Asperger Syndrome..What is it?

In 1944, an Austrian pediatrician named Hans Asperger observed four children in his practice who had difficulty integrating socially. Although their intelligence appeared normal, the children lacked nonverbal communication skills, failed to demonstrate empathy with their peers, and were physically awkward. Their speech was either disjointed or overly formal, and their all-absorbing interest in a single topic dominated their conversations. Dr. Asperger described it as a personality disorder primarily marked by social isolation. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/detail_asperger.htm#211313080

There are many symptoms of Asperger Syndrome.  Early diagnosis, intervention, and support is key to the success of those with Asperger Syndrome.  People with AS often learn with age to cope with the disorder and because they are often very intelligent, they can end up with good careers and even get married.  Socially however, things may always be more awkward and difficult for the person with Asperger Syndrome. 

Asperger Syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. (Wikipedia) AS differs from autism because there is normal cognitive and language development, but there may be a delay in early motor development.  Some say children with AS may appear clumsy. Parents may notice some symptoms when the child is a toddler, but a diagnosis may not follow for some time.  Children with Asperger’s are often very intelligent, and may obsess about certain subjects (often one or a couple) and know extensive facts about things that interest them such as planes, Science or dinosaurs for example.  Conversation may often revolve around the subjects of interest and can seem awkward or even frustrating to others.  Children can have many symptoms or a few, but it is the combination of these symptoms that deliver a diagnosis. Symptoms can also include difficulty with eye contact, and/or staring, and taking things literally, including jokes. These children may not be able to decipher between tone and may lack expression in conversations.  Their language is more formal than that of their peers, leading them to sometimes being described as “the little professor”.  Also, “they may have heightened sensitivity and become over stimulated by loud noises, lights, or strong tastes or textures”(WebMD) 

Some children with AS also develop anxiety or depression in young adulthood. Other conditions that often co-exist with Asperger syndrome are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), tic disorders (such as Tourette syndrome), depression, anxiety disorders, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

OCD is an anxiety disorder, which causes irrational thoughts and fears to stick in the brains of those who suffer from it.  To cope with the fears the person will begin a compulsion (washing hands would be the most common example) they need to do in order to relieve the stress from the obsessive thoughts.  A child with Asperger’s may appear normal, but may actually have many symptoms to deal with. This, plus the co-morbid disorder of OCD, constitute a complex disorder to live with, which can significantly impact a child’s life. 
 
There is no cure for Asperger Syndrome. Parents of children with AS or symptoms of it, should look for support by contacting their local Autism support organizations, as well as creating a team of experts in neurology, psychology and psychiatry for their children.  With early diagnosis, and support, as well as public awareness of the disorder, people with Asperger Syndrome will achieve great success and understanding.  Jeannine:)

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