Asperger Syndrome
Reprinted from:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
What is Asperger Syndrome?
Asperger syndrome (AS) is a
pervasive developmental disorder characterized by an inability to understand
how to interact socially. Other features include clumsy and uncoordinated motor
movements, social impairment with extreme obtuseness, limited interests and/or
unusual preoccupations, repetitive routines or
rituals, speech and language peculiarities, and non-verbal communication
problems. Generally, children with AS have few facial expressions apart from
anger or misery. Most have excellent rote memory and musical ability, and
become intensely interested in one or two subjects (sometimes to the exclusion
of other topics). They may talk at length about a favorite subject or repeat a
word or phrase many times. Children with AS tend to be "in their own
world" and preoccupied with their own agenda. AS is
commonly recognized after the age of 3. Some individuals who exhibit
features of autism (a developmental brain disorder characterized by impaired
social interaction and communication skills) but who have well-developed
language skills may be diagnosed with AS, although high-functioning autism
differs from AS in early language delay.
Is there any treatment?
There is no specific course of treatment or cure for AS. Treatment, which is
symptomatic and rehabilitational, may include both
psychosocial and psychopharmacological interventions such as psychotherapy,
parent education and training, behavioral modification, social skills training,
educational interventions, and/or medications including psychostimulants, mood
stabilizers, beta blockers, neuroleptics, and tricyclic antidepressants.
What is the prognosis?
Children with AS have a better outlook than those with other forms of pervasive
developmental disorders, and are much more likely to grow up to be
independently functioning adults. Nonetheless, in most cases, these individuals
will continue to demonstrate, to some extent, subtle disturbances in social
interactions. There is also an increased risk for development of psychosis (a
mental disorder) and/or mood problems such as depression and anxiety in the
later years.