Asperger’s Syndrome is less well-known than autism. Asperger’s Syndrome is a lifelong developmental disorder, not an illness or disease. It is also not a mental illness. Those with Asperger’s may have difficulty understanding gestures, facial expressions, and other nonverbal forms of communication. They may also be indifferent to others, clumsy, or susceptible to physical contact.
The symptoms of Asperger’s are different from those of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). For example, people with Asperger’s do not typically have language delays or intellectual disabilities. However, they often have unusual preoccupations or behaviors that can be challenging for them and those around them to manage.
What is Asperger’s Syndrome?
Asperger’s Syndrome is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication. It is often referred to as “high-functioning autism” because it shares many of the same symptoms. Autism spectrum disorders are frequently misunderstood by those who don’t know about this condition. They are often called “Aspies,” with derogatory meaning. However, it is not their fault that they find it hard to socialize and communicate with others. This is because they have Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism.
The word “Aspie” was initially used to refer to people with Asperger syndrome. Still, people use it in a derogatory way to describe someone who doesn’t understand social norms and boundaries or someone who’s really into something like trains.
Four distinct types of Asperger’s Syndrome:
- “classic” Asperger’s Syndrome
- Asperger’s Syndrome with language impairment – Asperger’s Syndrome with language impairment is a developmental disorder that impairs social skills, communication skills, and repetitive behaviors. It can make it difficult for children to interact with others their age and may also affect their ability to read, write, and do the math.
- High-functioning autism (HFA)- High-functioning autism (HFA) is a developmental disability that affects someone’s ability to communicate and interact with the world. HFA is a spectrum disorder that can involve mild to severe symptoms. Someone with HFA typically has trouble understanding other people’s feelings, interprets things literally, and may have repetitive thoughts or behaviors.
- PDD not otherwise specified (PDD NOS) – In the DSM-5, autism spectrum disorder is classified as a single diagnosis known as “autistic disorder.” However, it is common for people to display features of autism without meeting diagnostic criteria. These features can include repetitive behaviors, difficulties with social communication, and attention and sensory processing problems. This is how PDD NOS was introduced to the DSM.
How is Asperger’s Syndrome different from autism?
Asperger’s Syndrome and autism are two different disorders with overlapping symptoms.
Asperger’s Syndrome is not as severe as autism. Still, it has a narrower set of symptoms: difficulty with social interactions, poor eye contact, lack of empathy or emotional awareness, and repetitive behaviors. The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person.
Asperger’s Syndrome does not cause any language delays or intellectual disabilities like autism. It is important to note that since 2013, people who were previously diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome have been diagnosed as having High Functioning Form of ASD (autism spectrum disorder).
What Causes Asperger’s Disease?
The exact cause of Asperger’s Syndrome is unknown, but experts believe abnormalities in brain structure or function may contribute and that genes and the environment play a part.
Symptoms and Signs of Asperger’s Syndrome
The symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome are different in every person. Some people with Asperger’s Syndrome may have difficulty with verbal or nonverbal communication or social interactions, while others may not have any problems at all.
However, there are some common symptoms that most people with Asperger’s Syndrome experience:
- Difficulties with social interaction.
- Difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Unusual behaviors.
- A need for sameness
- People with Asperger’s are often brilliant, but they may have trouble understanding nonverbal cues.
- They may also have repetitive behaviors and find it difficult to handle changes in their environment.
Asperger’s Treatment Options and How to Manage the Symptoms Better
There are several treatments for Asperger’s. How one is treated depends on the severity of the symptoms and what other conditions a person might have. Many people with AS find that they need to manage their symptoms by taking medication, getting therapy, and doing things to improve their quality of life.
Asperger’s Syndrome is a lifelong condition without any cure. Nevertheless, some treatments can help manage symptoms such as anxiety or depression. The best treatment for someone will depend on their specific needs and medical history.
If you or a loved one has a disability, you should know that you have the right to make your own decisions about your affairs and health care. This includes the right to refuse medical treatment and decide who makes decisions on your behalf if you cannot make them yourself. Being aware of your unique needs is the first step to success. If you know what your unique needs are and how they might affect you in the future, you can better prepare for them.
