Asperger's syndrome - a form of "high functioning" autism

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Asperger's syndrome is a form of autism. Since 2013, all forms of autism are collectively known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). People with Asperger's syndrome may have children with autism that have better-than-average intelligence and speech skills, so this syndrome is also known as high-functioning autism.

1. Causes of Asperger's Syndrome

When you meet someone with Asperger's syndrome, you may immediately notice two signs. One, the person is as smart as everyone else, but has more trouble with social skills. Second, the person also tends to focus obsessively on a topic or to perform the same behaviors over and over.
Doctors used to think of Asperger Syndrome as a separate disease. But in 2013, the latest edition of the standard book used by mental health professionals, called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) ) has changed the classification of this syndrome.
Today, technically, Asperger's syndrome is no longer a separate diagnosis. It is now part of a broader category of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This group of related mental health problems all share some of the same symptoms. Even so, many people still use the term Asperger's.
Asperger's syndrome is also known by doctors as a "high functioning" autism spectrum disorder. This means that the symptoms are less severe than with other types of autism spectrum disorders.
The exact cause of autism spectrum disorders is unknown, although genetic factors are thought to be involved. In fact, Asperger's syndrome has been observed to run in families with this syndrome. In some cases, autism spectrum disorder may be related to exposure to toxins, teratogens, problems with pregnancy or delivery, and prenatal infections. These environmental influences may work together to modify or potentially increase the severity of the genetic defect.
Some authors have suggested a causal role of vaccine exposure (especially measles and thimerosal vaccines, which is a preservative used in some vaccines) in autism. However, the majority of epidemiological evidence shows no evidence of an association between vaccination and autism. Many large studies over many years have not found any link between autism and vaccines. According to the Institute of Medicine, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is currently no evidence that vaccines cause autism spectrum disorders.

2. Symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome in Children

Children with autism have poor social skills and repetitive interests, activities, or behaviors. Unlike children with more severe autism, children with mild autism may have average or above average intelligence and normally develop early language skills.
Symptoms usually become noticeable around age 3 as the child begins to mingle with other children. Possible warning signs of autism include:
Difficulty using or understanding nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body postures and gestures Difficulty understanding humor, teasing, sarcasm Mai and rhetoric High level of monotony, lack of rhythm, or speech that is difficult to understand Fails to develop relationships with other children Avoids eye contact Desires to be alone Inability to share interests interests or achievements with others, such as not showing, giving, or pointing out what one enjoys Inability to interact with others or share feelings Obsessive interests Discomfort with changes Small changes Fixed in habits or processes Strange or repetitive movements, such as clapping or spinning with hands or fingers, rocking or spinning Awkwardness Interest in parts of the body objects Have unusual reactions to the way they taste, see, smell, or feel to things Too formal speech, such as not using slang or rhetorical forms The conversation is smooth, but limited to a few topics of interest to the child

3. Diagnosis and treatment of Asperger's syndrome

Diagnosis
If you notice the signs listed above, take your child to see your pediatrician. Your pediatrician will do a screening, and if there are any abnormalities, he or she may refer you to a mental health specialist who specializes in autism and Asperger's syndrome, such as one of the specialists. as follows:
Psychologists to diagnose and treat emotional and behavioral problems. Pediatric neurologist to treat pathologies of the brain. Developmental pediatricians to treat children's language, speech, and other developmental problems. Psycho doctor. This is a doctor who has expertise in mental health conditions and can prescribe medications to treat these conditions. Asperger's syndrome is often treated with a team approach, which means you may see many different specialists for your child's care and treatment.
The doctor will ask questions about your child's behaviour, including:
What symptoms does your child have and when did you first notice these symptoms? When did your child learn to speak for the first time and how did they communicate with others? Does the child focus on any subject or activity? Does the child have friends and how does he interact with others? The doctor will then observe your child in different situations to directly observe how he communicates and reacts.
The way psychiatrists diagnose autism has changed over the years, and doctors and therapists no longer use the term "Asperger's syndrome". Instead, all children with autism - including children with less severe autism like Asperger's, are now simply diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Disorder and ASD for short).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children at 18 months and 24 months be screened for autism at their doctor's visit. Parents can also ask a doctor for an evaluation for this syndrome if they are concerned about their child.
Treatment
Every child with autism has different treatments, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to autism. Your doctor may need to try several therapies before finding one that works and is right for your child.
Autism treatment may include:
Social skills training. In group or one-on-one sessions with a therapist, the therapist teaches the child how to interact with others and express himself appropriately according to situations. Social skills are often best learned by modeling after the therapist has introduced normative behaviors. Speech therapy. This therapy helps improve children's communication skills For example, children will learn to raise and lower their voice normally when speaking instead of speaking in a monotone. Children will also receive lessons on how to maintain a two-way conversation and understand body language such as hand gestures and eye contact. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy helps children change the way they think so they can better control their emotions and repetitive behaviors. Children will be able to handle symptoms such as flare-ups, breakdowns, and obsessions. Training for parents. Parents will learn many of the same techniques that children are taught, so that parents can practice social skills with their children at home. Some families should also see a counselor to help them cope with the challenges of living with someone with Asperger's syndrome. Applied behavior analysis. This is a technique that encourages positive social and communication skills in your child and discourages behaviors you don't want to see. The therapist will use praise or other "positive reinforcement" to improve the child's symptoms. Medicine. There aren't any medications approved by the FDA to treat Asperger's or other autism spectrum disorders. However, certain medications can help treat related symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Your doctor may prescribe some of the following: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Antipsychotics, Stimulant medicines. With proper treatment, your child can learn to manage some of the social and communication challenges he or she faces. As a result, children can do well in school and go on to be successful in life.
If a child shows signs of autism, parents need to take the child to a specialist center for autism as soon as possible. Essentially, interventional education is considered the leading approach in autism treatment. Early intervention improves the child's integration and language abilities. Recently, stem cell transplant therapy has been opening up new directions in autism treatment and holds great promise in the future.
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Reference sources: babycenter.com, webmd.com
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