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A Journey Through
Asperger’s Syndrome
Ali, Katie, Liza
What is Asperger’s?
• Asperger’s syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder.
• An autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
– Mildest form of Autism
• Dr. Hans Asperger
– 1944
– Boys with similar traits
• Boy studies b/c most cases were found in boys
(still today 70-80)%
• May be because girls can overcome symptoms
based on socialization
• Neurological disorder
–
–
–
ASD of a distinct group of neurological conditions
greater or less than average degree of impairment in language and communication skills,
repetitive or restrictive patterns of thought and behavior.
Common Traits & Characteristics
– socially awkward and
clumsy
– naive and gullible
– unaware of others'
feelings
– unable to carry on
conversation
– easily upset by changes
– literal in speech and understanding
– sensitive to loud sounds, lights, odors
– fixated on one subject or object
– physically awkward in sports
– very accurate memory for details
– trouble understanding things they have
heard or read
– inappropriate body language &
expression
– repetitive and irrelevant comments
– unusually loud, high or monotonous
voice
Diagnosing the Syndrome
• Two main criteria
for diagnosis: DSM
IV and Gillberg’s
criteria:
– Impairment in social
interactions
– Limited all-consuming
interests
– Burden regarding
routines and interests
– Speech and
communication
problems
– Non-verbal language
difficulties
– Difficulty with motor
Possible Treatment
*The
earlier the better!
• Psychosocial interventions
– Social training skills
– Cognitive behavior therapy
– Any activity to help individual learn to
adjust to social situations and act
appropriately
•Camp, teen tours, group
communication
What Can Cause All this?
The debate…
*NOT BAD PARENTING!
• Genetics (still a lot of research in
Progress)
– Family inheritance on father’s side
• Studies of brain
– Right lobe studies using MRI’s
– Research done in 1994 and 1995
– Disability with right hemisphere
– Right front lobe especially deals with
“social rules”
• Other Findings
– Birth problems, lack of oxygen
– central nervous system dysfunction
Fact or Myth?
•
ALL PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME ARE EXACTLY THE
SAME?
•
False
•
ASPERGER’S SYNDROME IS HIGH FUNCTION AUTISM
•
True
•
ALL PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME CAN HAVE
MEANINGFUL JOBS AND LIVE INDEPENDENTLY
•
False
•
IF YOU CAN FIX THE BEHAVIORS OF PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME, YOU CAN CURE
THE DISORDER
•
False
•
SOME PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME DESIRE FRIENDSHIP
•
True
•
FROM A CROWD OF PEOPLE I MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO PICK THE PERSON WITH ASPERGER’S
OUT
Asperger’s In History…Surprised?
• Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton