Asperger Syndrome or (Asperger's Disorder) is a neurobiological disorder named for a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger, who in 1944 published a paper which described a pattern of behaviors in several young boys who had normal intelligence and language development, but who also exhibited autistic-like behaviors and marked deficiencies in social and communication skills. In spite of the publication of his paper in the 1940's, it wasn't until 1994 that Asperger Syndrome was added to the DSM IV and only in the past few years has AS been recognized by professionals and parents.
It is not caused by bad parenting. There is evidence to suggest there is a biological basis for the disorder. Progress is being made with genetic research.
A doctor can refer a child to a developmental paediatrician. Diagnosis is made after assessment by a team of specialists including a paediatrician, psychologist and speech pathologist. A social worker may be part of the team.
Asperger's Syndrome is a form of Autism. It is a developmental disability, the main features of which are recognized in early childhood. Asperger's Syndrome affects the way a person communicates and relates to others. The disability is lifelong. However, many people with Asperger's Syndrome are very able to lead successful lives, following careers of their choice, if given timely and appropriate support. Unlike Autism, children with Asperger's Syndrome develop language skills at the same time as other children although they frequently have difficulties in using this language effectively. People with Asperger's Syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence.
Difficulties with all social interactions - They may seek social interactions but are often not successful. Lack of understanding of non~verbal language, including facial expressions, contribute to this.
Communication is difficult although language skills appear good, they are restricted in the things they talk about.
Understanding of language is very literal, meaning they often take everything at face value and exactly as it is expressed. They may well miss out on the reactions of others.
Impairment of imagination difficulties with the development of abstract thinking may cause problems with learning at school.
Special interests - interest in topics can become obsessive, e.g. timetables, insects, weather.
Routines people with Asperger's Syndrome respond best in well structured situations. However, they can become upset by changes in routines, e.g. school settings with timetable/teacher changes.
Motor clumsiness - motor clumsiness may be evident in people with Asperger's Syndrome affecting skills such as ball skills/ bike riding. Fine motor skills, such as hand writing, can be affected.
The problems with communication and making social relationships are not easy to detect. Often the child's difficulties are blamed on bad behaviour and/or bad parenting.
A. Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:
B. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:
C. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairments 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.
For more detailed information follow the links to the O.A.S.I.S. site and read the articles by Barbara L.Kirby
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