Asperger's Syndrome: Symptoms, Tests, Diagnosis, and Treatment - Research Paper Example

Asperger's Syndrome: Symptoms, Tests, Diagnosis, and Treatment Introduction Asperger syndrome abbreviated as AS is a condition under the Pervasive developmental disorder(PDD) umbrella that influences immense social interaction difficulties and non-verbal communication with those affected by the condition exhibiting repetitive behavioral patterns. AS is a contrary condition as compared to the other Pervasive developmental disorders as because of there is the retention of cognitive development and those with this condition also maintain their linguistic. Asperger syndrome is a lifelong disability that may progress into adulthood in which it may affect the way that these adults relate to other people and their way of processing information. Ideally, it is not easy to ascertain whether an individual suffers from this condition hence making it a hidden disability. However, those diagnosed with AS tend to have a skill that they nurture and keeps them preoccupied meaning that they could have exceptional skills. The naming of the syndrome is after Asperger Hans in 1944, who was an Austrian pediatrician and whose area of study included the children that lacked non-verbal communication and empathy for their peers (Le Blanc, 2012). The official recognition of Asperger studies as part of autism was in the 1990s as it became a modern concept that denoted a part of the autism spectrum disorder. With this, this essay will delve into Asperger syndrome in terms of symptoms, facts, and treatment of this pervasive developmental disorder. Facts about Asperger syndrome Asperger syndrome is one that creates dependency for those affected by this condition as they require assistance in order to accomplish most of their tasks. Many tend to think that this form of autism spectrum only affects children, but a significant number of adults also live with this condition. At least twenty eight percent of the adults that have Asperger syndrome live with their parents while many of them do not receive the support that they require in order for them to be independent. Other surveys have indicated that a significant number of the teachers that handle children with Asperger syndrome have minimal information surrounding the condition hence making it harder for them to help those affected by the condition to manage the same. The United Nations declaredApril 2 to be a World Autism day in 2008 making it to have recognition across the globe. Asperger syndrome mainly affects the social communication, interaction, and imagination aspects of both the adults and children that exhibit the symptoms of this condition (Le Blanc, 2012). Why the name Asperger syndrome and not any other The first study made by Hans Asperger in 1944 on four of his child patients indicated that the children had difficulties in integrating socially with other children as they lacked verbal communication skills. However, the intelligence levels portrayed by these children were quite high as compared to the other kids, but their speech levels remained intact. Initially, Dr. Asperger termed the condition as ‘autistic psychopathy’ whose characterization was by the social isolation behavior as exhibited by these patients. However, the studies by Dr. Asperger were not relevant until 1992 when Dr. Wing Lorna, an English doctor published his findings and popularized them to the medical world. Lorna referred to this type of pervasive developmental disorder as Asperger syndrome after various case studies of children illustrated similar symptoms as those that Asperger had established (Attwood, 2007). Symptoms of Asperger syndrome Like many of the pervasive developmental disorders, Asperger syndrome does not have any clinical or medical test that confirms its presence, but the symptoms that an individual may have servedas the confirmation of its existence. In one, a child, or adult with AS may engage in one-sided conversations in which they may not have concern of whether the other party to the conversation is trying to communicate something else or change the topic. Further, those with AS tend to focus their attention on narrow subjects and may not have an interest in any other subject apart from the ones they like. In the end, this makes them to have some genius characteristics meaning that they may be able to perform better because of their obsession to certain subjects (Le Blanc, 2012). Moreover, people or children with AS do not empathize with their peers or with anyone, which may make them not to understand or relate with others. They may also exhibit some difficulties in reading the emotions of others and many at times may not see any humor in comical things. Those with Asperger syndrome tend to portray non-verbal communication that may appear strange such as failed eye contact, awkward body gestures, and minute facial expressions. The other symptom that may indicate that a child or adult has Asperger syndrome is that they may lack or have poor body coordination that makes them to have clumsy movements and they may engage in conversations that may be monotonous to those that do not understand the condition. Essentially, children with Asperger syndrome may learn with relative ease as compared to normal children or those other types of autism because theirs is a case of higher-functioning autistic. The characteristics that make them to have a medical disorder are that they may lack communication skills and may be having obsessive behavior. Causes of Asperger syndrome According to Ehlers & Gillberg (2006, p. 33), there is no direct cause linked to the development of Asperger syndrome, but researchers believe that the condition may be because of the genetic contributionof fathers. However, there is no association attached to a specific gene, but researchers rely on the fact that the occurrence of this type