All of these hypotheses need further investigation and research, however. The behavioural features of AS are very characteristic. They are first apparent as feeding problems in infancy and a poor sleeping pattern. Many AS children require far less sleep than a normal child. The children are typically happy and sociable and laugh with minimum provocation, sometimes inappropriately in situations which others would not find funny.
Attention span is short and hyperactivity common.
AS children tend to enjoy similar pastimes. Favourite play things are plastic, balloons, photographs, noisy or musical toys and TV and video. They are sociable, affectionate children who enjoy the company of other people but tend not to interact with them directly. Problem behaviours which have been noted in AS are hair pulling, biting, mouthing and chewing. There is no cure for AS but there are some treatments for the symptoms of the condition.