Asperger syndrome: what is it?
The Viennese pediatrician Hans Asperger was the first to deal intensively with children who exhibited significant symptoms of the syndrome , which was eventually named after him. Asperger’s syndrome belongs to the so-called autism spectrum disorders . Asperger’s syndrome is a severe developmental disorder that shows many of the same features as early -onset autism.
Presumed genetic causes
Asperger syndrome , like all so-called autism spectrum disorders , is extremely strongly influenced by genetics, being approximately 70 to 90% heritable. It can be assumed that the diversity of autistic disorders is due to a number of gene interactions , which by themselves have little effect. At the same time, it is clear that the genetic causes of autism spectrum disorders are very diverse, but it can be assumed that they all have similar biological consequences for brain development. They can also affect the child’s social communication skills.
While the symptoms of early- onset autism appear at a very early age of the child, the manifestations of Asperger’s syndrome in the area of development or social behavior can usually be observed later and not so significantly. Speech development is normal, but there are problems with social understanding of speech and expression. There are also learning problems, tics or hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli (sounds, smells, etc.). There may also be a delay in motor development (attempts to walk, etc.). Even in adulthood, walking disorders or noticeable movement clumsiness can occur. Mental disability is excluded. As for other accompanying psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence, simple activity and attention disorders, anxiety disorders , depressive disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders are also very common . Up to 70% of affected children have at least one other psychiatric diagnosis .
Difficulty coping with everyday situations
Self-management skills are less developed, so support in planning daily life is often necessary. In addition, many disabled people are afraid of situations that they can handle with difficulty (eg going to school), and with this burden they develop, for example, depression or eating disorders .
Later in professional life, coping with everyday life is complicated by problems with work organization, compliance with rules and social communication with colleagues or superiors. With these characteristics, it is sometimes more difficult to find a job.
Different perception
People with Asperger syndrome perceive the world differently. It is difficult for them to process multiple sensations at the same time. However, if they focus on something specific, they can often perceive it more than others. It is difficult for disabled people to imagine how other people think, adapt or empathize with another. However, they are characterized by special, often extremely excellent properties. They can achieve extraordinary things in their – often very clearly defined – circle of interests.
