Asperger’s syndrome has only recently been accepted as a diagnosis on the autism spectrum even though it was first defined some sixty years ago. Asperger’s syndrome is a disorder characterized by some of the features of autism, such as abnormalities of social interaction and repetitive and stereotyped interests and activities, but without the delay of retardation and cognitive development that is seen in true autism (Reber & Reber, 2001).
This syndrome is very similar to that of autism, but the normal development of both speech and motor skills distinguish it from autism (Tilton, 2004). The syndrome is also marked by poor arithmetic skills, an impaired sense of humour and difficulty in comprehending the gestures of people around them. Barlow & Durand (2005) indicate that the child with Asperger’s syndrome usually has an average IQ, with relatively little cognitive impairment; and imply that Asperger’s is not a separate disorder from autism. This idea is supported by Reber & Reber (2001), who also note that some authorities still have doubts as to the validity of the syndrome as a separate disorder to autism.
Dr Miriam Stoppard (2006) suggests that people with Asperger’s syndrome are often highly intelligent but are perceived to be socially “a bit odd”. She places this disorder at the higher-functioning end of the autism spectrum of disorders.
Dr. Hans Asperger was the first physician to document Asperger’s syndrome in 1944. He was involved in studying children, mostly boys, who were having difficulty interacting in socially acceptable ways. The children appeared to be self-centered, socially isolated, less physically adept than others and rather uncoordinated. The children were displaying repetitive physical activities and showed a bizarre fascination with numbers, timetables and the working mechanisms of objects. He did so at the same time that Dr. Leo Kanner, a psychiatrist at the Johns Hopkins University was involved in writing about autism. Dr. Kanner was first to use the word ‘autism’ which derived from the Greek autos meaning ‘self’. Interestingly, both physicians came to the same conclusions, without collaboration, at a time when autism spectrum disorders had not even been officially identified. As a result, European physicians ...
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Asperger's Syndrome by definition
- History
- Autism Spectrum
- Commonalities of Asperger's Syndrome and Autism
- Prevalence and misdiagnosis
- Acquisition of a Diagnosis
- Asperger's Syndrome Impact
- Genetics as a causal factor
- Impact on the parent(s)
- Impact on the siblings
- Asperger's and Relationships
- Interactions
- Friendships
- Communication
- Discipline and Asperger's
- Rules
- Meltdowns
- Communication
- Wellness and Asperger's syndrome
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Asperger's and Schooling
- Concluding thoughts for the Parent
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Asperger's Syndrome, exploring its definition, diagnosis, impact on individuals and families, and related challenges in communication, relationships, and schooling. The text avoids offering conclusive statements or definitive treatments but instead focuses on providing an informative and descriptive overview of the condition.- The definition and history of Asperger's Syndrome in relation to the autism spectrum.
- The impact of Asperger's Syndrome on individuals, families, and social relationships.
- Challenges related to communication, discipline, and schooling for individuals with Asperger's Syndrome.
- Associated mental health considerations and wellness aspects for those with Asperger's Syndrome.
- Diagnostic criteria and the complexities surrounding the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Asperger's Syndrome by definition: This chapter introduces Asperger's Syndrome as a recently accepted diagnosis within the autism spectrum, distinguishing it from autism by the absence of developmental delays in speech and motor skills. It highlights the similarities and differences with autism, mentioning varying opinions on its classification as a separate disorder. The chapter also touches upon the characteristic challenges faced by individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, including difficulties with social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and impaired understanding of nonverbal cues. The discussion includes perspectives from various experts, emphasizing the spectrum nature of the condition and the ongoing debate regarding its distinct classification. Acquisition of a Diagnosis: While not explicitly detailed in the provided text excerpt, this chapter would presumably delve into the diagnostic process for Asperger's Syndrome, outlining the criteria used by professionals to determine a diagnosis. It might discuss the challenges involved in accurate diagnosis, given the spectrum nature of the condition and the possibility of misdiagnosis or late diagnosis. The chapter might also explore the potential impact of diagnostic criteria on individual lives and the subsequent support systems they access. Asperger's Syndrome Impact: This chapter examines the broader consequences of Asperger's Syndrome, considering its effects on both individuals and their families. It would likely discuss the genetic factors potentially contributing to the condition and explore the impact on parents and siblings. The discussion would probably analyze the emotional, practical, and social challenges that families face in supporting an individual with Asperger's Syndrome, highlighting the wide-ranging implications of this developmental condition. Asperger's and Relationships: This chapter explores the challenges that individuals with Asperger's Syndrome face in forming and maintaining relationships. The chapter would likely analyze their interactions with peers, exploring the difficulties individuals with Asperger's Syndrome experience in building friendships due to their social communication differences. The discussion could highlight the complexities of communication and social interaction, focusing on the struggles these individuals experience in understanding and expressing emotions, leading to potential misunderstandings or social isolation. Discipline and Asperger's: This chapter focuses on the unique challenges in disciplining