The Major Characteristic of Aspergers Syndrome - Research Paper Example

Aspergers Syndrome Aspergers syndrome is a behavioral condition that is more prevalent in school-aged children especially boys. The major characteristic of this condition is the inability of an individual to integrate and interact with others socially due to communication problems. Most people often do not understand this condition and might deem persons suffering from this condition as mentally ill or ignorant. This paper discusses the occurrence and history of Aspergers syndrome, causes of the disorder, diagnosis as well as its treatment and management. Introduction Aspergers syndrome, also referred to as Aspergers disorder, is a persistent developmental disorder (a range of behavioral disorders including autism). In addition, many people depict Aspergers disorder as one of the autism spectrum disorders. This disorder regularly occurs in children above three years and is more prevalent in boys compared to girls. Persons suffering from Aspergers syndrome display severe impairments in their social and communication skills, for instance poor nonverbal communication. On the other hand, the majority of the individuals having this disorder has perfect cognitive and oral skills, and naturally has ordinary to greater aptitude (Stoppler, 2011). Although health experts link Aspergers disorder with autism, individuals suffering from this disorder not have severe language and cognitive problems present in other autism spectrum disorders. Despite its occurrence, it is however possible for people with this disorder to lead normal lives with appropriate education and treatment (Boyer, 2011). Many people hold several misconceptions concerning Aspergers disorder. For instance, those not familiar with the disorder might deem that the infected individual lacks intelligence or that they are self-centered and uncaring people. This is because people suffering from this disorder are often not able to react or respond to voice around them or body language. An individual suffering from Aspergers syndrome might ignore Dropping hints. This is because he or she might not respond to the subtleties of the English language and might not interpret language that needs reading between the lines (Richford, 2011). Boyer (2011) adds that most people suffering from this disorder live autonomous lives. Although it is possible to treat and manage Aspergers syndrome, it is paramount to help patients learn to adjust to new circumstances. History and Causes of Aspergers syndrome Dr. Hans Asperger, the doctor who gave the disorder its name first explained Aspergers syndrome in1944. In 1981 researcher, Lorna Wing made the term popular in a special report. However, many people ignored Dr. Aspergers findings throughout his lifetime. In part, this was because he published in German during World War II. It was not until 1992, when physicians regulated the disorder. During this time, doctors started challenging the standards of autism as set forth by Leo Kanner, also in the 1940s. Conversely, several cotemporary pediatricians still have problems assessing the disorder. According to Dr. Asperger, several aspects were present in children with the condition including a strong interest in a precise hobby or subject, awkward movements and a lack of compassion (Boyer, 2011). Many studies indicate that the actual cause of Aspergers syndrome remain a mystery. However, some studies relate the onset of the disorder to some genetic factors. This is because studies have observed prevalent of the condition in several families. In addition, several environmental triggers might accelerate and lead to the onset of the disorder. Past theories also depict that some vaccines or the preservatives for vaccines in some families might accelerate the disorder. However, contemporary knowledge does not agree with this theory (Stoppler, 2011). There are also undisputed proofs that Aspergers might occur during the first 2 months of development in the womb. Another theory indicates that several genes renders a child susceptible for Aspergers and several environmental triggers establish the likelihood of infection (Boyer, 2011). Symptoms and Diagnosis of Aspergers syndrome The most ordinary feature of an individual suffering from Aspergers syndrome is a failure to understand other people psychologically. In addition, these people do not have social skills, with some actions not coming naturally for instance eye contract and facial appearances. Another symptom for people with Aspergers is that they depend on particular circumstances to feel happy, and they might have a strong interest toward a very insignificant issue. In addition, people suffering from this condition often have complicated vocabularies but odd speech patterns. Moreover, Aspergers patients might portray physical clumsiness with visual perception problems, sleep disorders as well as hearing complications (Boyer, 2011). They might also portray little facial expression a part from portrayal of strong feelings for instance anger or sadness. Problems with social relations are not chiefly because of a need to withdraw from social interaction. The major problem accrues from a lack of capability to comprehend and use the rules depicting social integration (Wing, 2010). In case of children, they might have psychological difficulties and disappointment due to reduced social integration. In this regard, such children might not comprehend why others behave in the manner they do. Moreover, such a child might have complexities in identifying the tone or pitch of anothers words and might not detect joking or sarcasm hence interprets it factually. In addition, the child’s own words might lack tone and pitch, leading to complexities in understanding. Another major problem is that such a child may have trouble in trying to start a conversation. Moreover, the child’s preferences are frequently restricted to one or two very precise areas. In physical terms, a child with this disorder might be very unfit might not participate in sports well. In this regard, such a child might depict an awkward strange posture and might portray irregular facial expressions (Richford, 2011). For a comprehensive clinical diagnosis of this condition, there is need of an interdisciplinary team. This inclusive assessment should comprise a mental assessment, a communication appraisal and a psychiatric or medical assessment. Intellectual (IQ) assessments might be of precise significance, because spoken IQ scores are regularly notably higher than performance IQ scores for children suffering from Aspergers syndrome (Stoppler, 2011). In order to eliminate the possibilities of other conditions, there is need of several medical tests. Early diagnosis is important since early intervention might benefit children and families. This means that when families have established the problem, they are able to understand the changed behaviors of the child (Wood, 2011). The diagnosis of Aspergers syndrome necessitates the occurrence of symptoms in numerous areas of development. Due to this, the child must demonstrate at least two of the features in various social impairment categories. These include being incapable of using or understanding nonverbal signals for instance direct eye contact, normal facial expressions, body language or hand waves in communication. Other impairments include lack of friends in the child’s own age group and lack of impulsiveness or failure to search for pleasure from the accomplishments of others or their concerns. In addition, the child does not share social and expressive occurrences with others. Other traits that the child must show include obsession with stereotyped or limited interest, maintaining on upholding nonfunctional practices as well as recurring motor gestures or obsession with fractions of an entire object. In addition, the impairment must obstruct the functioning of the child in social conditions or other life skills. Moreover, there must be no language holdup and no psychological impairment (Richford, 2011). As with any disorder exclusive only from a sample of irregular behavior, each aspect of which can prevail in dynamic extents of harshness, it is likely to find individuals on the intermediates of Asperger syndrome in which diagnosis is mainly complex. Even though experienced health experts can identify the actual condition easily, it is evident that the syndrome shades into odd regularity, and into other definite clinical depictions. The implication here is that since the actual cause of the disorder is still a mystery, there cannot be a precise identification of the disorder without testing for other common condition. The health experts should carry out the diagnosis based on the entire developmental history and portraying clinical picture, and not on the occurrence or nonexistence of any particular item (Wing, 2010). Treatment and Management of Aspergers syndrome Intervention and treatment approaches of the disorder vary according to the seriousness or severity of the condition. However, the major aim of developing treatment strategies is to help the patient regain social interaction in the society as well as become independent. Another goal for treatment is to assist the patient to enhance his or her communication skills as well as reducing his sense of social nervousness (Dixon, 2011). Treatment of Aspergers relies on the capability of the patient to adjust and function in different conditions and psychological functioning. The higher the individuals IQ, the more probably the person is to succeed following treatment. Doctors use a course of intervention similar to autism therapy in case of Aspergers patients with reduced social and psychological functioning. In addition, due to the occurrence of other concurrent conditions, physicians should recommend medication and extra therapies (Dixon, 2011). Since there is no precise treatment for the major symptoms of Aspergers syndrome, behavioral and educational interventions are the main treatments recommended for the condition. Besides these therapies, use of medication may also be vital for the management of other related disorders (Stoppler, 2011). Certain individuals believe that the condition is natural so there is no need for any treatment. With proper education and care of a child, symptoms can in fact diminish to the point that there would no be need of diagnosis. An integration of prescription drugs, psychological behavior therapy, social skills training, speech therapy, and professional therapy can offer great potential to people suffering from this disorder (Boyer, 2011). The importance of educational interventions is that they can offer the patient professional help and help him to develop special preferences rather than stick to particular events. Consequently, this would help the individual suffering from the condition become a responsible and self-reliant adult. Teachers should balance between the child’s interests and transformation goals. Although educational interventions depend on the severity of the condition, highly skilled teachers can offer the best help (Wing, 2010). Wood (2011) adds that educational interventions are ideal since children with Asperger syndrome normally can attend regular schools. However, due to their condition, they might require additional care and support in the classroom. Behavior amendment therapy and training can help the affected children to acquire social skills. It is vital for teachers and parents to establish the delicate complexities in comprehension of conceptual language, so that they can address the child in the understandable means. Although it might be impossible to eliminate the repetitive speech and motor behaviors, it is possible to alter them with time and patience, to render them more functional and socially acceptable. Practices of behavior change as applied in autistic children can perhaps be useful if applied with understanding (Wing, 2010). Conclusion Many people suffering from Aspergers syndrome believe that this condition does not require any treatment or intervention. However, this condition may adversely affect the social life of an individual if there lacks early intervention. A proper diagnosis is vital before prescribing any treatment. This is because there must be prevalence of particular symptoms for establishment of the condition. For effective treatment, the recommended interventions are educational and cognitive therapies. Teachers should be competent enough to offer such children with extra care and attention. References Boyer, A. (2011). About Aspergers Syndrome. Retrieved from Dixon, L. (2011). Aspergers Disorder Treatment. Retrieved from Richford, N. (2011). Symptoms of Aspergers Syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/about_4612253_symptoms-aspergers-syndrome.html Stoppler, M.C. (2011). Aspergers Syndrome. Retrieved from Wing, L. (2010). Aspergers Syndrome: A Clinical Account. Retrieved from Wood, D. (2011). Aspergers Syndrome. Retrieved from Read More