asperger syndrome
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what is asperger syndrome?
Asperger Syndrome is the name given to a potentially disabling psychological condition. Manifestations of Asperger Syndrome vary widely. Some individuals have a ‘quirky’ personality. Others can find themselves severely handicapped in their education, personal relationships, or employment.
Difficulties characteristic of Asperger Syndrome span a number of areas, which need to be carefully defined by the psychologists.
The language of the individual can seem to other people, to be odd, repetitive, inappropriate, or lacking in humour.
Socially, the individual, with Asperger Syndrome, has difficulties forming and maintaining relationships with others, that cannot be explained by shyness, intellect deficit, or lack of opportunity.
The individual, with Asperger Syndrome, can display a range of maladaptive behaviours. They can be antisocial. They can be obsessive or ritualistic. They can resist change, or become panicky if they cannot control situations. They can lack insight, or show behaviour which is very immature.
Cognitive difficulties are common. This means that the individual's thinking, memory, range of interests, is difficult for other people to understand. 'Islands' of ability are common, usually in some particular area of expertise.
Individual's can display 'sensorimotor' difficulties. They can over-react or under-react in an unpredictable fashion to noises or smells. They can show both general and fine-motor difficulties. They can have strong and inflexible preferences with regard to food or clothing.
A psychologist will normally diagnose Asperger Syndrome, identify priority problems, and outline an effective behaviour and self-management programme.
However, it is important for parents and teachers to remember that most young people with Asperger Syndrome are successful in mainstream schooling.
where does the word asperger syndrome (as) come from?
Asperger Syndrome (AS) was described in the 1940’s by a Viennese Paediatrician, Hans Asperger. However it is only in the last 15 years that Asperger syndrome has come into general use and was recognised in the ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders’ in l994.