Aspergers Syndrome Facts You Can Live With
The first fact you should learn about is
what the syndrome is. Asperger's Syndrome is a milder variant for
of Autistic Disorder. Asperger's Syndrome is also part of the
larger category of disorders called Autistic Spectrum
Disorders
Part of living with a disorder or condition is learning all you can
about it so that you can do what is necessary to have a life that
is satisfying and functional. Parents of children with Asperger's
Syndrome (AS) and adults with the syndrome need to understand what
the symptoms and signs are and how to relate to the individual with
AS.
The first fact you should learn about is what the syndrome is.
Asperger's Syndrome is a milder variant for of Autistic Disorder.
Asperger's Syndrome is also part of the larger category of
disorders called Autistic Spectrum Disorders or also referred to in
the United States as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD).
Individuals are identified as possibly having Asperger's
Syndrome by the inability to function in two-sided social
interactions and when non-verbal communication is involved. They
typically score high in vocabulary but usually have inflection
abnormalities and repetitive patterns. Individuals with AS are
typically clumsy in articulation and in gross motor movement. They
can usually be found obsessing over a particular subject.
Individuals who are highly functioning autism have similarities
to those who have AS but there are differences. When it is AS and
not highly functioning autism the onset of characteristics is
usually later and the outcome is typically more positive. In AS the
social and communication deficiencies are less severe and the
obsessive interests are more prominent. In individuals with AS the
verbal IQ is typically higher than the performance IQ scores and
with individuals with high functioning autism the performance IQ is
higher than the verbal IQ. Individuals with AS are known frequently
seen with clumsiness as a characteristic and this is not true of
those with high functioning autism. The family history is also
present with those with AS.
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The treatment plan will also revolve around the family's available resources. The treatment plan and interventions are designed around the symptoms exhibited by the individual with the syndrome.
Aspergers Checklist
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Individuals diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome demonstrate no
evidence of brain lesion or any other biological factor of autism.
Furthermore, typically individuals with autism commonly have
associated medical conditions such as fragile-X syndrome, tuberous
sclerosis, neurofibromatosis, and hypothyroidism which are less
common in those who have been diagnosed with AS. In fact a very
small number of cases of AS have been associated with any type of
structural brain abnormality. One study conducted by Dr. R. Kaan
Ozbayrak, found left parietooccipital hypoperfusion in those with
Asperger's Syndrome. Larger studies are needed in this area of
research in order to evaluate brain imaging techniques in
association with AS.
There is no known cause for Asperger's Syndrome and there is no
single treatment or "cure" for it either. There is however
interventions that address the symptoms and can initiate
rehabilitation.
Psychosocial interventions include individual psychotherapy,
education and training concerning AS, behavioral
modification, social skills training, and educational
interventions.
Medications used to treat AS include psychostimulants to treat
the hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity of those with AS.
The psychostimulants may include methyphenidate, dextroamphetamine,
and metamphetamine. Other medications used may include clonidine,
Tricyclic Antidepressants, and Strattera. In order to treat the
symptoms of irritability and aggression or to stabilize mood
medications such as valproate, carbamazepine, lithium, and Beta
Blockers such as nadolol, and propranolol may be used as well as
clonidine, naltrexone, and also Neuroleptics.
Asperger's Syndrome
01/20/2012
Proposed changes to autism definition may mean new diagnoses for people with Asperger's
Proposed changes to American Psychological Association's diagnostic manual may stop skyrocketing autism rates, experts said
Proposed changes to autism definition may mean new diagnoses for people with Asperger's
02/02/2012
Aspiring Saugus comedienne with Asperger’s to take stage at festival
SAUGUS — A 23-year-old Saugus resident will be taking the stage alongside dozens of female comedians and performers next month at Improv Boston’s fourth annual Women in Comedy Festival.
Aspiring Saugus comedienne with Asperger’s to take stage at festival
01/31/2012
One in 100 adults has autism with the condition much more likely to affect men
Experts say the disorder and similar conditions such as Asperger’s syndrome are far more widespread than previously thought.
One in 100 adults has autism with the condition much more likely to affect men
01/31/2012
Student with Asperger’s syndrome speaks against changing definition of autism
In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association is scheduled to make changes regarding the diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome, Autistic Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).
Student with Asperger’s syndrome speaks against changing definition of autism
02/03/2012
How changing the definition of Autism could affect families
Health experts are proposing ways to change the definition of autism. About a year and half ago, Suzie Hargroder's 10-year-old daughter, Lexi, was diagnosed with high functioning autism, also known as Asperger's Syndrome. With services provided by the state, such as occupational therapy, Hargroder says Lexi is doing well in school and at home. Since an expert panel is working on redefining ...
How changing the definition of Autism could affect families
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