title: Aspergers

What is Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger syndrome (also called Asperger’s syndrome, Asperger’s disorder, Asperger’s or AS) is the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in which there is no general delay in language or cognitive development. Like other ASDs, it is characterized by difficulties in social interaction and restricted, stereotyped patterns of behavior and interests. Although not mentioned in standard diagnostic criteria for AS, physical clumsiness and atypical use of language are frequently reported.

Most individuals with AS can improve over time, but difficulties with communication, social adjustment and independent living continue into adulthood. Some researchers and people with AS have advocated a shift in attitudes toward the view that AS is a difference, rather than a disability that must be treated or cured.

Prognosis

There is some evidence that as many as 20% of children with AS “grow out” of it, and fail to meet the diagnostic criteria as adults. As of 2006, no studies addressing the long-term outcome of individuals with Asperger syndrome are available and there are no systematic long-term follow-up studies of children with AS. Individuals with AS appear to have normal life expectancy but have an increased prevalence of comorbid psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety that may significantly affect prognosis. Although social impairment is lifelong, outcome is generally more positive than with individuals with lower functioning autism spectrum disorders; for example, ASD symptoms are more likely to diminish with time in children with AS or HFA. Although most students with AS/HFA have average mathematical ability and test slightly worse in mathematics than in general intelligence, some are gifted in mathematics and AS has not prevented some adults from major accomplishments such as winning the Nobel Prize.

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome

A More Down-to-Earth Description by Lois Freisleben-Cook

I saw that someone posted the DSM IV criteria for Asperger’s but I thought it might be good to provide a more down to earth description. Asperger’s Syndrome is a term used when a child or adult has some features of autism but may not have the full blown clinical picture. There is some disagreement about where it fits in the PDD spectrum. A few people with Asperger’s syndrome are very successful and until recently were not diagnosed with anything but were seen as brilliant, eccentric, absent minded, socially inept, and a little awkward physically.

Although the criteria state no significant delay in the development of language milestones, what you might see is a “different” way of using language. A child may have a wonderful vocabulary and even demonstrate hyperlexia but not truly understand the nuances of language and have difficulty with language pragmatics. Social pragmatics also tend be weak, leading the person to appear to be walking to the beat of a “different drum”. Motor dyspraxia can be reflected in a tendency to be clumsy.

In social interaction, many people with Asperger’s syndrome demonstrate gaze avoidance and may actually turn away at the same moment as greeting another. The children I have known do desire interaction with others but have trouble knowing how to make it work. They are, however, able to learn social skills much like you or I would learn to play the piano.

There is a general impression that Asperger’s syndrome carries with it superior intelligence and a tendency to become very interested in and preoccupied with a particular subject. Often this preoccupation leads to a specific career at which the adult is very successful. At younger ages, one might see the child being a bit more rigid and apprehensive about changes or about adhering to routines. This can lead to a consideration of OCD but it is not the same phenomenon

Many of the weaknesses can be remediated with specific types of therapy aimed at teaching social and pragmatic skills. Anxiety leading to significant rigidity can be also treated medically. Although it is harder, adults with Asperger’s can have relationships, families, happy and productive lives.

From: http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/aswhatisit.html

Asperger’s syndrome is characterized by any of the following symptoms:

• Marked incapacity to successfully involve themselves in social activities
• Resist change by preferring sameness
• Repetitive behavior patterns and routines
• Withdrawn, prefer to be alone
• Inability to comprehend non-verbal cues
• Unexplained dislike for specific foods, objects, texture, or even sounds
• Lack of reciprocity for particular interaction

The quest for a cure for Asperger’s Syndrome:

There is no known cure for Asperger’s syndrome, nor is there a single treatment available for all ranges of severity. Current therapeutic treatments can offer some degree of help for those afflicted with Asperger’s syndrome, and assist them to successfully integrate into society as much as possible.

Treatments for Asperger’s syndrome vary for each individual as each person who suffers from this can display unique idiosyncratic behaviors that are most of the time exclusive to them. Due to the generic symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome, many patients are misdiagnosed, and given incorrect and inappropriate treatments. For this reason more and more research is being done to help eliminate the misdiagnosis, and get people the help they need from the start.
From: http://www.betterhealthcentre.com/autism/asperger-syndrome.htm

See Also:
WebMD Aspergers Page

Diagnostic Criteria
Asperger Fact Sheet (NINDS)
Online Aspergers Quiz

BBC Health Page on Aspergers