signs somebody you know may have Asperger's, as well as some of the famous individuals who live with the condition. Here's the lowdown...
What are the signs of Asperger Syndrome?
Asperger Syndrome is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people see the world and interact with others.
It's often referred to as 'mild autism' - and affects around 700,000 people in the UK (more than one in 100).
The main difference between it and autism is that people with Asperger's do not have a learning disability, and do not have any developmental or intellectual delays.
In fact, those with Asperger's are normally of average or above average intelligence.
Most kids with Asperger's go to mainstream schools, but a diagnosis is important so their learning can be targeted properly.
Common signs of Asperger Syndrome in children include avoiding eye contact, and preferring to play alone or with adults - instead of joining in with other kids.
Those with Asperger's often find it hard to interpret changes in facial expressions, tone of voice, jokes, sarcasm and vagueness.
They tend to have very mature language skills, and will use sophisticated words they have learned from books, but can still find it hard to communicate with others.
Kids may also find it difficult to read other people, meaning they may appear to be insensitive, act 'strangely' or fail to comfort someone who's upset.
They typically don't like change and like to stick to a routine.
People with Asperger's often have one very intense interest - such as art, music or computer programming.
While some may have over or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light, colours, temperatures or pain.
Asperger's is named after an Austrian paediatrician who produced the first clear definition of the syndrome back in 1944.
Hans Asperger identified similarities in the behaviour of four boys which he described as "autistic psychopathy" - these included signs such as an inability to form friendships and an intense focus on special interests.
Dr Asperger passed away in 1981 before his work became widely recognised within the medical profession.
How is Asperger Syndrome diagnosed?
If you think your child has Asperger's, your first port of call is to make an appointment with your GP.
There are some "tests" available online, but these should not be a substitute for proper medical diagnosis.
Take along a list of behaviours and characteristics which you think are relevant.
The doctor may carry out a 'screening interview' called M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers).
Your child will then be referred for a multi-disciplinary assessment.
It will include a report from school or nursery, family history, observations, cognitive, communication, behaviour and mental health assessments, and a full physical examination.
Adults can also be tested for Asperger's, again with a referral from your GP.
Does Love Island 2018 star Niall Aslam have Asperger's
Niall Aslam was one of the original contestants on Love Island 2018 but he quit the show on June 12 for "health reasons."
Then on June 28 he revealed that he has Asperger's syndrome and this is why he had to leave the villa.
In a statement on Instagram he said: "When I was a young child I was diagnosed with asperger's syndrome, a fact that until this post has never shared outside of my close family.
"Growing up was extremely difficult for me and I often felt out of place. I always felt that people didn't understand me, yet I was afraid to reveal my true scales as I did not want the label or stigma that was attached to it.
He added: "Now it's time for this rainbow fish to dive deep into the big blue ocean and show the world what I'm all about - there's more layers to come! 🐠#AutismAwareness #BeYourOwnKindOfRainbowFish #LessPrangMoreLove."
Which other celebrities have Asperger's?
Chaser Anne Hegerty, aka The Governess, recently revealed she was diagnosed with Asperger's as an adult - in 2005.
She received the diagnosis after watching a TV programme about autism, and realising she had all the symptoms.
One of the symptoms of autism is difficulty with multi-tasking, which led to Anne losing her job and going on benefits - before finding fame on The Chase and heading into the I'm A Celebrity 2018 jungle.
Springwatch presenter Chris Packham also has Asperger's and opened up about his struggles for the first time in his memoir Fingers in the Sparkle Jar.
The 55-year-old has spoken about how his autism has seen him struggle to cope with the death of his dog.
Speaking in April, Packham said the death of his dog Itchy had hit him hard - although his other dog Scratchy is still alive.
Speaking to the he said: "When Scratchy dies, no human will fill that vacuum.
"No one will reach me in that dark place I need to go."
While Danielle Lloyd has revealed her concerns that her second son Harry, six, may have Asperger's.
"He’s not very good at the moment," she told OK! magazine. "We think he may have Asperger’s Syndrome so we’ve been referred to a private specialist.
"He does odd things like take all of his possessions to bed – you’ll literally find him tucked up surrounded by Guess Who? and Monopoly sets and all of his DVDs.
"He’s also very clumsy and a bit socially awkward, which are all signs of Asperger’s."
UNDERSTANDING AUTISM
Meanwhile, Britain's Got Talent star Susan Boyle was diagnosed with Asperger's in 2013.
Up until then, the Scottish singer carried the label "brain damaged".
"It was the wrong diagnosis when I was a kid," at the time.
"I was told I had brain damage. I always knew it was an unfair label. Now I have a clearer understanding of what's wrong and I feel relieved and a bit more relaxed about myself."