of pervasive developmental disorders may be within a family unit (Ehlers & Gillberg, 2006). Further research has shown that allele common gene group makes individuals to be susceptible to developing Asperger syndrome. A particular combination of these genes also determines the severity and the impact of AS in individuals with AS. Further, the occurrence of Asperger syndrome is not similar to the other pervasive developmental disorders as its diagnosis may be from the age of four to eleven. Diagnosis of this type of PDD As witnessed above, there is no medical test that can determine whether an individual has Asperger syndrome or not, but doctors can still make a diagnosis that can make the lives of these individuals to be better. When a parent noticesa childhas most of the symptoms associated with AS, seeking medical intervention before this condition generates into one that is hard to manage is the most advisable thing to do. Handling this condition in the early stages of diagnosis may help in the retention of some basic skills that may not grow into social problems for them. Mostly, doctors may test an individual’s IQ, motor skills, speech or language style before making a full diagnosis that the patient may be suffering from Asperger syndrome. The diagnosis of this type of pervasive developmental disorder is a two way process in which the first step involves the developmental screening by a personal doctor to the patient (Attwood, 2007). The second process involves the ruling in or ruling out of AS in a patient through a comprehensive evaluation team after the personal physician recommends that the symptoms could be an indication of AS. The comprehensive team involved in the second stage of testing may comprise of a speech therapist, a neurologist, psychologist, or other health professionals that may seem relevant to the testing process. The testing process also comprises of a number of tests in which they may either be non-literal language such as absurdities or in depth cognitive tests that may ascertain the IQ levels in a patient perceived to have AS. In the end, the physician makes the overall diagnosis by combining the patient’s developmental history and the symptoms exhibited then advise on the proper treatment role out plan (Attwood, 2007). Treatment of Asperger syndrome As per the standing findings, there is no medical treatment of Asperger syndrome or for the other pervasive developmental disorders because the causes of these conditions do not have any medical basis. However, the treatment or intervention plans for AS may only include therapies intended to meet the specific needs of the individuals diagnosed patients. The implication of this is that the intervention plan for Asperger syndrome is not universal or general and may not be effective for every patient with AS. On the other hand, researchers and doctors alike agree that early intervention for AS is the most significant way of treating this type of PDD as this helps in the retention of the initial skills acquired at an early age. Further, the intervention plan also focuses on a patient’s subject of interest, adhering to a predictable schedule, regular enforcement to patient behavior, and the use of highly structured learning activities to influence a child’s interest. Generally, the treatment program also involves special training on social skills that helps in influencing AS patients to interrelatemore with their peers. For those with poor motor coordination, occupational therapy is the most applicable way of intervention while for those with speech problems may use the language therapy intervention. In the event that an adult patient exhibits other conditions such as depression, medical prescriptions may accompany the AS intervention plan and not on any other founds. As part of influencing children or adults with AS to be independent, parents and teachers should ensure that, they receive the required training in order for them to influence the use behavioral techniques that may sway these patients to develop the required behavioral attributes (Ehlers & Gillberg, 2006, 42). Conclusion Children diagnosed with Asperger syndrome matureinto adults with the same condition meaning that it is a lifelong condition. Asperger syndrome is difficult to diagnose as doctors might not ascertain it until the later stages of an individual’s life because its symptoms are not obvious or easily detected. Remarkably, there are several intervention and therapy plans that help improve the quality of life for an individual diagnosed with AS, which include communication-based, behavioral and other approaches. On the contrary, an intervention plan for children or adults with Asperger syndrome helps them to overcome their disability, but their social interactions may also be challenging because their brain functions may not be as those of normal people. Lastly, many of the adults diagnosed with AS find work in mainstream jobs meaning that they have a chance of living independently although constant encouragement is a must for them. In the end, having Asperger syndrome does not limit an individual from achieving their potential because even Albert Einstein capitalized on his disability to become one of the reckoned scientists in the world. References Attwood, T. (2007). The complete guide to Asperger's syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Ehlers, S., Gillberg, C., & National Autistic Society. (2006). Asperger syndrome: An overview. London: National Autistic Society. Le Blanc, R. (2012). Autism & Asperger's syndrome in layman's terms: Your guide to understanding autism, Asperger's syndrome, PDD-NOS, and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) : autism, causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, and treatments-- everything you need to know about autism & its effects on life. Maarheeze, Netherlands: Cranendock Coaching. Read More