children with Asperger's Syndrome. It would likely discuss the importance of establishing clear rules and routines while also understanding the triggers for emotional meltdowns. The discussion would emphasize the necessity for patience and tailored strategies rather than traditional disciplinary approaches, highlighting the need for parents and educators to adapt their methods based on the child's specific needs and responses. Communication: This chapter, although not detailed fully in the provided text excerpt, would concentrate on the communication difficulties faced by individuals with Asperger's Syndrome. It might explore both verbal and nonverbal communication challenges, analyzing difficulties with understanding social cues, interpreting body language, and engaging in reciprocal conversations. The chapter may also delve into strategies and interventions to enhance communication skills. Wellness and Asperger's syndrome: This chapter explores the mental health aspects associated with Asperger's Syndrome, analyzing co-occurring conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and PTSD. It may discuss the importance of early intervention, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive mental health support and tailored treatment plans based on individual needs. Asperger's and Schooling: This chapter would likely delve into the educational experiences of children and adults with Asperger's Syndrome. It may focus on the challenges they face in traditional school settings, given their social communication differences and learning styles. The discussion would probably include potential adaptations and interventions to make education more accessible and supportive, fostering successful academic outcomes.Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Asperger's Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autism, Social Interaction, Communication, Relationships, Diagnosis, Sensory Sensitivity, Mental Health, Education, Family Impact, Developmental Disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions: Asperger's Syndrome - A Comprehensive Overview
What is this document about?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of Asperger's Syndrome, covering its definition, diagnosis, impact on individuals and families, and associated challenges in communication, relationships, and schooling. It aims to be informative and descriptive, avoiding conclusive statements or definitive treatments.
What are the key themes explored in this document?
The key themes include the definition and history of Asperger's Syndrome within the autism spectrum; its impact on individuals, families, and social relationships; communication, discipline, and schooling challenges; associated mental health considerations; and the complexities of diagnosis.
How is Asperger's Syndrome defined?
Asperger's Syndrome is presented as a diagnosis within the autism spectrum, distinguished from autism by the absence of developmental delays in speech and motor skills. The document highlights similarities and differences with autism, acknowledging ongoing debates about its classification as a separate disorder.
What are the diagnostic criteria for Asperger's Syndrome?
While not explicitly detailed, the document implies that the diagnostic process involves criteria used by professionals to assess various aspects of social interaction, communication, and behavior. The challenges of accurate diagnosis due to the spectrum nature of the condition and the possibility of misdiagnosis or late diagnosis are mentioned.
What is the impact of Asperger's Syndrome on individuals and families?
The document explores the wide-ranging consequences on individuals, including social, emotional, and practical challenges. It also examines the impact on parents and siblings, highlighting the emotional, practical, and social challenges faced by families in supporting an individual with Asperger's Syndrome.
What are the communication challenges associated with Asperger's Syndrome?
Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome often face challenges in both verbal and nonverbal communication, including difficulties understanding social cues, interpreting body language, and engaging in reciprocal conversations. The document highlights the complexities of communication and social interaction leading to potential misunderstandings or social isolation.
What are the challenges related to relationships and friendships for individuals with Asperger's Syndrome?
The document explores the difficulties individuals with Asperger's Syndrome experience in forming and maintaining relationships and friendships due to their social communication differences. This includes challenges with interactions, friendships, and expressing/understanding emotions.
How does Asperger's Syndrome impact discipline and schooling?
Disciplining children with Asperger's Syndrome requires understanding their specific needs and responses. Clear rules and routines are important, as are strategies for managing emotional meltdowns. In schooling, the document notes challenges in traditional settings due to social communication differences and learning styles, suggesting the need for adaptations and interventions.
What mental health considerations are associated with Asperger's Syndrome?
The document highlights the association of Asperger's Syndrome with co-occurring conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and PTSD. It emphasizes the importance of early intervention and comprehensive mental health support.
What are the concluding thoughts for parents of children with Asperger's Syndrome?
While not explicitly detailed, the document suggests that the concluding thoughts would offer guidance and support to parents, emphasizing the importance of understanding, patience, and seeking appropriate help and resources.
What are the key words associated with Asperger's Syndrome as discussed in this document?
Key words include Asperger's Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autism, Social Interaction, Communication, Relationships, Diagnosis, Sensory Sensitivity, Mental Health, Education, Family Impact, and Developmental Disorder.
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- Gary Elliott (Autor), 2010, Asperger's Syndrome, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/275088
