Asperger’s syndrome – causes, symptoms, therapy. What does Asperger’s syndrome look like in adults? WE EXPLAIN

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Asperger’s syndrome is a milder form of childhood autism, a disorder in the development and functioning of the central nervous system. The affliction was first described by the Austrian pediatrician and psychiatrist Hans Asperger. An interesting fact is that in childhood Hans Asperger showed exceptional linguistic abilities, had a very good memory and was a loner, so he himself showed symptoms, which he later worked on as a doctor.

Asperger’s syndrome – what is it?

Asperger’s Syndrome is a mild autism disorder. This disease in children and adults does not cause disturbances in mental development, unlike in childhood autism. Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism share common characteristics such as social problems and withdrawal. Fortunately, Asperger’s Syndrome allows you to function on your own.

Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome They are often considered introverts, people closed in their world, who focus all their attention only on their passions / hobbies. Asperger’s syndrome is a more common condition in boys. Treatment is based primarily on behavioral and cognitive therapy.

In addition, a condition such as Savant Syndrome is associated with Asperger’s syndrome. This means that the patient’s IQ is low, but still has the mental capacity to be considered a genius in a specific area. Patients with savant syndrome show abilities in such areas as: mathematics, art and music.

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The causes of Asperger’s syndrome

Asperger’s Syndrome is not hereditary, but it is possible to inherit some predisposition to autism spectrum disorder. In fact, the causes of this disease are not fully understood, but there are different views on its formation:

1. autistic disorders can result from a variety of diseases, including toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, varicella, celiac disease, and uterine rubella;
2. perinatal or fetal trauma;
3. pregnancy and childbirth factors such as: induced labor, missed or transferred pregnancy, gluteal delivery, low birth weight;
4. biogenetic predispositions that lead to the development of autistic behaviors under the influence of adverse environmental influences;
5. heavy metal load on the body;
6. genetic mutation of chromosomes: 3, 4, 7 and 11;
7. damage to the central nervous system;
8. disturbances in biochemical and neurochemical processes in the brain, including changes in serotonin metabolism;
9. severe post-vaccination reactions;
10. brain infections;
11. paternal age (the chances of the fathers’ children over 40 are more likely).

Due to the lack of a clear answer to the question of where Asperger’s syndrome comes from, it is currently considered a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder. Other autism spectrum disorders are also treated similarly. Due to this approach to the phenomenon, factors such as physical traumas, errors in upbringing or emotional coldness on the part of the mother were also excluded.

Asperger’s syndrome – symptoms

The symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome are less severe than that of early childhood autism. The disease is usually diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 8. Asperger’s syndrome is characterized by a variety of disorders that include:

1. impairment of social interaction,
2. lack of empathy,
3. lack of willingness to cooperate or inability to cooperate in a group,
4. trouble communicating
5. problems with the formation of emotional bonds,
6. problems with making friends,
7. limited non-verbal communication (skimpy gestures, limited facial expressions, no eye contact, physical distance),
8. speech disorders,
9. the language is pedantic, perfect, but at the same time there are limitations in understanding the metaphor, hidden meanings,
10. behaviors are routine, learned, repetitive (even the simplest activities are performed according to a specific pattern),
11. sensory integration disorders (too high or too low sensitivity to sound, light, temperature),
12. narrow, specialized interest in one field,
13. problems with using the right personal pronouns,
14. sometimes, not always, there are also reduced mobility and clumsiness.

Asperger’s syndrome is a heterogeneous condition, and these symptoms may not necessarily be present in every person with this disorder. The aforementioned symptoms and behaviors appear in various combinations and with varying intensity. Most of the symptoms seen in a child continue into adolescence. Early diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome and starting therapy gives a chance to develop greater independence and improve the quality of life in adulthood.

To diagnose Asperger’s Syndrome at an early stage, you should contact your doctor at the very first sign of symptoms. Online teleconsultation with a psychiatrist on the haloDoctor.pl website will enable a very quick initial diagnosis. Not only will you know the answers to your questions, but also, if necessary, you will implement appropriate treatment.

