The cause is unknown. The child with Asperger's disorder exhibits below-average nonverbal communication gestures, fails to develop peer relationships, has an inability to express pleasure in other people's happiness, and lacks social and emotional reciprocity.
Treatment depends on patient's level of adaptive functioning.
A high IQ and high level of social skills will bring a better prognosis. For patients with severe impairment, treatment is similar to the treatment for autistic disorder .