Asperger Syndrome
Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder, a group of conditions that include autism and other disorders with similar symptoms, such as problems with language and communication, and repetitive or restrictive patterns of thoughts and behavior. People with Asperger syndrome have autism-like problems in areas of social interaction and communication, but have normal intelligence and verbal skills. Asperger syndrome is usually thought to be the mildest of the autism spectrum disorders.
Autism spectrum disorder includes:
- Autistic disorder (also called “classic” autism)
- Asperger syndrome
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (or atypical autism)
Three groups are at higher-than-normal risk for autism spectrum disorders, including:
- Boys
- Siblings of those with autism
- People with certain other developmental disorders, such as Fragile X syndrome
One of the most distinct symptoms of Asperger syndrome is having an obsessive interest in a single object or topic—so much so that the person ignores other objects, topics, or thoughts. Unlike some children with autism spectrum disorders, children with Asperger syndrome tend to have good vocabularies and grammar skills. But they usually have other language problems, such as being very literal and having trouble understanding non-verbal communications, such as body language.
Other symptoms may include:
- Obsessive or repetitive routines and rituals
- Motor-skill problems, (e.g., clumsy, uncoordinated movements)
- Social-skill problems, especially related to communicating with others
- Sensitivity to sensory information, such as light, sound, texture, and taste
There is no cure for Asperger syndrome, but people with Asperger syndrome can live full and happy lives, especially with early treatment intervention. Treatment can include educational and social skills training. It may also include behavioral therapy and medication for related conditions. Ways to help minimize the symptoms of autism and to maximize learning include:
Behavioral therapy and other options:
- Behavior management therapy helps to reinforce wanted behaviors, and reduce unwanted behaviors. It is soften based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
- Speech-language therapists can help people with autism improve their ability to communicate and interact with others
- Occupational therapists can help people find ways to compensate to complete daily tasks
- Physical therapists design activities and exercise to build motor control and improve posture and balance
Education and/or school-based options:
- Public schools are required to provide free, appropriate public education from age 3 through high school or age 21, whichever comes first
- A team including the parents, teachers, caregivers, school psychologists, and other child development specialists work together to design an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to help guide the child’s school experience
Medication options:
- Currently there are no medications that can cure autism spectrum disorders or all of the symptoms. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any medications specifically for the treatment of autism. Often autism medications have been found to be effective on some of the symptoms.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics, psychoactive/antipsychotics, stimulants, and anti-anxiety drugs are among the medications that a health care provider might use to treat symptoms of autism spectrum disorders.
- Secretin—a hormone that helps digestion—is not recommended as a treatment for autism.
There is no conclusive scientific evidence that any part of a vaccine or combination of vaccines causes autism, even though researchers have done many studies to answer this important question. There is also no proof that any material used to make or preserve the vaccine plays a role in causing autism. Although there have been reports of studies that relate vaccines to autism, these findings have not held up under further investigation.
Currently the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the most accurate and up-to-date information about research on autism and vaccines. Its Vaccines and Autism Theory web site provides information from the federal government and from independent organizations about vaccines and autism
Courtesy of Care2Learn's Clinical Care for Therapy Newsletter