PrimeTime: The Complicated World of Asperger's
Oct. 26 -- Chad Mearhoff is literally mesmerized by trains. Mikki Hebert’s passion is washing machines and dryers. And for Derek Preuss, life is a game show, where he is the host and anyone within listening range is a contestant.
While in many ways, these boys might seem like any other kids, their intense obsessions are early symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome a devastating neurological disorder that makes it nearly impossible for them to make and keep friends, carry normal conversations or feel a full range of emotions. Asperger’s, with many similarities to autism, affects a person’s ability to interact socially, to develop communication skills, and understand emotions. Experts estimate that one in several thousand children live with the condition.