Asperger Syndrome is different from other autism spectrum disorders in part because it is often diagnosed in older children and adults to very young children. That's because Asperger syndrome is a relatively mild form of the CIA, which does not include problems with basic language skills. Many people with Asperger syndrome are very bright and capable. The issues that arise for people diagnosed with Asperger syndrome are related specifically to social skills and communication skills - which are only found a significant effect as the elderly and the need to negotiate complex social situations.

Hans Asperger was a Viennese child psychologist who worked with a group of guys all with similar developmental differences. While all were intelligent and had normal language skills, they also had a set of symptoms similar to autism. He walked with a description and criteria for the diagnosis of a syndrome, he called himself.

As a result of the Second World War, Asperger's work disappeared for several years. When it reappeared in late 1980, we obtained a good deal of interest. Today, Asperger's Syndrome is in the news almost every day.
Although Asperger's syndrome is similar in some forms of autism - another, more severe type of PDD - there are some important differences. Children with Asperger syndrome often function better than those with autism. In addition, children with Asperger syndrome usually have normal intelligence and near-normal language development, although communication problems may develop as they age.
Autism and Your Child

Each child with an autism spectrum disorder will have its own individual pattern of autism. Sometimes a child's development is delayed from birth. Other children with autism develop normally before suddenly losing social or language skills. In some children, a loss of language is deteriorating. In other cases, unusual behavior (such as spending hours queuing up toys) predominate.

Parents are usually the first to notice that something is wrong.

Asperger syndrome was named for the Austrian doctor Hans Asperger, who first described the disease in 1944. However, Asperger's syndrome was not recognized as a specific disorder until much later.
The symptoms of Asperger's syndrome vary and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

* Problems with social skills: Children with Asperger syndrome usually have difficulty interacting with others and often are difficult to handle social situations. Usually, not make friends easily.
* Eccentric or repetitive behaviors: Children with this condition may develop odd, repetitive movements such as twisting of the hand or finger twisting.
* Concerns unusual or ritual: a child with Asperger syndrome may develop rituals that he or she refuses to change, such as dressing in a specific order.
* Communication difficulties: People with Asperger syndrome can not make eye contact when talking to someone. They may have difficulty using facial expressions and gestures, body language and understanding. They also tend to have problems understanding language in context.
* The limited range of interests: A child with Asperger syndrome may develop an intense, almost obsessive, interest in certain areas such as sports schedules, weather or maps.
* Coordination problems: The movements of children with Asperger syndrome may seem clumsy or awkward.
* Qualified or talented: Many children with Asperger syndrome are exceptionally talented or skilled in a particular area, such as music or mathematics.


The exact cause of Asperger syndrome is not known. However, the fact that it tends to run in families suggests that the likelihood of developing the disorder may be inherited (passed from parents to children).


Asperger syndrome has recently been recognized as a specific disorder. For that reason, the exact number of people with the disorder is unknown, but is more common than autism. Estimates suggest that Asperger syndrome affects 0.024% to 0.36% of children. It is more common in men than in women and usually diagnosed in children between the ages of 2 and 6.


If you have symptoms, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical examination. Although there are no tests for Asperger syndrome, the doctor may use various tests - like X-rays and blood tests - to determine if there is a physical condition that causes symptoms.

If not found any physical disorder, the child may be referred to a specialist in childhood developmental disorders, such as a child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, developmental pediatrician or other health professional who is specially trained to diagnose and treat the Asperger syndrome. The doctor based his diagnosis on the child's developmental level, and the observation of expression of the child health and behavior, including its ability to play and socialize with others. The doctor often seeks input from the child's parents, teachers and other adults who are familiar with the child's symptoms.


There is currently no cure for Asperger syndrome, but treatment can improve performance and reduce undesirable behaviors. Treatment may include a combination of the following:

* Special education: an education that is structured to meet the unique needs of child education.
* Behavior modification: This includes strategies to support positive behavior and decreasing problem behavior by the child.
* Language, physical or occupational therapy: These treatments are designed to increase the functional capabilities of children.
* Medications: There are no medicines to treat the Asperger syndrome itself, but the drugs can be used to treat specific symptoms such as anxiety, depression, hyperactivity and obsessive-compulsive behavior.


Children with Asperger syndrome are at risk of developing other mental illnesses such as depression, ADHD, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, there are several treatment options available for these conditions.

Because the level of intelligence often is the average or above average, many people with Asperger syndrome are able to function very well. They may, however, still have problems socializing with others through adulthood.
Can you prevent Asperger syndrome?

Asperger syndrome can not be prevented or cured. However, early diagnosis and treatment can improve function and quality of life.