ASPERGER SYNDROME

What is it?

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism, a disability which affects the way a person communicates and relates to others. A number of the traits of autism are common to Asperger syndrome including:

• difficulty in communicating
• difficulty with social relationships
• a lack of imagination and creative play

However, people with Asperger syndrome usually have fewer problems with language than those with autism, often speaking fluently, though their words can sometimes sound formal or stilted. People with Asperger syndrome also do not have the accompanying learning disabilities often associated with autism. In fact, people with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence.

Who gets it?

The causes of autism and Asperger syndrome are still being investigated. Many experts believe that the pattern of behaviour from which Asperger syndrome is diagnosed may not result from a single cause. There is strong evidence to suggest that Asperger syndrome can be caused by a variety of physical factors, all which affect brain development.

What are the symptoms?

Asperger syndrome shares many of the same characteristics as autism but certain traits, such as clumsiness, are typical of people with Asperger syndrome.

The key characteristics are:

• difficulty with social relationships
• difficulty with communication
• lack of imagination
• special interests
• love of routines
• clumsiness

What is the treatment?

At present there is no cure. Children with Asperger syndrome become adults with Asperger syndrome, yet much can be achieved with the appropriate education and support. With time and patience people with Asperger syndrome can be taught to develop the basic skills needed for everyday life, such as how to communicate appropriately with people.

Treatment, which is symptomatic and rehabilitational, may include both psychosocial and psychopharmacological interventions such as psychotherapy, parent education and training, behavioral modification, social skills training, educational interventions, and/or medications including psychostimulants, mood stabilizers, beta blockers, neuroleptics, and tricyclic antidepressants.