Asperger's Syndrome
Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a developmental disorder. Young people with Asperger’s Syndrome may have a hard time relating to others socially, repetitive behavior patterns, and a narrow range of interests.
What Is Asperger’s Syndrome?
Asperger’s Syndrome is a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is a developmental disorder. Young people with Asperger’s Syndrome may have a hard time relating to others socially, repetitive behavior patterns, and a narrow range of interests.
Generally, children and teens with Asperger’s Syndrome can converse with others and can perform fairly well in their school work. However, they may have trouble understanding social situations and subtle forms of communication like body language, humor and sarcasm. They might also think and talk a lot about one topic or interest or only want to do a small range of activities. These interests can become obsessive and interfere with everyday life, rather than giving the child a healthy social or recreational outlet.
Boys are three to four times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Most cases are diagnosed between the ages of five and nine, with some diagnosed as early as age three.
What Is the Difference Between Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder?
The name for Asperger’s Syndrome has officially changed, but many still use the term Asperger’s Syndrome when talking about their condition. The symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome are now included in a condition called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is now the name used for a wide range of autism-like disorders. Some providers may still use the term Asperger’s Syndrome, but others will say “ASD – without intellectual or language impairment." or autistic. These syndromes are all the same.
What Are the Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome?
While all children with Asperger’s Syndrome are different, what sets them apart are their social challenges and obsessive interests. Children with Asperger’s Syndrome may exhibit poor social interactions, unusual speech patterns, and limited facial expressions. They might have unique mannerisms, obsessive routines or interests, and sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
For a child with Asperger’s Syndrome, you may see one or more of the following patterns of behavior:
- Difficulty with social interactions and social language
- Not understanding emotions well or having less facial expression than others
- Not using or understanding nonverbal communication, such as gestures, body language, and facial expression
- Conversations that revolve around themselves or a certain topic
- Speech that sounds unusual, such as flat, high-pitched, quiet, loud, or choppy
- An intense obsession with one or two specific, narrow subjects
- Unique mannerisms, repetitive behaviors, or repeated routines
- Becoming upset at slight changes in routines
- Memorizing preferred information and facts easily
- Clumsy, uncoordinated movements, including difficulty with handwriting
- Difficulty managing emotions, sometimes leading to verbal or behavioral outbursts, self-injurious behaviors, or tantrums
- Not understanding other peoples’ feelings or perspectives
- Hypersensitivity to lights, sounds, and textures
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome often show no delays in their overall language development (e.g., grammar skills and vocabulary), but can have trouble using language in a social context. They may have average intelligence but can have problems with attention span and organization.
What Causes Asperger’s Syndrome?
The causes of Asperger’s Syndrome are unknown. Genetics and brain differences may be involved.
We do know that Asperger’s Syndrome is NOT the result of a child’s upbringing or poor parenting. Asperger’s Syndrome is a neurobiological disorder, meaning it is just a part of the child’s brain development, whose causes are not fully understood.
How Is Asperger’s Syndrome Diagnosed?
As mentioned above, Asperger’s Syndrome is no longer diagnosed as a condition. It is part of the range of conditions included in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
If a parent is concerned about a child’s social development, unusual language patterns, and unusual patterns of behavior, a pediatrician should be consulted. The pediatrician can determine if the child should be seen by a specialist, such as a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or other clinician who is familiar with ASD.
Testing and assessment usually involve a team of medical and psychological professionals. The specialists will ask the parent many questions about the child’s development and current skills and problems. They will also interact with the child and conduct assessments to evaluate what symptoms the child shows when interacting with others. They may also assess the child’s language and intellectual abilities. A medical doctor might ask questions or order tests to make sure there are no other medical concerns for the child.
Asperger’s Syndrome (also known as “Autism Spectrum Disorder - without intellectual or language impairment”) may be difficult to diagnose. Sometimes this condition can be confused with other conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Making sure to evaluate the child’s social and communication skills, their patterns of behavior and thinking, and how these symptoms have developed over time will help the assessor provide the correct diagnosis.
How is Asperger’s Syndrome Treated?
Because each case is different, treatment plans must be built according to each child’s needs. They should be adjusted over time as those needs change.
Treatment of Asperger’s Syndrome usually includes:
- Social skills training
- Adaptive skills support
- Emotional regulation/Behavior support
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Caregiver education and training
- Speech-language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Special education supports
- Medication
At present, there is no “cure.” By learning to cope with the symptoms and pick up on social cues, a child can learn to overcome some of the challenges they face. With help, parents can learn how to best support their child. People with Asperger’s Syndrome can do well in school and go on to be contributing members of their community.
When Should I Seek Help?
Treatment should be done while a child's brain is still developing. If you notice signs of Asperger’s Syndrome or any of the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder in your child, see your pediatrician. She or he can refer you to a mental health expert who specializes in diagnosing this type of disorder.
