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Introduction |
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Asperger's Syndrome is one of several Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
characterized by difficulties in social interaction and by restricted, stereotyped interests and activities.
They don’t have any delay in language and cognitive development which distinguish them from Autism.
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Definition: |
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Those with AS have a normal IQ and many individuals exhibit exceptional skill or talent in a specific area.
They have serious impairments in their social and communication skills, including poor nonverbal communication.
However, many individuals have good cognitive and verbal skills, and typically have normal to superior intelligence.
They have problems with peer relationships also.
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Epidemiology/Vital Statistics: |
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Conservative estimates indicate that two out of every 10,000 children have Asperger's Syndrome.
Boys are 3-4 times as likely as girls to have Asperger's disorder.
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Risk Factors: |
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The cause of Asperger's Syndrome is unknown.
The disorder also seems to be linked to structural abnormalities in many regions of the brain.
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Signs and Symptoms: |
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Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by marked impairments in the use of
multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and
gestures to regulate social interaction. They have problems in developing relationships and have poor social skills.
They also have restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities.
They have apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals.
They also have stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements).
They are also sensitive to sound, touch, taste, light, sight, smell, pain, and/or temperature. They are also sensitive to the texture of foods.
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Course: |
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Like other psychological development disorders, Asperger's disorder begins in infancy or childhood.
It has a steady course without remission or relapse, and has impairments that result from
maturation-related changes in various systems of the brain.
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Treatment: |
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Intervention is aimed at improving symptoms and function. The mainstay of treatment is behavioral therapy,
focusing on specific deficits to address poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and clumsiness.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is also helpful to
improve stress management relating to anxiety or explosive emotions. Physical therapy can help with poor motor coordination.
Medications like antidepressants and antianxiety can be used for coexisting depression and anxiety.
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