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On February 18, the International Asperger's Syndrome Day, birthday of Hans Asperger, the Austrian paediatrician who named the syndrome.

This day is marked to raise awareness of this disease. Asperger's syndrome is a psychological condition of the autistic spectrum characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, as well as repetitive behavior patterns and restricted interests. It is distinguished from classical autism in that it does not imply overall cognitive or language delay.

The causes of Asperger's Syndrome are not yet fully understood. There is some information that suggests that this syndrome is caused by a set of neurobiological factors that affect brain development. There is no specific treatment or cure. The goal is to relieve symptoms. The ideal treatment includes therapies that address the three basic symptoms: low communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines and physical incompetence.

It is estimated that there are more than 67 million people with autism and Asperger's syndrome in the world. In Portugal, according to a Portuguese Association of Asperger's Syndrome (APSA)It is estimated that 40,000 people have the syndrome.