Asperger or asperger’s syndrome is a condition or neurodevelopmental disorder that is a part of the autism spectrum. It is amongst the five autism forms defined by DSM-IV. It was initially considered as a separate condition, however, in 2013, this syndrome, along with other diagnoses that were autism-related, was combined as an autism spectrum disorder. As it stands, Asperger’s isn’t even a separate diagnosis, but people who received a diagnosis before 2013 continue to refer to themselves as Aspies.
That’s why if you know or have someone who has it, you’d want to know what syndrome means. In this article, we shall learn more .
Asperger’s Syndrome in Adults
This neurodevelopmental condition continues into adulthood with some challenges and strengths. An individual with asperger’s syndrome is usually of very high intelligence, though it may be different from person to person. However, they may struggle with social interactions and communication, which are crucial for building and maintaining relations. Common problems include a lack of ability to interpret social cues, oversensitivity to sensory input, and a lack of ability to deal with change in routine. Though Asperger’s can be a challenge to overcome with good family, friends and professional support, adults with Asperger’s can indeed live fulfilling, vibrant lives.
What Causes Asperger’s Syndrome?
Asperger’s syndrome causes have been considered the outcome of a complex play between the genetic and environmental determinants. However, the exact cause has not been yet determined. Several factors contribute to these disorders:
Genetic Factors
Repeated cases of Autism and Asperger’s disorder in family histories enhance the risk factors. Some genetic diseases related to brain formation and its functioning may cause symptoms.
Neuropsychological Differences
The brain imaging literature indicates structural differences between brains belonging to individuals with asperger’s syndrome. Such differences have been seen to impact sections in the brain responsible for social behaviour, communication, and sensory processing.
Environmental Factors
Certain environmental factors during prenatal or early childhood may predispose an individual to this neurodevelopmental condition. Some of these are infections that a mother may acquire during pregnancy, exposure to toxins, or birth complications.
Neurodevelopmental Factors
The brain structure and function can be disrupted critically at certain critical developmental times to cause the syndrome characteristics, such as atypical neural connectivity and functioning in neural areas controlling social cognition and emotional regulation.
Gender Differences
This disorder is diagnosed more in males than females; therefore, biological sex might play a role in its aetiology and expression.
10 Signs of Asperger’s in Adults
Early detection of asperger’s syndrome in adults is not easy; however, some characteristics may reveal the condition:
- Social Interactions: Trouble starting conversations, inability to keep others talking to you or conversing, and normally distressed in social circumstances.
- Monotone Speech: The flat, monotone voice that doesn’t vary in pitch or tone can kill interest in conversations.
- Intense Focus on Specific Interests: Having extensive knowledge or passion for a particular subject, sometimes to the detriment of other areas.
- Repetitive Behaviours: Participating in precise routines or rituals and being concerned when disrupted.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to sound, light, or touch.
- Failed Transition: Difficult to adapt to new situations or changes in routine.
- Idiom, double-meaning, or sarcasm: Inability to understand idioms, double meanings, or sarcasm.
- Social Anxiety: Having a fear of misreading social cues and living with social awkwardness.
- Empathy: Struggles with identifying or interpreting/sharing the emotions of others, leading to misinterpretations.
- Difficulty with Eye Contact: Avoiding or maintaining eye contact during conversations can be perceived as disinterest or discomfort.
Diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome
The asperger’s syndrome test typically involves a thorough patient assessment by an autism spectrum disorder specialist health professional. This may include:
Developmental History: This involves questionnaires from parents or caretakers about the child’s developmental milestones and behaviour.
Behavioural Tests: Social skills and their communication ability, and repetitive behaviours are assessed by standardised tests and observational measures.
Interviews: The medical expert conducts conversations with the patient and their family to learn how the symptoms affect their lives.
Asperger’s Syndrome Treatment
Treatments for asperger’s syndrome assist patients to reduce symptoms and live a successful quality life:
Behavioural Therapy – Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
Here, reinforcement techniques are applied to teach socially appropriate behaviour.
Social Skills Training
Programs are devised to teach individuals basic social skills, such as getting started with conversations and understanding social conventions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Such therapy could help someone cope with despair or anxiety that may emerge from social difficulties.
Individualised Educational Support
Support for asperger’s syndrome involves tailored strategies to enhance social skills, communication, and academic success. For example, IEPs enable provision in a classroom environment to ensure optimal teaching output for a child suffering from this syndrome.
Living with Asperger’s Syndrome
Success depends on support from both family and friends, as well as professional medical practitioners. The following are some strategies for a supportive environment:
Promotion of Interests: Support for a person’s interest enhances self-confidence and the possibility of socialising with like-minded peers.
Organic Routine: Setting a routine will provide the person security and decrease the stress that comes from an unknown life change.
Facilitation of Awareness: Awareness among family members and friends related to this disorder will enhance information regarding the syndrome. This, in turn, will positively affect people’s attitudes and make them more tolerant.
Challenges
Individuals with this syndrome encounter many difficulties during their lifetime:
Heightened Sensory Sensitivities: People who have this disorder may be hypersensitive to different stimuli being lights, sounds or textures which might be overwhelming.
Problem at the Workplace: In the workplace, a smooth interaction with colleagues becomes difficult.
Mental Health Issues: The prevalence of anxiety and depression is higher among those with Asperger’s syndrome.
Conclusion
Special chances and challenges exist with Asperger’s syndrome. Life for people who have this developmental disability may be helped by the right interventions, support networks and great social awareness — and go about leading full, active lives. An early diagnosis with a personalized treatment approach should be one of the key prerequisites to reaching the optimization of this potential. Therefore, such services and this gathering of such families should benefit the families who are seeking a family friendly setting for children with autism spectrum symptoms.
