What is aspergers syndrome?

Question

What is aspergers syndrome?

Answer 1

I train counselors so I get this question all the time. Autism Spectrum Disorder is an umbrella term that describes a constellation of symptoms. As you might suspect, the symptoms  tend to relate to autism so the symptoms are often things like poor social skills, withdrawal, inappropriate behavior, lack of interest in relationships, and so on. As we train people in our workshops (http://www.youthchg.com/live.html), the best way to help Aspergers-affected youngsters is to tackle the symptoms in priority order. Aspergers is far less serious than autism, and can really be helped by a skilled counselor.

Answer 2

Asperger syndrome is one of several autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is  characterized by difficulties in social interaction,  restricted and stereotyped interests and activities, motor clumsiness and atypical use of language. Aspergers is distinguished from the other ASDs in having no general delay in language or cognitive development.

Asperger syndrome was named after Hans Asperger who, in 1944, described children in his practice who appeared to have normal intelligence but lacked nonverbal communication skills, failed to demonstrate empathy with their peers, and were physically clumsy.

Questions about many aspects of AS remain: for example, there is lingering doubt about the distinction between AS and high-functioning autism (HFA), partly due to this, the prevalence of AS is not firmly established. The exact cause of AS is unknown, although research supports the likelihood of a genetic contribution, and brain imaging techniques have identified structural and functional differences in specific regions of the brain.

There is no single treatment for Asperger syndrome, and the effectiveness of particular interventions is supported by only limited data. Intervention is aimed at improving symptoms and function. The mainstay of treatment is behavioral therapy, focusing on specific deficits to address poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and clumsiness. Most individuals with AS can learn to cope with their differences, but may continue to need moral support and encouragement to maintain an independent life

Answer 3

You can bet that there are many older adults out there who have never been diagnosed.Also many children that have it,some have not been diagnosed.Some are extremely inteligent,but lack social skills.Some have normal intelegence,and have only slight problems with social skills,maintaining relationships,and making friends.It might be the adult kid that never left home.Many are good at masking symptoms,so you can`t tell they have anything wrong.Kids with autism,probably have a parent or grandparent with aspergers.Just think,how many kids have autism,well,that gives you an idea of how many people have aspergers.Maybe one reason the divorce rate is so high.

Answer 4

Basically, autism for smart people.  We are intellectually advanced but socially retarded.

Answer 5

Aspergers Syndrome is a form of Autism, a disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to others.

A number of traits of autism are common to Aspergers Syndrome including: -

- Difficulty in communicating

- Difficulty in social relationships

- A lack of imagination and creative play.

People with Aspergers usually have fewer problems with language than those with autism as they can often speak fluently.

People with Aspergers also do not have accompanying learning difficulties often associated with autism, because of

this many children with Aspergers Syndrome enter mainstream school, with the right support and encouragement.

Answer 6

Asperger syndrome is a condition that is on the autistic spectrum. It is a lifelong condition. It is sometimes referred to as high functioning autism. To be diagnosed as having Asperger syndrome you would be referred to a clinical psychologist, they would look for a triad of impairments. Many people with Asperger syndrome are gifted in a particular subject, very often maths. They also very often develop obssessions with strange things, for example a particular film or something as strange as washing machines or computers. They appear on the surface to be quite normal but most people with Asperger syndrome have big problems socialising especially with their peer group and very often they avoid eye contact. They also usually lack any empathy and will laugh at you if you should hurt yourself. There are many more traits associated with Asperger syndrome, but on the whole people with Asperger syndrome are very straight forward and direct and sometimes they are great fun to be around.

Answer 7

one of several autism spectrum disorders (ASD) characterized by difficulties in social interaction and by restricted and stereotyped interests and activities. AS is distinguished from the other ASDs in having no general delay in language or cognitive development.