What is Asperger's Syndrome?
67Asperger's Syndrome - a definition
Asperger's syndrome is classed as a 'hidden disability'- to look at a person suffering from Asperger'syou would not be able to tell there was anything wrong. It is unlikely they would have problems speaking and would exhibit a normal intelligence, however they may show a more specific learning disability such as dyslexia or dysphaxia. Aspergers syndrome is a form of autism but because the characteristics differ from person to person it is difficult to diagnose, especially in children, and some may not have a confirmed diagnosis until adulthood, if then.
- The Parenting Aspergers Resource Guide
Discover the 7 main problem areas that every parent needs to know when looking after an aspergers child, and how to master them. - The essential guide to Aspergers
Discover ways to increase the long-term potential of your child and help them overcome the challenges of Aspergers Syndrome.
Characteristics of Aspergers syndrome
People suffering from Aspergers syndrome may show some, or all of the following behaviour patterns:
- They may have difficulty expressing themselves both socially and mentally.
- They may become obsessive in a hobby or activity
- They may need to follow strict routines
- They may have difficulty with social imagination - not being able to work out what is going to happen next, not being able to understand or interpret other peoples body language or facial expressions.
- They can have difficulty initiating and maintaining relationships
- They may have specific learning disabilities.
- They may use complex words and phrases but not really understand what they mean
- They take words literally - if you said 'cool' to an Aspergers sufferer they would simply think you meant cold.
- They may suffer from sensory difficulties in any of the senses leading to anxiety and confusion - loud noises, bright lights, strong smells or tastes or even certain textures may cause the sufferer problems
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Causes and cures
The exact causes of Asperger's syndrome is still being investigated. However Aspergers syndrome is not related to the persons upbringing or their social circumstances, and is definitely not the sufferer's fault.
Nor are there any 'cures' or specific treatment for Asperger's. There are therapies and lifestyle changes that can be implemented to help improve the sufferers quality of life. This will depend on the severity of the condition and how badly it affects their general well being and ability to function.
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I have a nephew who has Aspergers, so I really appreciated this information. Thank you.
Our adopted son was diagnosed with Aspergers at 11 after false treatments for ADHD. He is now 18 and a high school graduate. You are correct, it is a hidden disability. We find it to be more of a cognitive and communication problem. Words have different meanings for him and of course, he is clueless in new social situations. We are so thankful for his progress and we have been his advocates through school systems that were often clueless as well about how to meet his needs. Children and adults need caring advocates who will go to bat for them and help translate the world to and for them. My son is bright, affectionate and caring. He can have his days and is stubborn as the proverbial mule, but then so am I. Blessings. Steve Kirk blogs for Seniors at www.theperfectsense.com.
There are so many things that the medical profession are still finding out about these days, and there is never enough information to go around. My youngest was born with Milroy's disease, a lymphatic problem, but no-one in the paediatric department knew anything about it. I'm still fighting my way to getting any help for him and it is so frustrating. I'm glad you found this helpful.
Thanks.
Good hub.
I am a 41-year old with Asperger's, & have written five hubs describing at length and in detail the struggles and hardships I've had due to this condition.
If people and hubbers out there want to know about Asperger's from a personal standpoint, please feel free to check my hubs out. My byline is Dhart.
i have some hubs on asperger's too - i wonder if somehow they can all be gathered together. i suspect there are a lot of us here because writing is a common obsession. i wrote mine from half and half - part professional and part personal because i have a phd in psychology as well as asperger's. :P they go together, if you think about it.
Certainly a great idea. The more info there is for everyone the better. So often the medical people talk in a different language to us and hearing it from another human being is usually the way we actually find out about things.
Patty Inglish, MS 4 years ago
Some of my clients and patients have had this condition and we saw some progress in most of them, but not complete cures. However, my our pastor's youngest child had Asperger's in childhood (confirmed by several medical/psychiatrict opinions) and at age 16, he shows no more symptoms at all. The doctors call it a miracle.