05-15-2005, 12:10 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/kidshealth/20050...r_syndrome
Quote:
Asperger Syndrome
KidsHealth.org Thu May 12, 8:00 PM ET
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Asperger syndrome (AS) is a neurobiological disorder that is part of a group of diagnoses called "autistic spectrum disorders." The term "autistic spectrum" refers to a range of developmental disabilities that includes autism as well as other disorders with similar characteristics.
They are known as spectrum disorders because the symptoms of each can appear in different combinations and in varying degrees of severity: two children with the same diagnosis, though they may share certain patterns of behavior, can exhibit a wide range of skills and abilities.
As a result, general terms such as "low-functioning," "high- functioning," "autistic tendencies," "pervasive developmental disorder," and others are often used to describe children whose behaviors fall within the spectrum. Children with AS share many of the same symptoms as children with "high-functioning autism."
It's estimated that over 400,000 families are affected by AS. Because milder cases are being identified more frequently, the incidence appears to be increasing. However, like other autistic spectrum disorders, AS is often difficult to diagnose and treat.
What Is Asperger Syndrome?
The disorder is named after Hans Asperger, a Viennese pediatrician who, in 1940, first described a set of behavior patterns apparent in some of his patients, mostly males. Asperger noticed that although these boys had normal intelligence and language development, they had severely impaired social skills, were unable to communicate effectively with others, and had poor coordination.
According to the Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the United States, the onset of AS is later than what is typical in autism - or at least it is recognized later. A large number of children are diagnosed after the age of 3, with most diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 9.
Asperger syndrome is characterized by poor social interactions, obsessions, odd speech patterns, and other peculiar mannerisms. Children with AS often have few facial expressions and have difficulty reading the body language of others; they may engage in obsessive routines and may display an unusual sensitivity to sensory stimuli (for example, they may be bothered by a light that no one else notices or prefer to wear clothing made only of a certain material). Overall, people with AS are quite capable of functioning in everyday life, but they tend to be somewhat socially immature and may be seen by others as odd or eccentric.
Other characteristics of AS include motor delays, clumsiness, limited interests, and peculiar preoccupations. Adults with AS have trouble demonstrating empathy for others, and social interactions continue to be difficult. Experts say that AS follows a continuous course and usually lasts a lifetime. However, symptoms can wax and wane over the course of time, and early intervention services can be helpful.
Signs and Symptoms
Because the symptoms of AS are often hard to differentiate from other behavioral problems, it's best to let your child's doctor or other health professional make evaluate your child's symptoms. It's not uncommon for a child to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) before the diagnosis of AS is made later on.
The following are a number of signs and symptoms that might be present in a child with AS:
* inappropriate or minimal social interactions
* conversations almost always revolving around self rather than others
* stilted or repetitive speech
* lack of "common sense"
* problems with reading, math or writing skills
* obsession with complex topics such as patterns or music
* average to above-average verbal cognitive abilities
* average to below-average nonverbal cognitive abilities
* awkward movements
* odd behaviors or mannerisms
It's important to note that, unlike children with autism, children with AS may show no delays in language development; they usually have good grammatical skills and an advanced vocabulary at an early age. However, they typically do exhibit a language disorder; they may be very literal, and they may have trouble using language in a social context. Often there are no obvious delays in cognitive development or in age-appropriate self-help skills such as feeding and dressing themselves. Although individuals with AS may have problems with attention span, problems with organization, and skills that seem well developed in some areas and lacking in others, they usually have average and sometimes above average intelligence.
What Causes Asperger Syndrome?
Researchers and mental health experts are still investigating the causes of autism and AS. Many believe that the pattern of behavior that characterizes AS may have many causes. There seems to be a hereditary component to AS, and research indicates that in some cases AS may be associated wih other mental health disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Researchers are also looking into whether environmental factors that affect brain development might play a role in the condition.
KidsHealth.org Thu May 12, 8:00 PM ET
ADVERTISEMENT
Asperger syndrome (AS) is a neurobiological disorder that is part of a group of diagnoses called "autistic spectrum disorders." The term "autistic spectrum" refers to a range of developmental disabilities that includes autism as well as other disorders with similar characteristics.
They are known as spectrum disorders because the symptoms of each can appear in different combinations and in varying degrees of severity: two children with the same diagnosis, though they may share certain patterns of behavior, can exhibit a wide range of skills and abilities.
As a result, general terms such as "low-functioning," "high- functioning," "autistic tendencies," "pervasive developmental disorder," and others are often used to describe children whose behaviors fall within the spectrum. Children with AS share many of the same symptoms as children with "high-functioning autism."
It's estimated that over 400,000 families are affected by AS. Because milder cases are being identified more frequently, the incidence appears to be increasing. However, like other autistic spectrum disorders, AS is often difficult to diagnose and treat.
What Is Asperger Syndrome?
The disorder is named after Hans Asperger, a Viennese pediatrician who, in 1940, first described a set of behavior patterns apparent in some of his patients, mostly males. Asperger noticed that although these boys had normal intelligence and language development, they had severely impaired social skills, were unable to communicate effectively with others, and had poor coordination.
According to the Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the United States, the onset of AS is later than what is typical in autism - or at least it is recognized later. A large number of children are diagnosed after the age of 3, with most diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 9.
Asperger syndrome is characterized by poor social interactions, obsessions, odd speech patterns, and other peculiar mannerisms. Children with AS often have few facial expressions and have difficulty reading the body language of others; they may engage in obsessive routines and may display an unusual sensitivity to sensory stimuli (for example, they may be bothered by a light that no one else notices or prefer to wear clothing made only of a certain material). Overall, people with AS are quite capable of functioning in everyday life, but they tend to be somewhat socially immature and may be seen by others as odd or eccentric.
Other characteristics of AS include motor delays, clumsiness, limited interests, and peculiar preoccupations. Adults with AS have trouble demonstrating empathy for others, and social interactions continue to be difficult. Experts say that AS follows a continuous course and usually lasts a lifetime. However, symptoms can wax and wane over the course of time, and early intervention services can be helpful.
Signs and Symptoms
Because the symptoms of AS are often hard to differentiate from other behavioral problems, it's best to let your child's doctor or other health professional make evaluate your child's symptoms. It's not uncommon for a child to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) before the diagnosis of AS is made later on.
The following are a number of signs and symptoms that might be present in a child with AS:
* inappropriate or minimal social interactions
* conversations almost always revolving around self rather than others
* stilted or repetitive speech
* lack of "common sense"
* problems with reading, math or writing skills
* obsession with complex topics such as patterns or music
* average to above-average verbal cognitive abilities
* average to below-average nonverbal cognitive abilities
* awkward movements
* odd behaviors or mannerisms
It's important to note that, unlike children with autism, children with AS may show no delays in language development; they usually have good grammatical skills and an advanced vocabulary at an early age. However, they typically do exhibit a language disorder; they may be very literal, and they may have trouble using language in a social context. Often there are no obvious delays in cognitive development or in age-appropriate self-help skills such as feeding and dressing themselves. Although individuals with AS may have problems with attention span, problems with organization, and skills that seem well developed in some areas and lacking in others, they usually have average and sometimes above average intelligence.
What Causes Asperger Syndrome?
Researchers and mental health experts are still investigating the causes of autism and AS. Many believe that the pattern of behavior that characterizes AS may have many causes. There seems to be a hereditary component to AS, and research indicates that in some cases AS may be associated wih other mental health disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Researchers are also looking into whether environmental factors that affect brain development might play a role in the condition.