Asperger’s Syndrome Research Paper Essay

Approximately 947,570 Americans have Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), however, it is not an easy disorder to explain (Bashe 19). With multiple conditions and characteristics in each case, AS is not an easy disorder to diagnose. Asperger’s Syndrome was named after Hans Asperger, an Austrian physician, who first described the disorder in 1944 after studying a group of children with similar, unusual characteristics. However, AS was not made an official disease until 1994. Consequently, Asperger disease is just now becoming published and popular so there is still research and questions being answered. Asperger’s Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, is noted by above-average intellectual skills but severely impaired social skills with repetitive patterns and interest. There are several other disorders that are related to Asperger’s. These include other autism spectrum disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Oppositi onal Defiant Disorder, Bipolar Syndrome and others (Bashe 68). Since Asperger’s is a recent disorder, the cause of AS is not clear. Scientists are still investigating why Asperger’s occurs. Nevertheless, few theories have surfaced. Some believe brain abnormalities or a hereditary component result in AS. The cause could also be factors that include brain development. Nevertheless, scientists have eliminated child immunizations, lack of intelligence, or â€Å"bad parenting† as the cause for Asperger’s. (Weiss) AS is also not due to emotional deprivation or other psychogenic factors that originate from a person’s thinking. A possible reason for an unidentifiable cause is the symptoms for Asperger’s Syndrome are nearly unlimited. Furthermore, with AS one can exhibit few or multiple symptoms. Still, the core symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome are poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive behavior, and physical clumsiness (Weiss). With communication skills, vocabulary and syntax is in normal range for people with AS, a formal style of speaking is evident. For example, they might say â€Å"beckon† instead of â€Å"call.† The symptoms of Asperger’s that are most noticeable are the ones that are displayed by social awkwardness and their inability to pick up on social cues. Thus, people with AS often engage in one-sided conversations with a monotonous voice, give very precise information, and believe the point of a conversation is to exchange information — that is it. It is hard for them to communicate and explain their thoughts and ideas through speech. Additionally, AS individuals take a literal interpretation of everything and display awkward nonverbal gestures such as lack of eye contact, inappropriate starring, signs of boredom, short attention span and odd facial expressions. Those with Asperger’s would struggle with â€Å"reading† others and understanding nonverbal communication. A person with Asperger’s lacks the Theory of Mind. The Theory of Mind is the ability to reconginze and understand thoughts, desires and intentions of others. Basically, it is nearly impossible for a person with Asperger’s to have empathy for others and can be extremely insensitive. They have a distinct sense of humor and have difficulties expressing their emotions. Because AS causes them to perceive the world differently, their â€Å"rudeness† is not intentional. The symptoms and characteristics of people with AS vary, resulting in a remarkably challenging diagnosis of the disease. No two cases of Asperger’s syndrome are identical. Each case presents its own characteristics and challenges, for Asperger’s syndrome does not describe a single behavior but a specific combination that are present to a certain extent. (Bashe 75)Of course, it would be easy to attribute the strange behavior and lack of social interest to just being â€Å"different.† The diagnosis is usually done after age three and between ages five and nine. A boy is three to four times more likely to be diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome than a girl. (Nemours). The actual diagnosing is a lengthy process, beginning with a thorough â€Å"psychosocial† evaluation. Then the doctors do a history and ask when the parents first began noticing symptoms such as limited social interactions, special interest and lack of eye contact. The doctors will look at the development of motor and language skills and compare them with the average skill level for the particular age of the patient. Following this, the doctors will ask about any favorite activities, if there are any unusual habits or preoccupations. Next, the doctors will look at the social development and any social interactions and friendship development. Then a test for communication skills is given. After ascertaining all this information, they compile all the findings and see if the patient meets the criteria for Asperger’s Syndrome. Besides the poor communication skills and resulting in awkward social behavior of Asperger’s Syndrome, there are also the physical aspects. People with Asperger’s Syndrome have a heightened sensitivity to loud noises, lights, or even certain colors. For example, they may not be able to wear certain kinds of materials because the fabric will irritate the skin. Often, they have strong taste buds and are sensitive to different textures. Additionally, they may have a rigid walk or an odd posture. Likewise, motor coordination is usually lacking making simple tasks such as handwriting, opening a jar, or catching a ball a struggle. The lack of motor skills makes it difficult to play team sports. Conversely, they may excel in sports requiring precision and practice such as golf, swimming or tennis. Even though poor communication skills and physical aspects may be evident because of AS, the most distinguishable symptom is the obsession of one particular subject. The obsession will consume any free time and dominate conversations of those with AS, making them experts on their particular subjects. Some examples of specific infatuation include baseball statistics, snakes, stars, etc. As people with Asperger’s age, the topic usually becomes odder and more specific. The negative consequences of having an intense interest about a specific topic are that this interest could be dangerous, illegal or possibly misinterpreted. However, possible benefits to this is the subject often provides a source of entertainment and enjoyment. In addition, there are also several functions to the special interest. It may overcome anxiety and help