Asperger's syndrome is a type of autism spectrum disorder, a type of neurodevelopmental disorder and health problem. It can be defined as difficulty in social communication and interaction. It has all the symptoms of autistic spectrum disorder but differs from it because of its different functionality. These people, who may have obsessive behaviors and attitudes, usually have normal or superior intelligence.
Basically, these individuals have difficulties in establishing and maintaining non-verbal communication and have problems in using non-verbal means of communication, such as communicating with peers, using body language and making eye contact. Individuals who are reluctant to show social communication also have difficulty in maintaining mutual dialog with different people.
What are the Symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome?
The symptoms of the disease vary from person to person. Although the symptoms are similar to autistic spectrum disorders, they progress more mildly and do not pose an obstacle in the daily life of the person. The symptoms of Asperger syndrome are as follows:
- Difficulty in making and maintaining friendships
- Lack of empathy and inability to understand different opinions
- Obsession with certain subjects
- Disorganized conversations and directing them to their own areas of interest
- Inability to pay attention and focus on the subject of the person they are communicating with
- Some repetitive behaviors (hand clapping, finger snapping or arm waving)
- Difficulty making eye contact or maintaining it too carefully
- Not understanding sarcasm or irony from the other person
- Failure to pay attention to and comply with boundaries that have become normalized for individuals
- Low perception of privacy
- They are too attached to routine
- Clumsiness situations
- Difficulty adjusting the volume
- Sensitivity to certain sound, visual, olfactory and gustatory stimuli
- Reluctance to socialize
- Difficulty with body language and inability to use facial expressions when communicating
How is Asperger's Syndrome Diagnosed?
In order to diagnose and diagnose the disease, a number of tests must be performed together and observed. Some parents can understand this situation by comparing it with others when their children have a problem. At some times, there may be delays in the developmental process of children and this becomes more evident in later ages.
If this condition is not identified until the age when the child starts school, it is usually taken into account by the child's teacher and family members are informed. In such cases, some developmental problems experienced and seen should be communicated to the doctor.
Some different behaviors and attitudes seen in children and people can be confused with hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder, which often show similar conditions. In order to avoid such situations, the competence of the doctor is important in this regard. Signs and symptoms need to be evaluated correctly, and once a diagnosis is made, the treatment process that is appropriate for the person is started.
How Common is Asperger's Syndrome?
Many different results can be seen on the frequency of this disease. Approximately, it can be said that only 1 to 4 out of a thousand children may experience this condition. However, the cause of this disorder, which can be seen more in boys than girls, is not known exactly.
Can Asperger's Syndrome be Prevented?
Research and studies show that this disease is not preventable. However, it is reported that studies on the subject are ongoing and will be determined according to the results of the researches in the future. While a lot of responsibility falls on the family and their environment in the lives of children with this problem and children with autism spectrum disorder, individuals in the society also have a responsibility in this regard.
It is important to diagnose this disease early and to provide a good education. Afterwards, it should be ensured that everyone in society accepts these people and that they are given professions specific to their abilities. People with different behaviors and attitudes should not be alienated from society and should be embraced and supported to participate in social life.
How is Asperger's Syndrome Treated?
Since the symptoms experienced in case of the disease differ from person to person, the treatment process is determined specifically for these people. However, there is no treatment method that completely eliminates this disease. Some applications can help alleviate symptoms such as lack of skills in social relations, problems with communication and some repetitive behaviors and make daily life a little easier.
In addition to these, some therapy methods, speech and language therapies, social skills training, parent education and medication treatments can be listed.
Medication can help alleviate some of the symptoms such as depression, obsessions and anxieties that can be seen in the person, while the treatment method applied correctly allows children with this disease to overcome the difficult moments they may encounter in their social and educational lives.
