Asperger's syndrome

ASPERGER’S SYNDROME

Asperger’s syndrome is a severe developmental disorder characterized by major difficulties in social interaction and unusual patterns of interest and behavior. Asperger’s disorder is usually later diagnosed as autism in young children. The diagnosis cannot be made until the child goes to kindergarten or other toddler place. This may be because your child’s social and behavioral problems become more prominent when you look at him with friends in a more structured social environment where there is a greater need for social interaction. Early diagnosis and intervention through the right place can help in controlling symptoms of this syndrome.

CAUSES

Asperger’s Syndrome is more seen in males than females. Genetic factors, structural and functional differences in specific areas of the brain and exposure to environmental toxins such as chemicals or viruses have been identified as potential causes of disability.

RISK FACTORS

  • Being a male
  • Presence of co-morbid mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
  • Family history of autism spectrum disorder or other mental illness
  • Being born prematurely
  • Other conditions such as fragile X syndrome, tuberculous sclerosis, epilepsy, and Tourette’s syndrome etc.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ASPERGER’S SYNDROME

  • Difficulty expressing emotions.
  • Rigid and repetitive routines.
  • Repetitive body movements.
  • Failure to develop an understanding of relationships, social interactions, facial expressions, or body language.
  • Lack of empathy
  • Difficulty in communicating with peer group
  • High sensitivity and overstimulation to loud noises, bright lights, unusual textures, or strong tastes
  • Poor coordination
  • Clumsiness
  • Poor fine motor skills
  • Poor handwriting skills
  • Unusual body postures and gestures
  • Difficulties with changes or upsets in routine
  • Lack of social skills
  • May have one or a few very select interests that one is extremely knowledgeable about.

TREATMENT FOR ASPERGER’S SYNDROME

The ideal treatment for Asperger’s Syndrome is treatment that addresses the underlying symptoms of

the disorder like poor communication skills, compulsive or repetitive procedures, and physical clumsiness.

There is no single best cure for children with Asperger’s Syndrome, but most experts agree that early

intervention is better. Kinds of intervention that can be provided for these population includes social skills training, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication in case for co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety,o ccupational or physical therapy and speech language therapy.