Asperger’s Syndrome: Tests of Right Hemisphere Functioning and Interhemispheric Communication

Gunter, H.L., Ghaziuddin, M., and Ellis, H.D., (2002), Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Vol 32, Pages 263-281.

The primary aim of this investigation was to assess to what extent Rourke’s non-verbal learning disabilities syndrome (NLD) model resembles the pattern of assets and deficits seen in people with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS). NLD can be characterised by a cluster of deficits primarily affecting non-verbal aspects of functioning, in the presence of proficiency in single word reading and a superior verbal memory. The neurological underpinnings of this syndrome may be dysfunction of white matter affecting right hemisphere functioning and interhemispheric communication. To explore this hypothesis, eight participants with AS (ages 10 to 41 years) were assessed in the following areas: pragmatics of language and communication, verbal and visual memory, visual-spatial abilities, and bimanual motor skills. Results confirmed the close similarity in the neuropsychologic profiles of NLD and AS.