Asperger’s syndrome is a form of autism without intellectual disability or language delay.
But how do you recognize it?
- Asperger’s syndrome was formerly characterized as a distinct autism spectrum disorder; the DSM-5 in May 2013 combined the diagnosis with autistic disorder into one condition called autism spectrum disorder or ASD.
- People with Asperger’s syndrome have normal to above-average intelligence but typically have difficulties with social skills and often have pervasive, absorbing interests in special topics.
- Abnormalities in the subtle use of language and interpretation of language are common with Asperger’s syndrome, although language development (grammar, syntax, etc.) is normal.
- The degree of severity of symptoms can vary among affected individuals.
- Anxiety and frustration may contribute to disruptive behaviors or depression in people with Asperger’s syndrome.
- Successful treatment generally involves one or multiple social, behavioral, and/or educational interventions.
- The personality and cognitive traits common to those with Asperger’s syndrome are seen as beneficial by many, and many people with Asperger’s syndrome believe it has helped advance their professional lives.
Diagnosing, screening and treatment of Asperger syndrome
Children with Asperger syndrome differ from children with other developmental delay related disorders by one factor – they have little or no language delay and may have an average or above average IQ (measure of intelligence).
Children with other autism spectrum disorders may have a significant language delay and variations in IQ. Several questionnaires and psychological tests are used to determine the condition.
More often than not, diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical symptoms as described by parents, teachers, caregivers or observed by the developmental paediatrician.
Asperger syndrome may often be misdiagnosed as high-functioning autism (HFA) or atypical autism, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) or semantic pragmatic disorder instead of Asperger syndrome.
Several behavioral approaches as well as vocational and occupational treatments form part of the treatment regimen of Asperger syndrome. Asperger syndrome is a lifelong condition with no cure and children with the condition grow into adults with the condition.
However, with adequate support, a person with Asperger syndrome may live a productive life with gainful employment and possibility of raising a family.
Ted talk about the syndrome :
Asperger syndrome statistics:
Asperger syndrome is considerably more common than typical autism. Autism occurs in about 4 out of every 10,000 children and Asperger syndrome occurs in 20-25 per 10,000 children. This means the prevalence of this condition is much more than typical or classic autism.
Asperger syndrome is also commonly associated with other disorders like Tourette disorder, attention deficit and hyperactivity related behavioral disorders and mood problems such as depression and anxiety.
References :
Neuroscience Blog 