Asperger's syndrome is a lifelong and disabling condition that affects
people's ability to deal and interact with the social world around them.
The condition, a form of autism, can affect how people understand and use
language.
There are about half a million people in the UK with autism but the number of
people with Asperger's is not known.
The condition is described as a "hidden disability" as it is difficult to
tell that people have the condition from their outward appearance.
People with the syndrome typically have problems in three areas - social
communication, social interaction and social imagination.
Health experts refused to be drawn on whether Scott James's Asperger's
condition would be affected by appearing on X Factor.
Caroline Hattersley, head of information, advice and advocacy at the National
Autistic Society, said: "It's difficult to say what pressures Scott will feel as
autism affects everyone differently, but common problems people with Asperger's
face include difficulty understanding and processing language, over or
under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, lights or colours and
difficulty dealing with unexpected events or changes to their routine.
"With the right support, though, someone with Asperger's can achieve the same
as anyone else."
The exact cause of Asperger's syndrome is not known but research suggests a
combination of factors, such as genetic and environmental, may account for
changes in brain development.
The syndrome is not caused by a person's upbringing or social circumstances.
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