OMHA - Asperger Syndrome

Asperger Syndrome
The Odd and Eccentric, Socially Impaired Have Help

by Cathy Sonier
9/9/2005

Asperger is a little known disorder that recently has seen a surge in acceptance. Though it was identified in 1940's it was another fifty years before it was acknowledged by the American Psychiatric Association.^[1] Even with its addition to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV in 1994 there is still debate as to its true place in the diagnostic field. Until recently it has been misdiagnosed as Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADHD) or simple rudeness and bad behavior. Fortunately, for those living with the disorder these misconceptions have fueled the fires of research and treatment.

Asperger falls into Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), all of which are characterized by problems with social interactions.^[2] According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder.^[3] It is an autism spectrum disorder, one of a distinct group of neurological conditions characterized by a greater or less degree of impairment in language and communication skills, as well as repetitive or restrictive patterns of thought and behavior. Research indicates that there seems to be a genetic component involved causing abnormalities in several regions of the brain and affecting males more than females. Finally, contrary to the assumption that many make about people with this disorder, AS is not caused by emotional deprivation (the way a person has been brought up) like some personality disorders.^[4]

Asperger Syndrome would normally be diagnosed in early childhood following the individual through out their life. With early treatment the individual can learn to develop skills to help him succeed in life. Regrettably there is a segment of our population that has not benefited from treatment and continues to have difficulties with social interactions. As late as 20 years ago Asperger was relatively unheard of, with clients being diagnosed with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Autism, Nonverbal Learning Disability and PDD.^[5] Thus not addressing the difficulties these individuals have with social interaction and communication. Individuals with AS exhibit a variety of characteristics that can range from mild to severe. These individuals show noticeable deficiencies in social skills (failure to develop appropriate relationships with peers, even turning away the moment they meet someone). They often have obsessive routines (preoccupied with a subject of interest or repetitive hand movements). They have a great deal of difficulty reading nonverbal cues (body language) and very often infringe on the personal boundaries of others. Their vocabularies may be well developed but they have difficulty using language in social context (can talk endlessly about a subject of interest without giving the other person a change to speak.)

Adults with AS are capable of functioning in everyday life, but they tend to be a bit socially immature and can be seen as odd or eccentric. They have the ability to be very good in their professional lives, however they have difficulty interacting socially on the job. When adults with AS present in therapy, it is normally to help address their mood problems, obsessive traits, or anxiety - treating the symptoms and not the disorder.^[6] With the appropriate treatment individuals with Asperger can learn techniques to assist them in their daily life and lead relatively normal lives.

Though Asperger is a relatively new diagnosis, research in the field is growing. People who grew up with AS and were not diagnosed until later in life are receiving treatment and living normal lives. Today, youth who are diagnosed are benefiting from treatment and research. The future can only continue to grow brighter for this diagnosis and the people who live with it.

¹ Kirby, Barbara. "What is Asperger Syndrome?", Taken from www.udel.org/bkirby/asperger/aswhatisit.html,viewed 09/09/2005.

² American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th ed. TR

³NINDS Asperger Syndrome Information Page, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Taken from www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm, viewed 9/09/2005.

⁴ Mayo Clinic Staff, "Asperger's Syndrome", Taken From www.MayoClinic.com, viewed on 09/09/2005.

⁵ Kirby, Barbara. "What is Asperger Syndrome?", Taken from www.udel.org/bkirby/asperger/aswhatisit.html, viewed 09/09/2005.

⁶ "What are the other psychological problems that can co-exist with Asperger's Disorder", Taken from www.aspergers.com/aspcomor.htm, viewed 09/09/2005.

⁸ Dingfelder, Sadie., "A dilemma of definition", Taken from www.apa.org/monitor/dec04/definition.html, viewed 09/09/2005.