Asperger’s Syndrome Signs and Symptoms

Asperger's syndrome (abbreviated as AS), also called Asperger's was earlier viewed as a neurological developmental disorder described by critical troubles in nonverbal connection and human interaction, alongside repetition of certain behaviour as patterns. This condition is no longer an independent diagnosis on its own, having been converged with other related disorders that share some symptoms into a broader, umbrella term called an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The specific reason for Asperger's is not entirely understood. While it has high heritability, the underlying cause has not been found. Some people say environmental factors are found to play some role, yet there's no direct evidence for it. It is diagnosed three to four times more in men than women.

People with Asperger's tend to start early in life. You may likewise find that they are socially awkward, can't visually connect, appears to be off in friendly settings, and don’t have an idea what to say or how to answer when somebody converses with them.

• They might miss non-verbal cues and gestures in communication that are clear to other people. For example, they may not that when someone folds their arms or frowns, they're feeling angry. The difficulties in lack of understanding can lead to nervousness, less development of motor skills, difficulty in coordinating, anxiety, and even depression. Another sign is that they don't show many expressions or express feelings.

• They may not smile while feeling good and don't laugh or chuckle at a joke. Or they might talk in a different, mechanical sort of way.

• They discuss themselves more often with a great deal of interest in a particular subject, similar to football details.

• They repeat the same thing over and over again, particularly on a subject that they're keen on.

• Additionally, they hate changes in their routine and like to have a strict schedule.

• They also have repetitive thinking patterns. It is not like other autism spectrum disorders, a person with Asperger’s most likely doesn’t struggle with a speech delay. But they do have some patterns and unusually different language and behaviours.

There are a couple of complexities of Asperger's disorder. It tends to be an underlying condition that affects other areas of life. Asperger's disorder increases hardships, confusion, and difficulty in forming a connection which are some side effects of AS.

Asperger’s Syndrome Difficulties

Patients with Asperger's Syndrome face with the following difficulties −

• Sensory trouble − Certain individuals might have weak sensory responsiveness, so their senses are either highly intensified or not developed. This might influence how the individual sees and perceives bright lights, extreme scents, sounds, food surfaces, and materials.

• Social anxiety − Difficulties in how the kid deciphers non-verbal communication, feelings, and connection with others. This can adversely influence both personal and social life.

• Medical conditions − Other conditions along with AS may occur, for example, anxiety, nervousness in social engagement, or even depression. Some medical problems are more common like gastrointestinal issues, sleep difficulties, problems in the immune system, seizures, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes.

After an individual receives a diagnosis, therapies, and social support can help, but there is no treatment to fix AS, however, it can assist an individual with figuring out how to understand themselves and how they think differently from the rest of the world. They also help them to perceive the system of the world and connect with others.

Therapies for Asperger’s Syndrome

People suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome may always seek therapies that can be beneficial in many ways. The therapies help build social skills and improve behavioural patterns −

• Academic abilities − A kid can get instructive help from counsellors and perform activities like organizing books, doing school work, etc.

• Non-verbal abilities − The individual can learn to upgrade their communication skills with others, by figuring out how to pick and answer meaningful gestures.

• Interaction abilities − Specific language lessons can assist the individual with figuring out how to begin and keep a discussion with other people. This additionally involves figuring out how to talk clearly, responding in a different manner in matter conflicts, and how deciphering and answering verbal and nonverbal signals.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) − The individual figures out how to understand and control feelings and learns to find interests and switch monotonous schedules into doing something different.

• Behaviour changes and modifications − This incorporates different ways for positive responses and behavior and reduces ineffective responses.

• Occupational or physical therapy − This can assist those with sensory or motor coordination problems.

Prescription for Asperger’s Syndrome

There is no prescribed medication for AS; however, an individual can take medications to treat symptoms like anxiety.

If a parent or guardian suspects something unusual in interactive abilities, they can take their kid to a paediatrician. The doctor can then suggest a trained professional, like an experienced paediatrician or psychologist, to analyse the condition officially. There is no particular test for Asperger's disorder.

However, few psychologists use questionnaires such as

• Autism Spectrum Rating Scales (ASRS),

• The Gilliam Autism Scales (GARS-3),

• The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS 2),

• The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) to make informed clinical decisions.

Other tests, like hearing tests, blood tests, or X-rays, can rule out different symptoms and decide what's the actual problem is causing the side effects. An early conclusion can be difficult because of the large number of symptoms and side effects, so a precise conclusion or suitable treatment cannot be concluded until adulthood.