Asperger’s syndrome is a form of autism characterized by peculiarities in social interaction and communication. However, people with this contact and communication disorder usually have normal or even above-average intelligence. What are other typical symptoms and how is the diagnosis made?
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Quick overview: Frequently asked questions and answers
How does Asperger syndrome manifest itself? The typical signs of Asperger’s syndrome often only appear at the beginning of the third year of life. Children with Asperger syndrome usually avoid contact with other people. They are uncomfortable with direct eye contact and their movements often seem awkward. They tend to behave repetitively and prefer fixed rituals.
What is the difference between Asperger’s and autism? Unlike autistic people, people with Asperger syndrome do not have cognitive or language developmental delays.
Is Asperger’s recognized as a disability? Autism and Asperger’s are disabilities within the meaning of the Social Security Code. On this basis, autistic people can apply for a severely disabled person’s ID card.
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What is Asperger Syndrome?
Asperger’s syndrome is a contact and communication disorder that is one of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is characterized above all by
- lack of interest in social contacts,
- lack of empathy,
- Sticking to habits and rituals as well
- Special Interests.
It is estimated that around 2 to 3 out of 10,000 children have Asperger’s syndrome. Boys are affected more often than girls.
Differentiation from other autism spectrum disorders
Asperger’s syndrome differs from other autism spectrum disorders primarily in that no delays in cognitive and language development are observed. People with Asperger’s syndrome have normal or even above-average intelligence.
Abnormalities usually become apparent from the age of three. However, they often only become apparent in kindergarten or school age when contact with peers occurs.
Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome
The appearance of Asperger’s syndrome is characterized by a combination of several deficits, especially in social communication and interaction. The symptoms and their manifestations can vary greatly. Typical features are:
Special features when dealing with other people: Children with Asperger’s syndrome find it difficult or impossible to fit into groups. They prefer to live in seclusion and focus on their own specific interests. They also avoid eye contact and have difficulty interpreting non-verbal communication such as facial expressions.
limited motor skills: People with Asperger’s syndrome often appear clumsy, clumsy and clumsy with everyday things.
linguistic abnormalities: The language appears to be well-chosen and well-educated, the tone of voice is always neutral and the tone of voice is rather monotonous. Listening to people with Asperger’s is made even more difficult because they cannot orientate themselves to their listeners and therefore speak too quickly or in incoherent sentences. On the other hand, favorite topics can lead to endless speeches.
special skills and interests: Those affected by Asperger’s focus on hobbies that do not require contact with other people. They are sometimes overly gifted in this and pursue it with passion (island talent). Their thematic preferences often lie in scientific areas that they can rationally explain, such as mathematics, astronomy, computer science or physics, or they develop a passion for collecting unusual things.
ritualized behaviors: People with Asperger’s plan their daily routine meticulously and prefer fixed rituals to cope with everyday situations. If the milk is unexpectedly empty in the morning, the entire concept of the daily routine is thrown into a state of nervous excitement.
Asperger syndrome: what are the causes?
The exact causes of Asperger syndrome have not yet been researched. What is known, however, is that the form of autism arises from certain changes in the growth of the brain in an early phase of development. This particularly affects the number of nerve connections (connectomes).
The following are considered risk factors for Asperger syndrome:
- older age of mother and father
- Taking medication during pregnancy, such as antiepileptics or antidepressants
- Rubella infection during pregnancy
In addition, a genetic component is largely confirmed. If parents have a child with autism spectrum disorder, there is a 10 to 20 percent chance that another child will also receive the diagnosis.
Asperger syndrome: how is the diagnosis made?
Diagnosing Asperger syndrome is complex and time-consuming. The examinations usually take place in childhood. They should only be carried out by appropriately experienced professionals who specialize in ASD. In addition to the affected person themselves, close relatives, such as parents, are usually involved in the process.
Various screening instruments are used to assess whether Asperger’s syndrome may be present. These are scientifically based questionnaires or scales that are filled out by those affected themselves, caregivers or observing experts.
If abnormalities in the areas of communication, social interaction and stereotypical behavior patterns and activities are observed, but cognitive and linguistic development appear unremarkable, Asperger’s syndrome is diagnosed.
Asperger’s – controversial diagnosis
In the ICD-11 and the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Asperger’s syndrome is no longer an independent diagnosis, but is counted among the autism spectrum disorders.
There is debate among experts as to whether Asperger’s syndrome is an independent clinical picture or whether there are only minor differences from autism. Many of those affected also defend themselves against terms such as disability or illness. In their opinion, they simply have a different way of perceiving (keyword: neurodiversity).
But the name itself is also controversial, as Asperger’s autism was named after the Austrian doctor Hans Asperger. He is said to have been involved in the National Socialists’ euthanasia program.
Asperger syndrome in adulthood
People with Asperger’s syndrome usually have to face special challenges in their everyday working life. That doesn’t mean they can’t be very successful in their careers. However, support from superiors is helpful. For example, if making phone calls is difficult for those affected, it can be agreed to prefer to communicate by email.
How much support people need in everyday life also varies depending on the person. Some people with Asperger’s syndrome only need help in certain phases, such as after moving out of their parents’ home. Others rely on some form of support throughout their lives.
Therapies for Asperger syndrome
Asperger’s syndrome cannot be cured because it occurs during embryonic development and has an invariable effect on central brain structures. However, there are a variety of symptomatic therapy options that help those affected to live with Asperger’s more easily in everyday life.
If the diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome is deemed to require treatment, individual support and care options are usually determined.
The most important therapy goals include:
- Training social and communication skills
- Practice dealing with emotions
- Training in the ability to solve problems
The treatment is tailored to individual needs and can include, for example, speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral therapy or music therapy. Many patients also find it helpful to exchange ideas with other affected people, for example in self-help groups or forums.
Which medications help against Asperger’s autism?
There is no causal drug therapy for Asperger’s syndrome. However, if Asperger’s syndrome is accompanied by other illnesses such as ADHD, these can be treated with medication. Even if the developmental disorder is associated with increased aggressiveness or – due to social conflicts – depressive episodes and sleep disorders, appropriate medication can be helpful.
Important:
A diagnosed Asperger’s autism does not always need to be treated. If the symptoms are only mild, Asperger’s is recognized but not considered an illness. If those affected with mild forms of autism are forced into a patient role, the symptoms can worsen. In this case, experts recommend accepting the isolated, mild symptoms and ignoring them as much as possible.
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