Asperger’s syndrome is a neurobiological disorder that causes abnormalities, mainly in social behavior.
It is a relatively frequent problem, since 3 to 5 children between the ages of 7 and 16 suffer from it, for every 1,000 in total. This syndrome has a higher incidence in males.
The disorder was discovered by Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician, in the year 1944. It was this doctor who noticed some abnormalities in the children’s behavior and found that they followed certain patterns.
It has recently been established that Asperger’s syndrome follows a constant course that can last a lifetime. Symptoms can improve depending on the treatment patients receive.
The fourth edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM 4, addressed Asperger’s syndrome as a disorder in itself; however, in DSM 5, released in 2013, This syndrome is considered a type of autism. From this, anyone who suffers from it is diagnosed as autistic.
Currently, a wide variety of disorders are found within what is known as: the autism spectrum. This category includes various types of anomalies, with different levels of severity. People with Asperger’s Syndrome are in high-functioning end of the autism spectrum.
Characteristics
Asperger’s syndrome is not well known by the general population or even by the medical profession. not easy to spot as the disability is not evident.
In fact, anyone presenting it seems completely normal. Their intelligence is adequate and it is also common that they have special skills in certain fields.
Difficulties are manifested through social behaviors that are not entirely appropriate. Performance is normal in daily life, but show immaturity in their social relationships.
They easily pass themselves off as eccentric people. Added to this are some motor difficulties, which at first glance are perceived as clumsiness.
Diagnosis and prognosis
Asperger’s syndrome is very difficult to diagnose.. When a child has symptoms, they are usually interpreted by others as character problems. This represents a major difficulty, as early intervention significantly improves the prognosis.
The professional indicated to make the diagnosis is a child mental health specialist. What this specialist does is a comprehensive psychosocial assessment of the child. You will review communication skills and establish a careful history of symptoms encountered.
Many people with Asperger’s Syndrome they are able to perform most of their tasks successfully.
During childhood, children affected by this problem need a lot of support from parents and teachers. Ideally, the adults surrounding the Asperger child are trained to know how to act in different situations.
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