cope with fears. For example if the Asperger’s child is afraid of witches he or she may immerse himself or herself in that topic to learn about it and overcome the fear. Consequently, witches become their special interest. (Healthwise) In some cases the specific knowledge may even provide employment and an income. For example if person with AS has an interest in technology, may be able to have a job as a computer technician. (A common field for those who have Asperger’s is engineering.) Topics may change occasionally but with all cases of AS the subject is studied with an intense passion. Alongside the core symptoms of the disorder, there are also distinct characteristics shared by people with Asperger’s. Children and adults that have Asperger’s have a different way of thinking, not necessarily defective. People with Asperger’s have a strong desire to seek knowledge, truth, and perfection. With a fear of failure, people with AS have a unique learning style. They refuse to try anything if the end result is not absolutely perfect and meet their standards. People with this disorder depend on routine and consistency and strongly dislike their routine changed. They have single-minded determination and a creative way of thinking and looking at the world. This is a positive because it can produce an original perspective and resolution. Nonetheless, they have troubles distinguishing between what is relevant and redundant, usually focusing on detail instead of looking at the â€Å"big picture.† Furthermore, they may be able to solve complex math problems but are unable to explain the process they used to solve the problem. People with AS are uninterested in following the social â€Å"norm.† They may also have trouble with time management and organization. Those with the disease would rather explore the physical world such as objects, machines, animals and scientific concepts versus social events, friendships and relationships. Consequently, they prefer solving a problem than satisfying the emotional needs of others. Their concept of friendship is immature and at least two years behind their peers. If they have any friendships, they are often unusual, such as with much younger children or older adults (Atwood). A problem with forming relationships is that they may become too trusting which can lead to bullying and teasing, especially during their early years in life. One frustrating part of Asperger’ is that the people with the disorder usually want to make friends but it is incredibly difficult with their condition and behaviors. Dealing with these struggles can cause chronic frustration leading to other conditions such as depression. Therefore, they more than likely have a secondary mood disorder such as anxiety, sadness or anger. Unfortunately, no overall â€Å"cure† exists for Asperger’s Syndrome. However, symptoms can be treated. Having an early intervention and the right program is essential. No â€Å"typical† treatment is followed, for treatments depend on the strengths and weaknesses of each particular case (Nemours). Each treatment plan must address key issues: health, wellness, sensory issues, processing problems, visualizing, concepts, fine and gross motor skills, speech, language, behavioral and social issues. Acquiring new skills and monitoring the nutrition and medication may change some functions, but if neurodevelopment foundations are not established, then the results will be limited (Doman). Since the core problem of Asperger’s is social, the main treatment is working on social thinking skills and social settings. Individuals with AS must learn to â€Å"think social† before they will be able to act social. The key social thinking skills that must be practiced are perspective, flexibility, curiosity, self-esteem, big picture thinking and communication (Notbohm). Another social treatment is called â€Å"Social Stories,† where they will learn relevant social cues, thoughts, feeling and behavioral scripts by writing social stories. This treatment can benefit more than just those with Asperger’s but also the family and friends, for social stories will help others understand people with Asperger’s are socially confused, anxious, aggressive or defiant. People with Asperger’s also may benefit from language therapy and psychotherapy. Similarly, younger kids may do sensory integration training, where the stimuli in which they are overly sensitive about is desensitized. In older kids, treatment may include behavioral and cognitive therapy. Besides therapies, a person wi th Asperger’s may have a specialized diet to help with the disorder. Dietary supplements can even help certain symptoms. For example, vitamin B6 helps with brain development. Other vitamins that are recommended include magnesium, vitamin C, and omega three fatty acids. Other studies have found the avoiding certain foods and taking the hormone secretin has improved symptoms. Treatments to AS may also include prescription medicines. Some medications that can help with the symptoms may include Abilify, Intiniv, SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), Resperdal, Zyprexa, and Revia (Mayo Clinic Staff). Much of the time, treatment for Asperger’s Syndrome is not just medication or just therapy but a combination of the two to fit the individual. To treat Asperger’s effectively, though, there must be proper education, support and resources. Although Asperger’s Syndrome is not considered the most severe autistic disorder, it still presents challenges and troubles for the people with the disorder. Often described as â€Å"oddballs† or â€Å"loners†, people with Asperger’s have distinct qualities and characteristics. While there are many negative aspects of having Asperger’s Syndrome, there are a few positive notes. People with Asperger’s can be very loyal and caring friends. They say exactly what is on their minds with no filter. Those with Asperger’s tend to be more accepting and like people for who they are, and are easily content with what they have and are not interested in buying the latest fad. Their rules and honesty lead them to excel in the classroom and as a citizen. With treatment, people with Asperger’s begin to better understand their disorder and are able to learn and adapt to social cues. Many people with Asperger’s get married and have children. Their attention to detail and focused interest leads them to a career. Asperger’s Syndrome is a lifelong condition that tends to stabilize and improve with treatment. Although no cure exists treatment helps people with Asperger’s live â€Å"normal† and healthy lives.