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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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 Syndrome
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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
01/09/2012
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
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
02/03/2012
'Best Practices': Learning To Live With Asperger's
David Finch was 30-years-old when he discovered that he was on the autism spectrum. In Journal of Best Practices, he describes how he learned to manage the disorder — and become a better husband and father in the process.
'Best Practices': Learning To Live With Asperger's
02/03/2012
'Best Practices': Learning To Live With Asperger's
David Finch was 30-years-old when he discovered that he was on the autism spectrum. In Journal of Best Practices, he describes how he learned to manage the disorder — and become a better husband and father in the process.
'Best Practices': Learning To Live With Asperger's
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
02/03/2012
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
02/03/2012
'Best Practices': Learning To Live With Asperger's
David Finch was 30-years-old when he discovered that he was on the autism spectrum. In Journal of Best Practices, he describes how he learned to manage the disorder — and become a better husband and father in the process.
'Best Practices': Learning To Live With Asperger's
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