Asperger Syndrome Information
Asperger Syndrome or (Asperger’s Disorder) is a developmental disorder. It is an autism spectrum disorder, one of a well-defined group of neurological conditions characterized by a greater or minor degree of impairment in language and communication skills, as well as repetitive or restrictive patterns of thinking and behavior. Other ASDs include: Classic autism, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified commonly referred to as PDD-NOS. Unlike children with autism, children with AS retain their early on language skills.
Causes Of Asperger Syndrome
Not much is well-known regarding the causes of Asperger Syndrome, till date. However, the disorder is belief to be linked to a strong genetic component. Though no given gene has yet been claimed behind this autism spectrum disorder, multiple factors are thought to play a significant role in this particular expression of autism. The genetic link is given emphasis because it has been observed that there is a higher incidence of the disorder in a person whose family members have behavioral symptoms similar to Asperger Syndrome. A few of the cases of the disorder have also been linked to exposure to teratogens i.E. Agents that cause birth defects throughout the first eight weeks from conception.
Symptoms Of Asperger Syndrome
- A person diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome lacks social sense and has inborn social deficiencies, such as being unable to read others’ body language, difficulty in starting or maintaining a conversation, failure to take turns while talking, and so on.
- Asperger patients do not like any kind of changes in their routine life. They prefer to maintain the same lifestyle everyday.
- The sense of empathy that is usually seen
- People with this disorder usually have a flat speech, which lacks a specific tone, pitch or accent. Apart from this, they do not understand subtle differences in speech tone, pitch and accent in other people’s speech as well. So, they might not be able to understand a joke or a sarcastic comment and take everything literally or by the face of it.
- An Asperger-affected person generally has an advanced style of speech. He/she speaks very formally and prefers to use formal terms instead of causal ones. For instance, a child would use the term ‘beckon’ instead of ‘call’.
- Avoiding eye contact or staring at others constantly is often seen in an individual diagnosed with the disorder.
- Unusual face expressions or atypical standing, walking or sitting postures have been observed in Asperger patients.
- Such patients are observed to be highly talkative, when it comes to discussing their favorite subjects. Dwelling in one sided conversations and verbalized internal thoughts are a common feature in Asperger Syndrome.
Symptoms during adolescent and teen years
Most symptoms persist through the teen years. And although teens with Asperger’s can begin to learn those social skills they lack, communication often remains difficult. They will probably continue to have difficulty “reading” others’ behavior.
Symptoms in adulthood
Asperger’s syndrome is a lifelong condition, although it tends to stabilize over time, and improvements are often seen. Adults usually obtain a better understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses. They are able to learn social skills and how to read others’ social cues. Many people with Asperger’s syndrome marry and have children.
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