Asperger Syndrome

Asperger syndrome ( AS ) is a neurobiological disorder thatis part of a group of conditions called autism spectrum disorders. Asperger'sDisorder is a milder variant of Autistic Disorder. Both Asperger's Disorder and Autistic Disorder are in fact subgroups of a larger diagnostic category is called either Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

The name "Asperger" comes from Hans Asperger, an Austrian physician who in 1944 described children in his practice who lacked nonverbal communication skills, demonstrated limited empathy with their peers,and were physically clumsy.

Many kids are diagnosed after age 3, with most diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 9. AS is characterized by poor social interactions, obsessions, odd speech patterns, few facial expressions, difficulty reading the body language ofothers, they might engage in obsessive routines and display an unusual sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as :

• they may be bothered by a light that no one elsenotices
• they may cover their ears to block out sounds in the environment
• they might prefer to wear clothing made only of a certainmaterial
• less or cannot application of behaviour be appropriate to people around him
• talking without platitude, often make others surprise and generate to feel do not like
• difficulty read face expression or gesture of opponent speak
• unable to read emotion and understand others mind
• like don't have empathy to others

There is anticipation that asperger syndrome according to contribution factor of genetic and neurobiologi when in brain growth phase in pregnancy period .

A few AS cases have been linked to exposure to teratogens ( agents that causebirth defects ) during the first eight weeks from conception.

AS treatment takes into account the linguistic capabilities, verbal strengths,and nonverbal vulnerabilities of individuals with AS.

A typical program generally includes :

The training of social skills for more effective interpersonal interactions.

Cognitive behavioral therapy to improve stress management relating to anxiety or explosive emotions, and to cut back on obsessive interests and repetitive routines.

Medication, for coexisting conditions such as major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder.

Occupational or physical therapy to assist with poor sensory integration and motor coordination.

Social communication intervention, which is specialized speech therapy to help with the pragmatics of the give and take of normal conversation.

The training and support of parents, particularly inbehavioral techniques to use in the home.

Deficits in self-identifying emotions or in observing effects of one's behavioron others can make it difficult for individuals with AS to see why medicationmay be appropriate. Medication can be effective in combination with behavioralinterventions and environmental accommodations in treating comorbid symptoms such as anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, inattention andaggression.

Medications have been shown to reduce the associated symptoms of AS, such as:

• The atypical neuroleptic medications risperidone can reducerepetitive and self-injurious behaviors, aggressive outbursts and impulsivity,and improve stereotypical patterns of behavior and social relatedness .
• The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs )fluoxetine, fluvoxamine and sertraline have been effective in treating restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors. Side effects of SSRIs can lead to manifestations of behavioral activation such as increased impulsivity,aggression and sleep disturbance.

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