Asperger's Syndrome in Laymen's Terms
The syndrome was named for a Viennese
physician, Hans Asperger. He published a paper describing the
pattern of behaviors witnessed of boys who had normal IQs and
language development, but who were thought to be autistic in
behavior with marked social and communicative
deficiencies.
A child or an adult can exhibit signs or symptoms of Asperger's
Syndrome at any time in life that are attributed to other things
such as being absent minded, awkward physically, brilliant but
eccentric or socially inept. Many children are said to have a
language of their own and eventually are diagnosed with Asperger's
Syndrome. They may indeed have a wonderful vocabulary but do not
understand the pragmatics of communicating that language.
Individuals who have Asperger's syndrome are said to be clumsy.
Individuals with this syndrome may avoid gazing directly at someone
even in greeting. Children with this syndrome may have difficulty
in social situations but can learn how to act socially over time.
Adults who have this syndrome may experience difficulty with
relationships, family life and being able to be comfortable in
social situations for business or pleasure but they can learn to
live happy and productive lives adapting to the syndrome and with
therapy and certain medications.
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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.
Aspergers Diagnosis
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The syndrome was named for a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger.
He published a paper describing the pattern of behaviors witnessed
of boys who had normal IQs and language development, but who were
thought to be autistic in behavior with marked social and
communicative deficiencies. In 1994 professionals recognized
Asperger Syndrome and parents finally had a name for what they
experienced in their children.
Common characteristics of individuals with this syndrome are
deficiencies in social skills, difficulties when it comes to
changes and they often have obsessive routines and are preoccupied
with one subject of interest. Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome
tend to have difficulty reading nonverbal cues of communication
often referred to as body language. They can also have difficulty
determining proper body space and can be overly sensitive to
sights, smells, sounds and tastes. They will also have preferences
for things that are soft, for certain foods, and can be agitated by
certain sounds or by lights that others around them are not
bothered by. Those with this syndrome are often teased as children
for being "odd" and adults are accused of being eccentric.
Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome can be extremely literal and
have difficulty using language in a social context.
Asperger Syndrome is currently considered to be an autism
spectrum disorder and is often described as being High Functioning
Autism. Still, others describe the pattern of behaviors as a
Nonverbal Learning Disorder. Many individuals are misdiagnosed or
remain undiagnosed.
Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome usually have normal IQ
ranges, in fact many show exceptional skill or talent in certain
areas, so they can achieve high levels of achievements but
experience difficulties in social situations or in making
transitions or changes in work or home life. Individuals who have
Asperger's Syndrome prefer to have stability in their lives and shy
away from situations that would necessitate change.
Asperger's Syndrome
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
01/30/2012
Asperger’s History of Over-Diagnosis
People with social disabilities are not necessarily autistic, and giving them diagnoses on the autism spectrum often does a real disservice.
Asperger’s History of Over-Diagnosis
01/09/2012
Asperger's group seeks to demystify diagnosis
AMESBURY — For those diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome at an early age, the teenage years can be especially challenging. The same goes for parents, teachers and anyone else who comes in contact with the neurological condition that affects the way sufferers socially interact with others.
Asperger's group seeks to demystify diagnosis
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