Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's syndrome is considered a mild condition along the spectrum of pervasive developmental disorders or autism spectrum disorders. It involves a delay in the development of many basic skills in life, particularly those related to socialization, communication and imagination.

As mentioned, Asperger's syndrome is related to autism although autism is more severe. Asperger's syndrome patients tend to function better in society than those do with autism. Asperger's syndrome patients have a normal intelligence and have a nearly-normal language development. They may develop problems communicating with others as they become involved more with people. Asperger's syndrome was first named for the Austrian doctor Hans Asperger, who first described the syndrome in 1944. As a unique disorder, however, Asperger's syndrome wasn't recognized until much later.

Everyone with Asperger's syndrome is unique and there are varying symptoms, depending on the severity of the disease. There can be difficulty with social skills and can be awkward when trying to play with other children. They make few friends and the making of friends is difficult. There can be eccentric or repetitive behaviours like chronic wringing of the hands or twisting of the fingers. There is an unusual preoccupation with rituals, such as doing every day activities in a particular fashion.

The person may have difficulty making eye contact with others and can have problems with communication. Facial expressions may be blunted and gestures can be absent or can be ritualized. The child with Asperger's syndrome has a limited range of interests that are usually something they are fixated on. They can be fascinated with certain sports, weather phenomena, street signs or maps. They are uncoordinated and can be considered clumsy by comparison to other students. They may develop a remarkable talent in music or another skill that is difficult for others to do, including math.

The exact cause of Asperger's syndrome is unclear. In fact, it can occur in just about anyone can get Asperger's syndrome but it occurs in families who have other Asperger's syndrome patients. It can be passed from an affected parent to a child who will get the disease.

Asperger's disease is a relatively newly recognized disease and is only recently identified as being separate from autism. This means that the exact incidence of Asperger's syndrome is unknown. It is estimated to affect 0.024 percent to 0.36 percent of children. Males get it more commonly than females and the age of diagnosis is usually between around 2 to 6 years of age.

The diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome depends on a thorough history and physical exam. Psychometric and psychological testing can be done. Blood tests and x-rays are used to identify other diseases besides Asperger's syndrome. A specialist in childhood developmental diseases is consulted in many cases to make sure the diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome is accurate. This can be an adolescent psychiatrist or adolescent psychologist. A paediatric neurologist might be part of the diagnosis of the disease. The child's level of development is assessed in order to make the diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome. Parents, siblings and teachers are asked about the child's behaviour and can play a role in making the diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome.

There is no cure for Asperger's syndrome but early intervention in teaching the child the proper skills can help the Asperger's syndrome improve. Treatment includes special education classes and techniques, behavioural modification to model their behaviour toward that which is more socially acceptable, speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Together these things can control the unacceptable behaviours and nurture more promising behaviours. There are mo medications for Asperger's syndrome per se; however, some patients need antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, medications for OCD and medications for hyperactivity. This must be determined by the doctor taking care of the patient with Asperger's syndrome.

The outlook for patients with Asperger's syndrome is fair. Some will go on to develop obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD or depression. Each has its own treatment protocol. Because they often have normal intelligence, Asperger's syndrome patients can be trained to be functional members of society. There is no cure or prevention for Asperger's disease.