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Asperger's Syndrome

DEFINITION

Asperger’s Syndrome is a type of developmental disorder that manifests as difficulty communicating and socializing normally. Asperger’s Syndrome falls into the spectrum with other developmental diseases like autism, but is more mild than autism. Asperger’s Syndrome is generally noted since childhood, with children having those same awkward social habits. A person with Asperger’s Syndrome usually isn’t aware that he or she doesn’t fit in with others. People with Asperger’s Syndrome also generally have restricted interests that they focus on heavily. They may monopolize conversations and not understand when others try to change the conversation. Unlike autism, people with Asperger’s have normal intelligence. No cure exists for Asperger’s Syndrome, but therapy can help with social interaction, communication with others and coping skills. The only known risk factor for having Asperger’s Syndrome is having a family member who also has the syndrome. Not surprisingly, people with Asperger’s Syndrome have more difficulty at work and in other social environments.

SYMPTOMS
Limited ability to communicate with others, abnormal social interaction with others (not maintaining eye contact, using strange gestures), focus on a single topic or area of interest almost exclusively, inability to pick up social clues (such as others trying to change the subject in the conversation), clumsy movements, walking in a rigid fashion, poor coordination, monotone voice, speaking quickly, difficulty understanding other peoples’ humor

DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome is based on a careful history taken by your doctor. It is extremely helpful to incorporate the observations of other people like family because the patient may not notice that anything is abnormal. If Asperger’s Syndrome is being diagnosed in childhood, the child will have a series of tests to make sure that he or she is otherwise meeting developmental milestones. Many people with Asperger’s Syndrome may be misdiagnosed with other problems, including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

TREATMENT
No treatment exists to cure Asperger’s Syndrome. The treatments for Asperger’s Syndrome depend on the specific difficulties for the patient. Therapy to help the patient understand social interaction and communicate better can be done by a psychologist, psychiatrist or counselor. This therapy can focus on intonation in the voice, using normal social gestures like making eye contact, and communicating humor. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that helps create skills to deal with specific behavior problems, like interrupting or obsessions. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also teach a patient how to cope with anxiety that otherwise might get misdirected in a socially unacceptable manner. Some medication options exist to help treat the symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome like anxiety, hyperactivity or depression. Therapeutic options can help those with Asperger’s to maintain a more normal life both at work and in the home.

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