Counting by 7s - Social Awkwardness

It is estimated that up to 80% of Aspergers kids also experience intense anxiety symptoms.Anxiety Disorders (e.g., Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder) commonly co-occur with Aspergers. When anxiety symptoms are untreated, they can further interfere with a youngster�s quality of life. Kids with both Aspergers and Anxiety Disorders experience a more limited social world than kids with only one disorder. They may have difficulty (a) adapting at home and in school, (b) making friends and joining in social activities, and (c) breaking their usual rituals to try something new.

Although little is known about what anxiety symptoms look like in Aspergers kids, the following symptoms, which overlap with Anxiety Disorders, indicate anxiety: 

� Withdrawal from social situations
� Somatic complaints
� Irritability
� Avoidance of new situations

Another set of anxiety symptoms may be seen and may be unique to Aspergers kids: 

� Becoming "silly"
� Becoming explosive easily (e.g., anger outbursts)
� Increased insistence on routines and sameness
� Increased preference for rules and rigidity
� Increased repetitive behavior
� Increased special interest