What Is Asperger's Syndrome?
Asperger syndrome, known as Asperger’s, is a developmental disorder considered as a milder autism spectrum disorder. This syndrome is characterized by the inability to interact socially or communicate well and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. However, Asperger’s is different from the other types of autism spectrum disorder because the person has normal language and intelligence. The condition usually appears at the age of 2 and continues with the person for the rest of their life.
Previously, scientists and psychiatrists considered Asperger’s to be a condition of its own. However, in 2013, the syndrome was categorized as a type of autism spectrum disorder. The condition affects males more than females and has an incidence rate of between 0.03 and 4.8 per 1,000 people. People with Asperger’s tend to have obsessive interests and behaviors, social impairment, delay in motor development, and difficulties in sensation, imagination, and speech.
1. Symptoms of Asperger Syndrome
There is a wide range of signs and symptoms. The early signs appearing in the first 2 years of life including delay in the development of motor skills causing awkwardness and/ or clumsiness. The other signs and symptoms include restrictive and repetitive interests such as listing or numbering and abnormal speech that is usually flat, slow, or fast, with an inappropriate volume. They may also have certain rituals and routines, with changes making them anxious and confused. People with Asperger’s may also be poor in social skills and appear withdrawn and uninterested in other people so that it’s difficult for them to make friends.
2. Causes of Asperger Syndrome
When Hans Asperger described the condition for the first time, he noticed that there were many common symptoms among the patient’s family members, especially fathers. Further research was conducted and the results indicated that there could be a genetic contribution to Asperger’s.
However, this genetic factor has not yet been identified. It is also believed that there might be multiple factors playing different roles in the expression of the disease.
3. Teratogens
Other causes of Asperger’s include exposure to teratogens, which are agents that cause birth defects. The exposure usually happens during the first two months of conception.
Asperger’s can also initiate later during intrauterine life, neonatal, and early childhood. Many environmental factors may also be involved, although none have been confirmed.
4. Asperger Syndrome and Chronic Diseases
While these are not chronic diseases as such, Asperger’s is associated with some long-term conditions. Children with Asperger’s are abnormally active, and when they get to adolescence, they usually develop psychological problems. These include anxiety and depression.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder may accompany Asperger syndrome.
5. Complications
There are no common complications of Asperger syndrome. However, few complications arise from time to time. Asperger’s is thought to either be the reason behind some complications, or the complications exaggerate Asperger’s. Such complications include sensory abnormalities such that the senses are stronger or weaker than normal.
This complication is represented in the 5 senses. For example, it may affect the way the patient perceives noise, light, smells, foods, and materials.
6. Disease Process
Asperger syndrome is thought to begin during the early stages of fetal development. It arises from the impairment occurring to many or all brain systems. It is difficult to differentiate the mechanism or the pathology of Asperger’s from other types of autism. However, most scientists believe they are separate.
The mostly accepted theory is that Asperger’s arises because of developmental changes that affect brain development immediately after conception. Abnormal migration of embryonic brain cells may cause alterations in the brain areas responsible for thought and behavior.
7. Can Asperger Syndrome Benefit from Lifestyle Changes?
Parents, family, caregivers, teachers, and everyone dealing with the patient may benefit from learning experiences that help them gain a good grasp of Asperger syndrome. They can learn certain techniques and strategies that can come in handy in helping the loved one with Asperger’s. This way, the patient is prevented from feeling detached or isolated.
Even if a change occurs, with the help of family and other support networks, the person with AS can normally cope with the change. Communication between the family and school or other educational institutions is necessary for the child with symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome. Schools can also offer learning support for both the child and the parents.
8. Diagnosis
Unfortunately, there are no specific tests for Asperger’s. However, some physical tests are performed to exclude other conditions. These include hearing, blood tests, x-rays, and visual tests. Due to the wide range of symptoms and signs, it is difficult to diagnose the condition early. Most cases are diagnosed at adulthood.
In case you suspect that your child has Asperger’s, you can contact a pediatrician, who, together with a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or other medical professionals can assess the child and advise accordingly. Parents should provide all the information they have. Besides parents, other family members and teachers can also provide valuable observations. If the patient is an adult, a doctor may ask parents, a spouse, friends, if any, and family members to provide history of the patient to help with the diagnosis.
9. Treatment
Each Asperger’s condition is unique depending on the symptoms. This is why treatment is designed for the individual. Psychiatrists, pediatricians, mental health counsellors, and teachers can play significant roles in improving your child’s behaviors and building social skills.
There are school programs and job training designed for Asperger’s patients too. Also, many Asperger’s patients have other conditions such as depression and anxiety for which they may need other treatments. The optimal solution to deal with Asperger’s is for patients to be trained in techniques and strategies that can enhance the quality of their lives.
10. Long-Term Outlook
Dealing with a patient with Asperger’s is difficult. It requires patience and support to make life easier for both the patient and the family. It also takes time to find a therapist with the experience in treating these patients. As a parent, try to learn everything about your child’s condition.
Also, try to educate everyone who might deal with your child about the condition: teachers, family members, child’s peers, and other people. The more people are aware of the special situation of your child, the better the quality of life of the patient will be.
