Asperger’s syndrome
Asperger’s syndrome is a medical condition characterized by abnormal behavior and social interactions. It’s a developmental abnormality that begins to show before 2 years of age and lasts for entire life. Medically it can be considered a mild version of autism. The incidence of this brain abnormality has increased recently and is reported to be up to 40 million.
The exact cause of Asperger’s has not been found yet and brain imaging techniques also don’t help in its assessment. Researchers classify Asperger’s into a class of hereditary disease. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the underdevelopment of brain areas leading to Asperger’s. Brain areas associated with cognition and social skills are mainly affected.
Abnormality of behavior, interests, and activities is common in children and adults. Avoiding eye contact or sometimes intense gazing is seen in most adults. The ability to make friends and communication is rare among Asperger’s sufferers. The patients of this syndrome also suffer from a lack of nonverbal skills, physical clumsiness, and failure to demonstrate empathy. Linguistic skills are also impaired. Some adults also show excessive shyness of behavior and fear of people. Emotions and feelings are hard to appear in such people. The inability to comprehend gestures and sensitivity to noises, visuals, touch, and taste are also common symptoms in Asperger’s patient. Impaired growth of the motor area sometimes leads to repetitive motor patterns.
The diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome depends upon the symptoms. Various tests are used to detect Asperger’s in children. These tests include CARS, GADS, ASRS, and few others. To access Asperger’s in adults various tests are performed including RAADS, AQT, and ADI. These tests involve sets of questions asked and their answers help in the detection of Asperger’s syndrome. Aim of treatment to Asperger’s involves the improvement of behavior and communication skills. For this purpose training for improvement of social skills is employed along with speech therapy and physical therapy. Medication is used only for associated conditions.