What causes Asperger syndrome?
The exact cause of Asperger syndrome is not known. However, the fact that it tends to run in families suggests that there are genetic factors which may be inherited (passed on from parent to child).
How common is Asperger syndrome?
Asperger syndrome has only recently been recognised as a unique disorder. For that reason, the exact number of people with the disorder is unknown, although it is more common than autism. The National Autistic Society says the condition affects people from all nationalities, cultures and social backgrounds. It is more common in boys/men than girls/women.
How is Asperger syndrome diagnosed?
If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical examination. Although there are no tests for Asperger syndrome, the doctor may use various tests, such as X-rays and blood tests, to determine if there is a physical disorder causing the symptoms.
If no physical disorder is found, the child may be referred to a specialist in childhood development disorders, such as a child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist, paediatric neurologist, developmental paediatrician or another health professional who is specially trained to diagnose and treat Asperger syndrome. The doctor bases his or her diagnosis on the child’s level of development, and the doctor’s observation of the child’s speech and behaviour, including his or her play and ability to socialise with others. The doctor often seeks input from the child’s parents, teachers and other adults who are familiar with the child’s symptoms.
How is Asperger syndrome treated?
There currently is no cure for Asperger syndrome, but treatment may improve functioning and reduce undesirable behaviours. Treatment may include a combination of the following:
Special educational needs (SEN): Education that is structured to meet the child's unique educational needs should be provided by schools through each school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO).
Behaviour therapy: This includes strategies for supporting positive behaviour and decreasing problem behaviour by the child.
Communication, speech, physical or occupational therapy: These therapies are designed to increase the child's functional abilities. These approaches include applied behavioural analysis (ABA) and speech and language therapy (SLT).
Dietary changes: Some proponents of complementary and alternative medicine suggest special diets or vitamin supplements for help with Asperger syndrome. The NHS says there is little or no evidence to suggest that any of these approaches are effective.
Medication: There are no medications to treat Asperger syndrome itself, but medication may be used to treat specific symptoms, such as anxiety(nervousness), depression, hyperactivity and obsessive-compulsive behaviour.
What is the outlook for people with Asperger syndrome?
Children with Asperger syndrome are at risk of developing other mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety disorders. There are various treatment options available for these conditions.
Because the level of intelligence often is average or higher than average, many people with Asperger syndrome are able to function very well. They may, however, continue to have problems socialising with others through adulthood.
amandla
vaporwave
andulkaphoto
origamiaround
