Aspergers Syndrome:
For Those Who Want To Know
(a fictitious pamphlet on Aspergers Syndrome)
What is Aspergers Syndrome?
Aspergers Syndrome is a term coined by the Viennese physician, Hans Asperger, in 1944. He was trying to decide on what to label a set of children he had been observing who had normal levels of intelligence,, but presented with characteristics similar to several aspects reminiscent of Autism. This term wasn't professionally recognized until 1994 when it was added to the DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual : fourth edition). Until that time, those who presented with the symptoms characteristic of Aspergers today were labeled as having high-functioning autism. Aspergers is still regarded as an autism spectrum disorder and is characterized by children who posses normal I.Q.'s and express particularly refined skill in certain areas but have difficulty in certain areas of pragmatics and prosody related to linguistic competence. Due to this deficiency, it can prove difficult for these children to become socially comfortable, and interact with peers and instructors. This can sometimes have a profound effect on the child harboring symptoms of depression and creating academic problems which related to the ability of the individual to use the input and assistance of others to enhance their scholastic achievement.
(O.A.S.I.S., 2005)
What symptoms are characteristic of Aspergers Syndrome?
Several symptoms that may act as incentives for a parent or counselor to refer a child to a physician who could properly evaluate them would be:
-Noticeable deficiencies in social skills.
-An overwhelming dislike for change.
-Easily distracted.
-Participate in obsessive activities.
-Express difficulties in expressing body language.
-Very excitable (easily startled).
(Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support,2005)
What causes Aspergers?
Aside from a familial (heretic) susceptibility, the exact cause of Aspergers is, as of yet, unknown.
What kinds of treatments are available?
Treatments available are separated into two categories for which a sufferer of Aspergers could be referred to undergo. These two categories are Counseling and Psychotherapies (which all have a central theme of working though and creating solutions to issues the Asperger sufferer faces with their disorder) and Pharmacotherapy's (which rely mainly on the effects of drugs to alter a child's behavior). Sometimes, these two therapies are used together to achieve the best results in an individual.
For more information on Aspergers, visit:
*O.A.S.I.S. : Online Aspergers Information and Support www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperg
*Aspergers disorder homepage-www.aspergers.com
This page was created by William Miller, a communication Disorders major at Marshall University to
fulfill the requirements of his
CD 315 class. It was completed on December 4, 2005.
Page Last Updated: December 2, 2005
Copyright © 2005 William Ross Miller
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