Definition :

It is a developmental disability that is defined by impairment in social relationships, verbal & non-verbal communication and by restrictive and repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests and activities.

• Asperger’s is classified as one of the autistic spectrum disorders (ASD).

• It is sometimes mistakenly diagnosed as Autism or Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

• Prevalence of Autism is 10 per 10000 & AS is of 2 in 10000

• Male : female ratio is 4 : 1

3

Identified in the 1940’s by Hans Asperger• Viennese pediatrician (1906-1980)

• Described a group of boys with:– poor social interaction– failure in communication – development of narrow interests

• Used the term “autistic psychopathy”, a personality disorder.

• Lorna Wing Translated in 1981

• DSM-IV Criteria in 1994

• Lack of “common sense” and an inability to identify social cues• Naive social responses• Unaware of Others Feelings• Superior use of grammar and vocabulary• Poor motor coordination• Repetitive routines• Enforcement of social rules (Rule Police)• Overly sensitive to sensory stimulus (sound, touch, smell, taste,

sight)• Marked delay in non-verbal behaviours• Impairments in establishing peer relationships• Preoccupation with one restricted area of interest• Stereo-typed and repetitive motor movements• Preoccupation with parts of objects• Very Accurate memory for Details• Few facial expressions and difficulty reading others’ body language• Obsessions with a single topic such as music, dinosaurs, cars or the

mechanics of a toaster

Autism Aspergers

Symptoms evident by 30 Months of Age

Masked till 5 yrs of Age

Shows less social interest / initiative Displays social desire but often unsuccessful

Delayed/Deviant language development

Language development advanced but deviant

IQ’s show PIQ > VIQ VIQ > PIQ

Good Gross Motor Skills Poor Gross Motor Skills

Rarely enter into relationships or have children

Often enter into relationships and have children

Insensitive & not aware of emotions Insensitive, but can verbally describe emotions

Aloofness / withdrawn even with family memebrs

Establishes attachment to family but inappropriate approach with peers

Speech & Language in Asperger’s Syndrome

• Inappropriate comments or topics for context• Monologues or scripts• Difficulty with different points of view.• Literal interpretation (problems with figures of speech,

idioms, sarcasm)• Self-talk is common.• Lack of change of vocal tone & volume to indicate emotion.• Monotone.• High-pitched or nasal tone.• Excessive technical details.• Adult quality grammar or phrases.• Need to correct errors.• Precise intonation.

Cognition in Asperger’s Syndrome

• IQ usually normal • Not good at timed tests because of pace• Encyclopedic memory.• Fear of Failure• Refusal to do something unless perfect• Originality in problem solving• Limited flexibility in thinking

8

DSM-IV Criteria for AS• Impairment in social interaction ( At least 2 )– impairment in non-verbal behaviors– lack of appropriate peer relationships– lack of spontaneous sharing of attention– lack of social/emotional reciprocity

9

DSM-IV Criteria for AS

• Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities ( At least 1 )– preoccupation with one or more restricted

patterns of interest with abnormal intensity or focus

– inflexible adherence to specific nonfunctional routines/rituals

– repetitive motor mannerisms

How “Aspie’s” View Themselves

• Loners• Different• Expert on specific topic• No friends• Losers• Low self-esteem• Misunderstood• Have their own “rules”

How “Aspie’s” Want to be Treated

• Normal• With respect• Recognized for uniqueness• Accepted by others• As friends• With understanding• With love and caring attitudes

CAUSES • There are no definitive research studies that point to a particular

problem in the brain that can lead to autism or Asperger’s Syndrome

• There seems to be a Hereditary Component ( Family Inheritance on Fathers Side )• Environmental factors that affect Brain Development.• Genetics ?• Others = Birth Problems / Lack of O2 / CNS Dysfunction

NOT CAUSED BY :•Asperger’s Syndrome is not related to parenting practices or how a child is raised by his or her parents•It is not caused by Emotional Deprivation

What are some treatment options?

• Although there is no particular treatment for AS, the most effective approaches are therapies that focus on:

• Improving poor communication skills• obsessive or repetitive routines• physical clumsiness

• Other treatment options may include:• Parent Education & Training• Social skills training• Cognitive behavior therapy • Language therapy• Specialized help in school for the child• Psychopharmacological Intervention