Asperger Syndrome
Information from:
Asperger Syndrome Coalition of America: www.asperger.org
Asperger's Disorder Homepage: www.aspergers.com
Asperger Syndrome (AS) or (Asperger's Disorder) is a neurobiological disorder. It's important to remember that the person with AS perceives the world very differently. Therefore, many behaviors that seem odd or unusual are due to neurological differences and not the result of intentional rudeness or bad behavior and most certainly not the result of "improper parenting".
By definition, those with AS have a normal IQ and many individuals (although not all), exhibit exceptional skill or talent in a specific area. Because of their high functioning and naiveté, those with AS are often viewed as eccentric or odd and can easily become victims of teasing and bullying. Vocabularies may be extraordinarily rich and some children sound like "little professors." However, persons with AS can be extremely literal and have difficulty using language in a social context.
Characteristics:
Some professionals feel that AS is the same as High Functioning Autism, while others feel that it is better described as a Nonverbal Learning Disability. Because AS was virtually unknown a few years ago, many individuals received an incorrect diagnosis or remained undiagnosed.
Individuals with AS can exhibit a variety of characteristics and the disorder can range from mild to severe. Characteristics include:
- Marked deficiencies in social skills
- Difficulty with transition or change
- Obsessive routines and a preoccupation with a particular subject of interest
- Difficulty reading nonverbal cues (body language) and gauging appropriate personal space.
- Overly sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells, and sights
- May prefer softer clothing, certain foods
- Experience auditory or visual hallucinations
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment or "cure" for Asperger's Disorder.
Psychosocial Interventions:
Individual psychotherapy to help the individual to process the feelings aroused by being socially handicapped
Parent education and training
Behavioral modification
Social skills training
Educational interventions
Psychopharmacological Interventions
For hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity: Psychostimulants, Clonidine, Tricyclic Antidepressants.
For irritability and aggression: Mood Stabilizers, Beta Blockers, Clonidine, Naltrexone, Neuroleptics.
For preoccupations, rituals and compulsions: SSRIs, Tricyclic Antidepressants.
For anxiety: SSRIs, Tricyclic Antidepressants.