Although sharing many of the identified difficulties associated with autism, Asperger's syndrome (AS) is widely believed to differ in the domain of linguistic deficit. While researchers may disagree in detail about the language and communication performance of pupils with Asperger's syndrome, there seems to be general consensus that such difficulties that they do experience are the result of their social impairments. This case study, of an 11-year-old boy with Asperger's syndrome, suggests that such pupils do experience subtle difficulties that have significant implications for their academic progress and social well-being. Detailed assessment followed by carefully targeted intervention may improve both aspects of these pupils' school lives. (Contains 2 tables.)