Hans Asperger was a Viennese child psychologist wrote the first definition of Asperger syndrome in 1944. In four boys, he identified a pattern of behavior and abilities that he called "autistic psychopathy", meaning autism and psychopathy. The pattern included: a lack of empathy, little ability to form friendships, one-sided conversation, intense absorption in a special interest, and clumsy movements. Asperger called children with AS "little professors" because of their ability to talk about their favorite subject in great detail. It is commonly said that the paper was based on only four boys. However, Dr. Günter Krämer, of Zürich, who knew Asperger, states that it "was based on investigations of more than 400 children".
Source: psychcentral.com
Causes
There are some causes found in certain studies, yet the are just theories. Most Scientists have not yet found specific causes but can make legitimate guesses. The scientific data shows that is is likely that there are both environmental and genetic factors involved. Abnormalities in the brain are a factors in most cases. More research is currently being done to control a better understanding of the causes of Aspergers Syndrome
Source: psychcentral.com Diagnosis
When it comes to Asperger Syndrome, any false or delayed diagnosis can cause problems of dire proportions. AS is more common than traditional autism and the average age diagnosed is several years younger, and usually by three years of age. Autism shares the same DSM criteria for abnormal social interaction and behavior as Asperger disorder, but requires additional impairments in communication.
The following list contains characteristics of Aspergers Syndrome:
-Susceptibility to distraction
-Difficulty in expressing emotions
-Resistance to or failure to respond to talk therapy
-Mental shutdown response to conflicting demands and multi-tasking
-Generalized confusion during periods of stress
-Low understanding of the reciprocal rules of conversation: interrupting, dominating, minimum participation, difficult in shifting topics, problem with initiating or terminating conversation, subject perseveration
-Insensitivity to the non-verbal cues of others (stance, posture, facial expressions)
-Perseveration best characterized by the term “bulldog tenacity”
-Literal interpretation of instructions (failure to read between the lines)
-Interpreting words and phrases literally (problem with colloquialisms, cliches, neologism, turns of phrase, common humorous expressions)
-Preference for visually oriented instruction and training
-Dependence on step-by-step learning procedures (disorientation occurs when a step is assumed, deleted, or otherwise overlooked in instruction)
-Difficulty in generalizing
-Preference for repetitive, often simple routines
-Difficulty in understanding rules for games of social entertainment
-Missing or misconstruing others’ agendas, priorities, preferences
-Impulsiveness
-Compelling need to finish one task completely before starting another
-Appears more frequently in males.
Source- www.autism-world.com
Treatment
Every child with Aspergers has differences in the number and severity of symptoms, therefore treatment must meet the needs of each individual diagnosed with Aspergers. Depending on the symptoms, indicates what type of specific treatment will be needed. Good steps to take with your child who has aspergers is to contact a local school district and have them inform you on the programs that provide for your childs needs. Federal law requires public schools to provide for children ages 3-21 with disabilities such as aspergers. Treatment is focused on improving communication, social skills, and behavior management. Children with aspergers are at higher risk to acquire other mental disorders such as ADHD, Bipolar disorder, social anxiety disorder, and a few others. These conditions may require medication and therapy.
History
Hans Asperger was a Viennese child psychologist wrote the first definition of Asperger syndrome in 1944. In four boys, he identified a pattern of behavior and abilities that he called "autistic psychopathy", meaning autism and psychopathy. The pattern included: a lack of empathy, little ability to form friendships, one-sided conversation, intense absorption in a special interest, and clumsy movements. Asperger called children with AS "little professors" because of their ability to talk about their favorite subject in great detail. It is commonly said that the paper was based on only four boys. However, Dr. Günter Krämer, of Zürich, who knew Asperger, states that it "was based on investigations of more than 400 children".
Source: psychcentral.com
Causes
There are some causes found in certain studies, yet the are just theories. Most Scientists have not yet found specific causes but can make legitimate guesses. The scientific data shows that is is likely that there are both environmental and genetic factors involved. Abnormalities in the brain are a factors in most cases. More research is currently being done to control a better understanding of the causes of Aspergers Syndrome
Source: psychcentral.com
Diagnosis
When it comes to Asperger Syndrome, any false or delayed diagnosis can cause problems of dire proportions. AS is more common than traditional autism and the average age diagnosed is several years younger, and usually by three years of age. Autism shares the same DSM criteria for abnormal social interaction and behavior as Asperger disorder, but requires additional impairments in communication.
http://apt.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/7/4/310
Characteristics
The following list contains characteristics of Aspergers Syndrome:
-Susceptibility to distraction
-Difficulty in expressing emotions
-Resistance to or failure to respond to talk therapy
-Mental shutdown response to conflicting demands and multi-tasking
-Generalized confusion during periods of stress
-Low understanding of the reciprocal rules of conversation: interrupting, dominating, minimum participation, difficult in shifting topics, problem with initiating or terminating conversation, subject perseveration
-Insensitivity to the non-verbal cues of others (stance, posture, facial expressions)
-Perseveration best characterized by the term “bulldog tenacity”
-Literal interpretation of instructions (failure to read between the lines)
-Interpreting words and phrases literally (problem with colloquialisms, cliches, neologism, turns of phrase, common humorous expressions)
-Preference for visually oriented instruction and training
-Dependence on step-by-step learning procedures (disorientation occurs when a step is assumed, deleted, or otherwise overlooked in instruction)
-Difficulty in generalizing
-Preference for repetitive, often simple routines
-Difficulty in understanding rules for games of social entertainment
-Missing or misconstruing others’ agendas, priorities, preferences
-Impulsiveness
-Compelling need to finish one task completely before starting another
-Appears more frequently in males.
Source- www.autism-world.com
Treatment
Every child with Aspergers has differences in the number and severity of symptoms, therefore treatment must meet the needs of each individual diagnosed with Aspergers. Depending on the symptoms, indicates what type of specific treatment will be needed. Good steps to take with your child who has aspergers is to contact a local school district and have them inform you on the programs that provide for your childs needs. Federal law requires public schools to provide for children ages 3-21 with disabilities such as aspergers. Treatment is focused on improving communication, social skills, and behavior management. Children with aspergers are at higher risk to acquire other mental disorders such as ADHD, Bipolar disorder, social anxiety disorder, and a few others. These conditions may require medication and therapy.
Source-www.webmd.com