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Asperger's Syndrome
What Is Asperger Syndrome?The disorder is named after Hans Asperger, a Viennese pediatrician who, in 1940, first described a set of behavior patterns apparent in some of his patients, mostly males. Asperger noticed that although these boys had normal intelligence and language development, they had severely impaired social skills, were unable to communicate effectively with others, and had poor coordination. According to the Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the United States, the onset of AS is later than what is typical in autism - or at least it is recognized later. A large number of children are diagnosed after the age of 3, with most diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 9. Asperger syndrome is characterized by poor social interactions, obsessions, odd speech patterns, and other peculiar mannerisms. Children with AS often have few facial expressions and have difficulty reading the body language of others; they may engage in obsessive routines and may display an unusual sensitivity to sensory stimuli (for example, they may be bothered by a light that no one else notices; they may cover their ears to block out sounds in the environment; or they might prefer to wear clothing made only of a certain material). Overall, people with AS are quite capable of functioning in everyday life, but they tend to be somewhat socially immature and may be seen by others as odd or eccentric. Other characteristics of AS include motor delays, clumsiness, limited interests, and peculiar preoccupations. Adults with AS have trouble demonstrating empathy for others, and social interactions continue to be difficult. Experts say that AS follows a continuous course and usually lasts a lifetime. However, symptoms can wax and wane over the course of time, and early intervention services can be helpful. Signs and SymptomsBecause the symptoms of AS are often hard to differentiate from other behavioral problems, it's best to let your child's doctor or other health professional evaluate your child's symptoms. It's not uncommon for a child to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) before the diagnosis of AS is made later on. The following are a number of signs and symptoms that might be present in a child with AS:
It's important to note that, unlike children with autism, children with AS may show no delays in language development; they usually have good grammatical skills and an advanced vocabulary at an early age. However, they typically do exhibit a language disorder; they may be very literal, and they may have trouble using language in a social context. Often there are no obvious delays in cognitive development or in age-appropriate self-help skills such as feeding and dressing themselves. Although individuals with AS may have problems with attention span, problems with organization, and skills that seem well developed in some areas and lacking in others, they usually have average and sometimes above average intelligence. What Causes Asperger Syndrome?Researchers and mental health experts are still investigating the causes of autism and AS. Many believe that the pattern of behavior that characterizes AS may have many causes. There seems to be a hereditary component to AS, and research indicates that in some cases AS may be associated with other mental health disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Researchers are also looking into whether environmental factors that affect brain development might play a role in the condition. Contrary to the incorrect assumptions some may make about people with the disorder, AS is not caused by emotional deprivation or the way a person has been brought up. Because some of the behaviors exhibited by a person with AS may be seen by others as intentionally rude, many people wrongly assume that AS is the result of bad parenting - it isn't. It's a neurobiological disorder whose causes are not yet fully understood. Currently, there is no cure for the disorder - children with AS become adults with AS. But many individuals with AS lead full and happy lives, and the likelihood of achieving this is enhanced with appropriate education, support, and resources. Diagnosis of Asperger SyndromeAsperger syndrome can be very difficult to diagnose. Children with AS function well in most aspects of life, and so it may be easy to attribute their strange behaviors to their just being "different." According to mental health experts, if your child has AS, early intervention is very important. Intervention involving educational and social training, performed while a child's brain is still developing, is highly recommended. If your child exhibits some of the symptoms and behaviors that are typical of AS, it's critical to seek help from your child's doctor. He or she can refer you to a mental health professional or other specialist for further evaluation. When a specialist assesses your child, a thorough "psychosocial" evaluation will be performed. This includes a careful history of when symptoms were first recognized, the child's development of motor skills and language patterns, and other aspects of the child's personality and behavior (including favorite activities, unusual habits, preoccupations, etc.). Particular emphasis is placed on social development, including past and present problems in social interaction and development of friendships. A psychological evaluation and assessment of communication skills are usually conducted to determine your child's strengths and skills that may be deficient. Treatment of Asperger SyndromeBecause AS can present patterns of behaviors and problems that differ widely from child to child, there isn't a "typical" or prescribed treatment regimen. However, your child may benefit from the following forms of treatment:
Reference: Medlineplus
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