Asperger syndrome is a type of autism spectrum disorder, which is a form of neurodevelopmental disorder and a health problem. It can be defined as individuals experiencing difficulties in establishing social communication and interaction. It exhibits all the signs of autism spectrum disorder, but differs from it due to having a different level of functioning. These individuals, who may exhibit obsessive behaviors and attitudes, generally have a normal or superior intelligence quotient.
Basically experiencing difficulties in establishing and maintaining non-verbal communication, these individuals have trouble using non-verbal communication paths such as communicating with peers, using body language, and making eye contact. Being reluctant to show social communication, individuals also struggle with maintaining a reciprocal dialogue with different people.
What Are the Symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome?
The symptoms of the disorder vary from person to person. Although the symptoms are seen similarly to autism spectrum disorders, it progresses more mildly and does not constitute an obstacle in the person's daily life. The symptoms of Asperger's syndrome are as follows:
- Experiencing difficulty in establishing and maintaining friendships
- Inability to show empathy and understand different thoughts
- Having obsessions with certain subjects
- Irregularities in conversations and redirecting them to his own areas of interest
- Not paying attention and inability to focus on the subject narrated by the person he communicates with
- Certain repetitive behaviors (clapping hands, snapping fingers, or waving arms)
- Difficulty in establishing eye contact or maintaining it very carefully
- Failure to understand mocking speeches made by others or situations related to irony
- Not paying attention to and not complying with boundaries that have become normal for individuals
- Low perception of privacy
- Being very attached to routine
- Clumsiness conditions
- Experiencing difficulty in adjusting voice level
- Being sensitive to stimuli based on certain sounds, visuals, smells, and tastes
- Reluctance regarding socialization
- Struggling with body language and inability to use facial expressions while communicating
How Is Asperger's Syndrome Diagnosed?
In order to diagnose the disorder, a series of tests must be performed together and the person must be observed. Some parents may understand this situation by comparing it with others along with having a problem in their child. Sometimes, since delays may occur in the developmental process of children, this situation becomes more apparent at older ages.
If this condition has not been identified by the age the child starts school, it is usually taken into consideration by the child's teacher and family members are informed. Developmental problems experienced and seen in such cases should be communicated to the doctor.
Since some different behaviors and attitudes observed in the child and individuals are generally confused with hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder which show similar conditions, these diagnoses can be made. In order to prevent such situations, the competence of the doctor comes to the fore in this regard. Findings and symptoms need to be evaluated correctly, and upon diagnosis, the treatment process appropriate for him is initiated.
How Frequently Is Asperger's Syndrome Encountered?
Many different results can be seen on the subject of the frequency of this disorder. To explain approximately, it can be said that only 1 to 4 out of a thousand children may experience this condition. However, the exact reason why this disorder is seen more frequently in boys compared to girls is not fully known.
Can Asperger's Syndrome Be Prevented?
Research and examinations show that this disorder is not preventable. However, it is reported that studies on the subject are ongoing and will be determined according to the results of future research. While a great deal of responsibility falls on families and environments in the lives of children experiencing this problem and children with autism spectrum disorder, individuals in society also have responsibility in this regard.
It is important to diagnose this disorder early and provide individuals with a good education opportunity. Afterwards, it should be ensured that these individuals are accepted by everyone as a society and that they acquire professions specific to their abilities. While it is necessary not to push away individuals who may exhibit different behaviors and attitudes and to embrace them, it is necessary to support them in participating in social life.
How Is Asperger's Syndrome Treated?
Since the symptoms experienced in the case of the disorder vary from person to person, the treatment process is also determined specifically for him. However, there is no treatment method that completely eliminates this disorder. Certain applications can help in alleviating symptoms such as lack of skills in social relationships, problems related to communication, and certain repetitive behaviors, and making daily life a little easier.
In addition to these, certain therapy methods, speech and language therapies, training in social skills, parent training, and treatments with prescribed medications can be listed.
While the medication method helps alleviate certain symptoms that may be seen in the person, such as depression, obsessions, and anxieties, a correctly applied treatment method enables children experiencing this disorder to overcome difficult moments they may encounter in their social and educational lives.
