What is the easiest way to explain aspergers to someone who has never heard it before?

Hello everyone.

My nephew who is five asked me what aspergers is the other day. I actually found myself unsure what to say. Truth be told, I have found that most adults struggle to understand, let alone a child.

What is short, succinct sentence that I can use for both children and adults? Rather than a technical explanation, is there a metaphor or analogy that could best describe aspergers?

Suggestion please. Thank you.

Parents Reply
  • I find that so inaccurate. I for one am nothing like Sheldon Cooper. Most autistic people I know - particularly girls such as myself - are nothing like him. He's a caricature. A fictional sitcom character shouldn't be a benchmark for a condition like autism. It's just perpetuating stereotypes. No offence.

Children