Form of autistic type behavior disorder (ICD-10  F84 of the WHO classification) affecting patient's social life and sensory perceptions. This syndrome could  be represent 15-20 % children's pervasive behavior disorders. It affects more often boys than girls (8/1). The term 'Asperger syndrome' is not used anymore since 2004.

When compared with "classic" autism, the main differences are:

-        lack of speech disorders; on the contrary, the speech is peculiar: special tone of the voice, very formal speech

-        normal intelligence but clumsy movements

-        development of unusual passions that often lead to expertise in a restricted domain  (calculation, music)

-        hypersensitivity to some noises

-        a propensity to the repetitive routines: rituals, stereotyped movements...

But there can be, as in autism, a difficulty in social interactions: inability to establish relationships and to share his interests.

Anesthetic implications: 

difficulties to cooperate, extreme anxiety in an unknown environment: premedication is often necessary. It is wise to avoid noise and bright lights

References : 

-          Van Der Walt JH, Moran C. 
An audit of perioperative management of autistic children. 
Pediatr Anesth 2001; 11: 401-8.

Updated: June 2019