Asperger’s Syndrome

By Thomasena Foxworth
 Asperger is a developmental disorder.

What is Most distinguishing symptom of AS is a

Asperger’s child’s obsessive interest in a single object
or topic to the exclusion of any other

Syndrome
Asperger have no delay in language or
cognitive people often experience
difficulty with social interaction and
sensory reception
 Underdeveloped social skills

Difficulty with nonverbal behavior

Trouble expressing emotions

Lack of coordination

Characteristics Fixation an rituals routines

of Asperger Limited range of interest

Erratic behavior

Self-absorption

Unusual communication styles

Extraordinary Cognitive Creative Ability

What causes As with some other They do have
Asperger disorders
researchers are not
theories that
Genes, brain
able to pinpoint change,
one specific cause environment all
of Asperger’s. play a major role in
the Asperger’s
Syndrome
 Genes – affect a person chance of
developing while no one gene has been
found to cause Asperger the disorder seem
to run in families.
Ex: A younger sibling of a child with
Risk Factors of Asperger are at greater risk to developing
Asperger than other children
Asperger’s  Fragile X Syndone
 Rett Syndrome
 Spontaneous gene mutations
 Brain Changes (frontal/ temporal)
 Environment
Other risk factors
for Asperger's
Being born premature before 26
weeks
Being born less than a year from
older sibling
Family History
Being born to older parents
Having a mental health disorder
Having a health condition
(Tourette syndrome, epilepsy,
tuberous sclerosis)
What are the risks or complications of Asperger's
syndrome?
 As mentioned before, Asperger's syndrome may coexist with other
psychiatric conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) or anxiety disorder. Even when anxiety disorder is not
present, people with Asperger's syndrome may suffer from anxiety or
hypersensitivity to certain stimuli such as loud noises. In some cases,
disruptive behaviors (tantrums, self-injury, and aggression) and/or
depression may occur in response to the anxiety and frustration
experienced by sufferers of Asperger's syndrome. Other behaviors that
have been reported in people with Asperger's syndrome include
obsessive-compulsive behaviors and difficulties with anger
management.

 As with any condition, the degree of severity of symptoms can vary

widely among individuals, and not all persons with Asperger's
syndrome will experience associated psychiatric disorders,
depression, or disruptive behaviors.
Early signs of Asperger’s in children

 Physical Clumsiness. ...

 Repetitive Behaviors. ...
 Avoiding Eye Contact. ...
 Lack of Age-Appropriate Social Skills. ...
 Lack of Empathy. ...
 Unusual Speech Patterns. ...
 Advanced Vocabulary or Uncommon Word Choice. ...
 Obsessive Interests.
Asperger's syndrome facts

Asperger's syndrome was formerly characterized as a distinct autism

spectrum disorder; the DSM-5 in May 2013 combined the diagnosis with
autistic disorder into one condition called autism spectrum disorder or ASD.
People with Asperger's syndrome have normal to above-average intelligence
but typically have difficulties with social interactions and often have
pervasive, absorbing interests in special topics.
Abnormalities in the subtle use of language and interpretation of language
are common with Asperger's syndrome, although language development
(grammar, syntax, etc.) is normal.
The degree of severity of symptoms can vary among affected individuals.
Anxiety and frustration may contribute to disruptive behaviors or depression
in people with Asperger's syndrome.
Successful treatment generally involves one or multiple social, behavioral,
and/or educational interventions.
The personality and cognitive traits common to those with Asperger's
How common is Asperger's syndrome?
Asperger'ssyndrome is five times more common in boys than in girls. In recent
years, the number of autism spectrum disorders has increased dramatically in
the U.S. The reason for the increase is not fully clear, but is likely due to both
improvements and modifications in the diagnostic process that result in an
increase in the number of children being identified, as well as some degree of
true increase in the incidence of the disorders themselves. The CDC notes one
out of every 59 children in the U.S. has an autism spectrum disorder.

Asperger'ssyndrome has been estimated to affect two and a half out of every
1000 children, based upon the total number of children with autistic disorders.
Asperger's syndrome is five times more common in boys than in girls. In recent
years, the number of autism spectrum disorders has increased dramatically in
the U.S. The reason for the increase is not fully clear, but is likely due to both
improvements and modifications in the diagnostic process that result in an
increase in the number of children being identified, as well as some degree of
true increase in the incidence of the disorders themselves. The CDC notes one
out of every 59 children in the U.S. has an autism spectrum disorder.

Asperger's syndrome has been estimated to affect two and a half out of every
Children and Teens
 Interventions that address behavior and education are at the crux of treatment for Asperger's
syndrome

 Forinstance, creating a home and school environment that is structured and organized—one
where there are visual schedules, task lists, and clearly defined rules and expectations—can help
children and adolescents stay focused.

 In
addition, classroom settings may be adjusted in order to minimize over-arousal, such as placing
carpet to reduce noise or breaking up the class into smaller learning groups where there are
fewer students. Motor-based activities done intermittently throughout the school day, such as
yoga, hula-hooping, or jumping on a mini-trampoline, can also help provide calmness and fulfill a
child's sensory need.

 Social-skills
training, mental health counseling, family support, engaging in healthy lifestyle
habits (for example, eating healthfully and obtaining adequate sleep), and formulating an
education plan that is tailored to an individual child or adolescent's needs are also essential
components of the treatment plan.
 How You Get a Diagnosis
 If you notice signs in your child, see your pediatrician. He can refer you to a mental
health expert who specializes in ASDs, like one of these:

 Psychologist. He diagnoses and treats problems with emotions and behavior.

 Pediatric neurologist. He treats conditions of the brain.

 Developmental pediatrician. He specializes in speech and language issues and other

developmental problems.

 Psychiatrist. He has expertise in mental health conditions and can prescribe medicine to
treat them.

 The condition is often treated with a team approach. That means you might see more
than one doctor for your child's care.
Treatment
The treatment of Asperger's
syndrome/ASD requires a
multifaceted approach and must
be tailored to each individual's
age and needs. A team of
professionals (e.g., psychologist,
occupational therapist, social
worker, counselor, etc.) is
usually involved; in pediatric
cases, parents and teachers are
obviously also involved.
Organizations That Offer Help to Families

 Autism Speaks
 Autism Society: Asperger's Syndrome
 U.S. Autism and Asperger Association
 National Autism Association
 National Foundation for Autism Research (NFAR)
 Autism Research Institute (Autism.com)
 Asperger Autism Spectrum Education Network (ASPEN): What Is Asperger's Syndrome
 American Psychiatric Association (Psychiatry.org): What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder
 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS): Autism Spectrum Disorder
Fact Sheet
 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): Autism
 Organization for Autism Research
 National Autism Resources
References:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/aspergers/what-are-causes-risk-facto
rs-aspergers-syndrome/

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/aspergers/early-signs-aspergers-w
hen-toseek-help/

https://www.medicinenet.com/asperger_syndrome/article.htm#asperge
rs_syndrome_facts

https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-it-asperger-syndrome-259942#diagn
osis

https://www.everydayhealth.com/aspergers/resources/