Asperger’s syndrome in adults

Asperger’s syndrome is associated with a disorder diagnosed in children, the symptoms of which, thanks to appropriate therapies and exercise, can be controlled enough to facilitate social functioning in adulthood. However, not always this mild autistic disorder is diagnosed in childhood. Especially in the past, symptoms were ignored and the disease was often not recognized.

Diagnosing Asperger’s Syndrome in an adult may be problematic, and due to the convergence of certain symptoms, a different psychiatric diagnosis may be made. Asperger’s syndrome in adults has symptoms similar to those in children, but they may manifest themselves in different ways. The most common symptoms are:

1. problems with making new friends and keeping old ones,
2. having an unusual hobby (most often related to science),
3. lack of ability to maintain a conversation,
4. procedural memory disorders (problems with reflexive performance of normal activities, e.g. getting dressed),
5. obsessive-compulsive disorder – characterized, for example, by frequent washing of hands or obsessive counting of collected items,
6. ritualization of behavior,
7. incorrect perception of sensory stimuli (certainly less common than in people with autism),
8. unusual eating habits (e.g. anorexia nervosa) that can lead to low body weight
9. aggression – a symptom difficult to assess, it is not typical for Asperger’s syndrome (also occurs in children).

Adults with Asperger can also suffer from a variety of comorbid conditions, including depression, mania, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia.

Asperger’s syndrome – test

Asperger’s syndrome differs from childhood autism in that its disorders are much milder. The symptoms may vary in severity, from very little noticeable (rather associated with personality) to very intense. Appropriate speech development and better fitting into the society often make Asperger’s Syndrome go unnoticed at all. In addition, unique abilities in some area make personality disorders regarded as eccentricity i individualism.

Asperger’s syndrome, like other autism spectrum disorders, is a lifelong condition. It is most visible in adolescence. Later, as the personality develops, symptoms may change their form, often even disappear completely.

Asperger’s syndrome is diagnosed much more often than childhood autism, however, because of symptoms, is rarely recognized before school starts. Only problems in learning and difficulties in establishing relationships with peers encourage us to look for reasons and professional help. Asperger’s syndrome is usually diagnosed by specialists such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist, and special educator.

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Also check: Orphan disease – what is it, how does it manifest and who does it affect?

Asperger’s syndrome – methods of therapy

There are many treatments available in the treatment of Asperger’s Syndrome, the choice of which depends on the patient’s characteristics. The selection of the appropriate form of therapy should always be consulted with a specialist.

Treatment methods are listed below.

1. Behavioral-cognitive psychotherapy says that how a person behaves depends on what kind of emotions he feels and what he thinks. This method aims to change the patient’s thinking, both about himself and about other people and the world. Specialists help to get rid of hackneyed thought patterns and teach them that change the view of the surrounding world.

2. Classes on sensory integration (IS) – are dedicated to children who are helped to counteract sensory abnormalities and correctly analyze the incoming stimuli. For this purpose, various types of items are used, in the form of: swings, hammocks, trampolines, balls, suspended platforms and materials in various colors and textures – they are to stimulate the senses. This method of treatment aims to improve the child’s coordination.

3. Social skills training (TUS) is intended for children and adolescents. In such activities, they learn specific behaviors in certain situations, such as discussing, making new friends or expressing criticism.

4. Therapy with the cognitive method is based on the thesis that a person develops according to certain and repetitive periods, and the development in people with Asperger is associated with disharmony. The therapy is aimed at supporting a person with Asperger’s syndrome, helping to rebuild its basic functions so that it can continue to develop properly. Much emphasis is placed on the role of the guide therapist, whose task is to accept, rather than force, certain behaviors required by society, which rarely take into account the needs of a given person.

5. Behavioral therapy it is about changing current behavior to what is desired in society. Such behavior is taught on the basis of rewards and punishments (more often rewards – greater motivation). Therapy involves the use of behavioral techniques to help a person with Asperger’s Syndrome function properly among people and carry out daily activities. Behavioral therapy only teaches mechanical behavior, it does not teach understanding the needs and intentions of another human being. The downside of this approach is schematicism, as not all behavioral patterns will be applicable in all situations.

Read also:

1. What are the first symptoms of autism?
2. Atypical autism – symptoms, causes, treatment
3. Understand Autism