What Is Asperger Syndrome?

autism spectrum

Individuals who suffer from a disorder that causes impaired social behaviors, slow repetitive patterns and decreased motor abilities are normally diagnosed as having Asperger syndrome or AS. This disorder shares many of the same symptoms as high functioning autism and is in the autism spectrum of disorders, making it difficult to diagnose. While they are similar, they do have their differences and at times are treated differently. Also, those individuals with AS differ from autism patients in that there are normally no language skill delays.

Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician, was the first to pinpoint the disorder in 1944, when he described his patients as failing to demonstrate empathy, as well as lacking nonverbal communication skills. It wasn't until 50 years later that this syndrome was finally recognized and classified as an actual disorder. Today, there are still many questions about the autistic disorder-like impairment. There has long been doubt about the differences in high functioning autistic individuals and those that have AS.

Treatments for Asperger syndrome attempt to manage the symptoms of the disorder, for both communication and vocational skills, depending on the age of the individual. The interventions that are used for treatment are normally tailored to suit the specific needs of the individual. There have been a lot of progressions made in the last few years and adaptations to the process of treating this disorder; however, there isn't any complete data to support particular intervening methods. Because AS is in the autism spectrum, some of the same procedures and techniques can be used with patients that have high functioning autism.

Experts still do not fully understand asperger syndrome. Even with all of he studies that have been done on this disorder, there is still little known about it to offer a complete understanding. AS experts and physicians who treat this disorder know that the symptoms are very similar to those of the high functioning autistic disorder. It is truly not known if there will ever be a cure found, but new information is being found all of the time, yet unfortunately, there is still much to learn. Physicians have been able to make great strides in helping those affected with this disorder to increase their ability to be social and to stop certain repetitive behaviors. Hopefully, in the near future there will be enough information to totally eliminate this disorder and help those who are suffering to live far more productive lives.