Asperger's Disorder

Parents of Children with Asperger's	Children with Asperger's Disorder	Teenagers with Asperger's	Adults with Asperger's	Teachers of children with Asperger's

What is Asperger's Syndrome?

Aspergers Syndrome is a neurobiological disorder named after the Austrian psychiatrist Hans Asperger, who first documented the condition in 1944. It is often described as a pervasive developmental dysfunction said to lie within the "high functioning end" of the autistic spectrum of disorders.

It's primary characteristics are similar to those of Autism, yet it can be differentiated from Autism by relatively well preserved language and cognitive abilities, overall higher average levels of intelligence. The disorder can manifest in range from mild to severe. While language development appears normal, individuals with AS tend to be extremely literal and exhibit
problems using language in a social context.

Asperger's can generally be characterised by naively inadequate social interaction, an inability to make friends, impaired emotional intonation and gesturing, pedantic monologues, restricted repertoire of interests, and the appearance of having a lack of empathy with others.

The Asperger's individual has much difficulty with transitions or changes, preferring things to remain as they have been. They often have obsessive routines and may be preoccupied with a particular subject of interest. They have a great deal of difficulty reading nonverbal cues or body language, and very often, the individual with AS has difficulty determining proper body space. AS individuals are often overly sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells, and sights, and may prefer soft clothing, certain foods, and be bothered by sounds or lights no one else seems to notice.

As with all developmental disorders, it needs to be remembered that each person is a unique individual, with individual etiology. There is considerable variability in functional levels attained.

Diagnostic criteria of Asperger's Syndrome (DMS-IV)

(A) Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:

1) Marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction

2) failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level

3) a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g. by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)

4) lack of social or emotional reciprocity

(B) Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:

1) encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus

2) apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals

3) stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)

4) persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

(C) The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning

(D) There is no clinically significant general delay in language (e.g., single words used by age 2 years, communicative phrases used by age 3 years)

(E) There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or in the development of age-appropriate self-help skills, adaptive behavior (other than social interaction), and curiosity about the environment in childhood

(F) Criteria are not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Schizophrenia

Treatment for Asperger's Disorder

Because AS can present patterns of behaviors and problems that differ widely from child to child, there isn't a "typical" or prescribed treatment regimen. However, your child may benefit from the following forms of treatment:

• parent education and training
  
• specialized educational interventions for the child
  
• social skills training
  
• language therapy
  
• behavioral/cognitive therapy for older children
  
• medications
  

An effective treatment program builds on the child’s interests, offers a predictable schedule, teaches tasks as a series of simple steps, actively engages the child’s attention in highly structured activities, and provides regular reinforcement of behavior. It's important to know that there are many people who can provide support and treatment for your child. Finding the right program for your child is key, and getting help early is important. Children with Asperger's syndrome can and do experience great gains with the appropriate treatment and education.