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Asperger's Syndrome


APSARA KATUWAL DANGOL

 Asperger's Syndrome ( Asperger ) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which creates an effect in communication skills, social interaction in an individual's life. This syndrome is in controversy as it is still not taken as a separate entity.


Earlier, Asperger disorder was a specific entity in DSM IV in 1991. During 1913 ( May ), DSM -5 included Asperger's syndrome and autism in the same condition, many experts felt it should not be taken same as Autism. It was diagnosed that Asperger's disorder as a higher functioning form of Autism. It is two and half in 1000 children. And As is five times more common in girls.

Positive characteristics of people with Asperger's Syndrome
  • Remaining focused,
  • Capable to stick in specific interest,
  • Independent,
  • Recognition of simple events, 
  • Originality in thinking.


Causes
The scientific investigation is going on but is unable to find the exact cause of the Asperger's Syndrome.The causes can be genetic variation, environmental factors and exposure to teratogens during the first 8 weeks of conception.

Signs and  Symptoms
Symptoms may start from infancy. During school aged or older, these symptoms can be identified.
  • A person with Asperger's Syndrome lacks social awareness, fails in socializing and has difficulty making friends. 
  • He/she is unable to sustain the friendship. 
  • He/she is unable to infer thoughts, feelings or emotions of others. 
  • He/she is unable to perceive nonverbal cues. 
  • He/she doesn't make eye contact. 
  • He/she has a problem in handwriting.
  • He/she have late developmental in motor skills ( catching balls, use of knife )
  • He/she is sensitive to loud noise, odor, heights, and textures. 
  • He/she has lack of empathy. 
  • He/she is unable to follow unusual routines. 
  • He/she does repetitive use of motor pattern  ( hand flapping, arms waving )

Diagnosis
According to the manual of DSM 5, diagnosis is made as DSM 5 has combined Asperger's Syndrome in the same category of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder.

Usually, the interview is taken and observation is made to know whether the symptoms fall under Asperger's Syndrome or not.Even, the interview of family, teacher, and counselor is taken to know more about the person suspecting Asperger's Syndrome. And diagnosis alerts family member that what is making a person like the way they perceive. They can know the real trouble of the person.

Treatment
For the treatment of Asperger's Syndrome, medications are given like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) which helps in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Behavioral and educational interventions also can help but have to take according to needs and age of the client. Behavioral interventions include different types of therapy and training which help in reducing overstimulation, improves executive functioning, building motor skills. When Speech/language therapy is given it helps to address double meaning language in social circumstances. Social skills training aware about social cognition, use of gestures, facial expressions, and conversational language.

About Writer

Apsara Katuwal Dangol, is writer, educator, and psychosocial counselor. She writes articles which covers topics related to general and developmental psychology. She teaches to MA Clinical Psychology students as Developmental Psychology Mentor at Tri-Chandra College, and General Psychology at Shubhashree College of Management.



References:

Asperger Syndrome
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome

Asperger Syndrome
http://www.autism.org.uk/about/what-is/asperger.aspx

Asperger's Syndrome
http://www.autism-society.org/what-is/aspergers-syndrome/

Asperger's Syndrome (Asperger Syndrome, Asperger Disorder)
http://www.medicinenet.com/asperger_syndrome/article.htm

What is Asperger Syndrome?
http://aspennj.org/what-is-asperger-syndrome



















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