Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's syndrome (AS) is a neurobiological condition that falls into the category of ‘autism spectrum disorders.’ The autistic spectrum includes autism as well as disorders having similar characteristics but varying in their severity or manifestations. High functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome are similar in many ways. The males affected with AS have normal intelligence and language development, with poor social skills, lack of coordination, and the inability to communicate effectively with others. These children are not very expressive facially and are incapable of reading the body language of others.

Children with Asperger’s syndrome are initially diagnosed as patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is therefore necessary to get the child diagnosed by a qualified doctor. A child with AS may manifest with minimal or inappropriate social interactions; odd behaviors or mannerisms; robotic, scripted, or repetitive speech; average to above-average verbal cognitive abilities; lack of common sense; awkward movements; obsession with complex topics such as patterns or music; problems with reading, mathematics, or writing with average to below-average nonverbal cognitive abilities; and self-centered conversations almost always.

The causes of AS and autism are unknown. There is a possibility that AS is transferred genetically. Some researchers believe that brain disorders or mental health disorders such as depression or bipolar disorders may be associated with AS. The effects of environmental factors are also under research. However, it should be noted that AS is not the result of bad parenting or emotional deprivation.

It is very difficult to diagnose and treat Asperger's syndrome. While a large number of children are diagnosed just after 3 years of age, the condition is discovered in others between 5 to 9 years of age. If the children behave differently, the condition can be recognized easily. Early intercession is helpful if a child has AS. Intercession involves social and educational training, during the developmental stages of the child. Currently, there is no cure available for AS. However, it is possible to live happily, even if one has AS. In AS, different patients demonstrate different behavioral patterns. So, no specific treatment method can be adopted.

Treatment methods that could be helpful in many such cases include social skills training; desensitization therapy, in which a child’s oversensitivity to stimuli is gradually reduced; parent education and training; psychotherapy or behavioral/cognitive therapy for older children; medications; language therapy; sensory integration training for younger children, usually performed by an occupational therapist; and specialized educational interventions for the child.

The functional areas of the brain are yet under study. Hence, the effective prevention of AS depends upon genetic mapping. Practically speaking, we can protect the fetus against oxygen deprivation during birth. If the disorder is diagnosed early and if treatment is started immediately, one can produce an improvement in the condition.

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