What is Asperger’s Syndrome?
Asperger’s syndrome is a neurological difference that affects social and communication skills. Individuals with Aspereger’s might have trouble in certain social situations or more subtle forms of communication like body language or humour. Additionally, people might have a specific interest or only want to do a small range of activities. Some individuals with Aspereger’s syndrome might portray repetitive patterns of behaviour.
Asperger’s syndrome first appeared in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM) in 1994.
In 2013 the DMS-5 announced that Asperger’s syndrome is now classified as Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, some individuals with a previous diagnosis prefer to keep the term Asperger’s syndrome.
Signs of Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s syndrome is a part of the neurodiversity spectrum and is a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Signs of Apserger’s syndrome can be noticed from a young age. Children with Asperger’s will usually portray challenges with communicating and obsessive routines.
Some common signs of Asperger’s syndrome include:
- Challenges with social interactions or activities
- Behaviours of obsessive routines and rules
- Hypersensitivity to senses, such as light
- Restricted interests and repetitive patterns of behaviour
- Challenges with language skills and specific speech patterns
- Challenges with fine motor skills
It’s important to note that not all individuals with Asperger’s will portray all of the signs listed above. Each individual is different and unique.
Asperger’s Syndrome in Children
Children with Asperger’s syndrome tend to have specific behaviours that are different among peers near their age. Some of the more common signs of Asperger’s in children might include:
- Repetitive movements
- Signs of behaviours that challenge
- Challenges with posture or coordination
- Challenges with sensory stimulations (sound, light, texture, touch)
- Apparent obsession with a specific subject
- Challenges with communicating and comprehending social ques
- Challenges with building relationships and friendships
Although Asperger syndrome can be a challenging journey, children with Asperger’s have unique strengths, such as:
- Attention to detail
- Great memory skills, especially for facts on a specific subject
- Becoming obsessed with topics
- Amazing focus
- Great at following routines
When caregivers, families, and educators create supportive environments, children with Asperger’s can thrive, grow, and live fulfilling lives.
Asperger’s Syndrome in Adults
Adults with Asperger syndrome may have the following signs:
- Challenges with verbal communication
- Challenges with nonverbal communication
- Social interaction difficulties
- Difficulty expressing emotions
- Behavioural differences such as strict routines and challenges with change
- Sensory sensitivity
- Strong interest in specific subjects
Adults with Asperger syndrome might require support to overcome certain challenges. However, with the right support system, resources, and understanding – adults with Asperger’s syndrome can live independent and fulfilling lives.
What Causes Asperger’s Syndrome?
Asperger’s syndrome is a part of Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is a neurological difference.
Professionals still don’t fully understand the cause of Asperger syndrome. Some studies show that there might be a genetic component to the cause; however, no specific gene has been identified.
More research is required to fully understand the complexity of Asperger Syndrome.
How is Asperger’s Syndrome Diagnosed?
If you notice signs of Asperger’s syndrome, you should consult with your GP, who should refer you to a professional.
Professionals who specialise in Asperger syndrome diagnosis include psychologists, developmental paediatricians, pediatric neurologists, and psychiatrists.
The overall diagnosis process includes the following:
- Overviewing of medical history
- Evaluating current symptoms
- Completing questions on symptoms and behaviours
- Assessment of cognitive abilities, language skills, social cues, and social functioning
- Neuropsychological testing
The diagnosis process might take a longer period of time. However, it’s important to be patient during this time in order to get the proper diagnosis.
How is Asperger’s Syndrome Treated?
There are multiple treatment options for Asperger syndrome that can help with some of the symptoms and improve the overall quality of life.
Therapy
Therapy can help people with Asperger’s syndrome live more independent and fulfilled lives at school, work, or any social environment. However, because the difference is complex, different types of therapy support can help with different symptoms and challenges.
Therefore, it’s important to understand the more common therapies for Asperger’s syndrome.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy can benefit individuals with Asperger’s syndrome in multiple ways. The symptoms of the difference itself can take a toll on some individuals and lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. CBT can benefit individuals by helping them find coping strategies to overcome these challenging feelings.
Furthermore, some individuals might face sensory challenges, and CBT can help them find healthy ways to cope when people feel overwhelmed.
Social skills training
Many individuals with Asperger’s syndrome have challenges with social activities and interaction. Social skills training can benefit individuals in learning and recognising:
- Social cues
- Facial expressions as part of communication
- Body language
- How to initiate a conversation
- How to express emotions while communicating
- Other crucial communication skills
Social skills training is a crucial element that can help individuals with social interaction.
Speech therapy
In some cases, individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome might have challenges with speech and language delays. Speech therapy can help these individuals improve their language skills, including grammar, comprehension, and articulation.
Other Approaches for Treating Asperger’s Syndrome
Over the years, professionals have underlined some other approaches that can help individuals with Asperger’s syndrome. People with Asperger’s syndrome have benefited immensely from alternative approaches such as music, art, and massage therapy.
Music and art therapy
Music and art therapy help professionals address emotional, social, and cognitive challenges for individuals with Asperger’s. Additionally, creating art and music in groups encourages social interaction and can improve and provide opportunities for nonverbal communication, such as eye contact and body language.
Massage therapy
If individuals with Asperger’s syndrome are comfortable with touch, then massage therapy might be immensely beneficial for sensory hypersensitivity.
It’s crucial to note that this approach and all alternative approaches are all supportive treatment options. Therapy is still a vital element of the treatment and support of individuals with Asperger’s.
Challenges of Asperger’s Syndrome
It’s essential to note that Asperger’s syndrome is not an illness and doesn’t affect an individual’s intelligence. However, Asperger’s causes several challenges, such as:
- Hypersensitivity
- Challenges with social interactions and communication
- Challenges with non-verbal conversation
- Challenges with feelings of anxiety and depression
- Challenges with coordinating movements or clumsiness
Living With Asperger’s Syndrome
Despite all of the challenges, individuals with Asperger’s can live successful and fulfilling lives.
With the proper support, individuals can build healthy coping strategies and manage all the challenges hence why therapy is a crucial aspect of the treatment journey of anyone living with Asperger’s.
Additionally, individuals can benefit immensely from getting support, understanding, and compassion from family members and close friends. In some cases, individuals will find it harder to overcome certain challenges, and getting help from their loved ones can make a huge difference.
How Unique Community Services Supports Individuals With Asperger’s Syndrome
One of the key ways for individuals to live successful and fulfilling lives is to identify and build on their strengths.
At Unique Community Services, we do exactly that.
Our team is focused on creating outcome-based solutions that allow us to manage the symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome and improve the quality of life of individuals. What’s more, our clinicians are trained to take a humanised approach, making the complete process smooth and comfortable for individuals.
Additionally, our clinicians implement Positive Behaviour Support plans and can help you or a loved one with any daily tasks or anything that will benefit the overall quality of life.
Our offices are based in Manchester and Leeds, and you can contact each office directly.
If you want to know what else we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
