تفاوتها نه لزوما چالش و نشانۀ ضعف، که گاهی سرچشمۀ نبوغ و درخششاند. سندرم آسپرگر یک حالت عصبی – رشدی و نمونهای بارز از چنین تفاوتی است. این اختلال با ویژگیهایی نظیر دشواری در تعاملات اجتماعی، الگوهای رفتاری تکراری، علایق محدود و متمرکز، دشواری درک احساسات دیگران و بیان هیجانات شناخته میشود و در طبقهبندی طیف اختلالات اوتیسم (ASD) قرار میگیرد. مبتلایان به این اختلال با وجود هوش طبیعی یا حد بالاتر از همسنوسالان خود، تفاوتهای چشمگیر با سایر افراد دارند. ذهن عمیق آنها جهان را جور دیگری درک میکند و با آن ارتباط برقرار میکند. In this guide, we talk about Asperger syndrome in detail.
What is Asperger syndrome?
Asperger syndrome is a term used to describe a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder and part of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). People with this syndrome usually get used to a specific and repetitive routine, are unable to communicate and interact socially, and have limited interests.
Language skills or cognitive development of these people are not damaged in any way, and they do not need help for daily activities, or they do not have problems sitting in the classroom or having a job. By the way, they speak well and perform well. They just can't understand social situations, body language, humor and sarcasm very well.
Boys are three to four times more prone to this syndrome than girls. This condition can usually be detected at the age of 5 to 9 years and sometimes at the beginning of 3 years.
The difference between Asperger's syndrome and autism
Asperger's syndrome was a separate disorder until 2013, and since then it has become one of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Many still use this term and consider it a part of their identity. On the contrary, some people prefer to use the word autism. Both are completely true.
Of course, several points distinguish autism and Asperger's syndrome. People with Asperger's syndrome:
- have milder symptoms than people with autism;
- have strong language skills and do not have language delays;
- may need very little daily support;
- may not be aware of the syndrome until the end of their lives.
Symptoms of Asperger's syndrome in children
Asperger's syndrome is present from the beginning of life and appears from the ages of 5 to 9 years. No two people have exactly the same symptoms; However, the main symptoms of these children are in the field of emotional, communication and behavioral skills:
- They have difficulty making eye contact and avoid it;
- They do not have the ability to understand non-verbal communication (movements, body language and facial expressions) and do not notice clear social signs; They feel and behave awkwardly in social environments;
- They do not perform well in social interactions and social language;
- They speak in a monotonous, calm or clipped tone;
- Their conversations revolve around themselves or a specific topic. They may talk about the same topic several times and repeat words, phrases, or movements;
- They don't like change and even get upset by minor changes;
- They have repetitive plans and habits;
- They remember information and facts easily;
- They have uncoordinated movements and have difficulty in writing; They have verbal or behavioral outbursts, self-harming behavior or temper tantrums;
- They show excessive sensitivity to light, sound and texture;
- Some of them do not react to hearing their name. Call, they don't answer;
- Very irritable;
- Prefer to be alone;
- Sometimes stare at objects;
Children with this syndrome often learn grammar and vocabulary skills on time. They are not even dim-witted. Their only problem is in attention span, organization and use of language in social contexts.
Symptoms of Asperger syndrome in Adults
Some do not know they have this syndrome until adulthood! Asperger's syndrome in adults has the same symptoms as children:
- Clumsiness;
- Obsession with a particular subject;
- Social problems;
- Excessive sensitivity and irritability;
- Lack of interpersonal communication skills;
- Sensory processing problems and under or overreaction to sensory stimuli (sound, smell, taste, texture, light and color);
- avoidance of eye contact;
- difficulty in understanding and displaying body language, facial expressions and reciprocal movements;
- avoidant behaviors and general lack of interaction with others;
- difficulty in understanding other people's feelings;
- difficulty in time management;
- continuous repetition of words or phrases (echoing);
- resistance and reaction to slight changes in routine or the surrounding environment;
- Fixed and limited interests.
Read more: Asperger Syndrome Treatment Autism spectrum disorder is a brain difference, not an incurable disease. So instead of looking for a cure for Asperger's syndrome, consider providing adequate support. People with this disorder need this support to manage the challenges of everyday life at school and at work. Comprehensive support and support from family, teachers and colleagues has a special effect on the sense of independence and self-confidence of these people. We said that this is a spectrum disorder and the symptoms of sufferers are not completely similar; Therefore, treatment and rehabilitation solutions for Asperger's syndrome should be adjusted according to the needs of each person. In a general view, the care and treatment solutions for these people include social skills training, adaptive skills support, emotion regulation, cognitive behavioral therapy, parent training, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and in some cases drug therapy. Choosing the best treatment approach according to the needs of the affected person is the responsibility of mental health professionals. Get in touch with the most experts in the online consultation sessions of Dr. Doctor and talk about it for hours. The expert therapist tries to solve language and communication challenges and control people's voice in speech therapy sessions. A person learns to carry on a conversation, understand people's emotions in their words, and understand the meaning of social cues such as hand gestures and eye contact. After this period, a person's presence in social situations will be bolder and more self-confident. CBT changes the thinking pattern of sufferers of this syndrome to better understand feelings and behaviors. A person knows his thoughts and feelings better and learns how to behave better in social situations. Reducing the level of anxiety, managing anger, dealing with stress, learning problem solving skills and emotional self-regulation are other benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy. After this course, the person's behavior in different situations will be more logical and consistent. This approach, which is based on rewarding and experimental approaches, encourages positive social and communication skills and prohibits ineffective and problematic behaviors. But the autism community finds it a bit controversial. Some believe that instead of focusing on learning new skills, ABA puts pressure on the child to get rid of inappropriate behaviors and achieve a set of standards. Whereas, if they grow up with full acceptance and don't have to hide their true selves, they have a better life. The goal of drug therapy is to relieve the symptoms of depression and anxiety in those Asperger's patients who suffer in their daily life and need more help. The doctor prescribes one of these two things: Parents play a key role in supporting, understanding and guiding people with this syndrome. They should know how to understand their child's behavior so that there is no tension. They should also know how to help their child develop their communication skills. Aware parents turn the home into a calm and supportive environment and play an important role in strengthening the child's self-confidence and better adaptation in society. Other potentially useful solutions include: Music and art therapy. Sound therapy and art therapy as soul-healing therapies make it easier to face the communication, emotional and social challenges associated with Asperger syndrome. Asperger's syndrome is a lifelong disorder; But people with it, whether children or adults, will have a meaningful and fruitful life with enough support. These people have their own weaknesses and strengths; They can learn to manage social interactions and other aspects of daily life and manage their lives independently. Identifying the key needs of people with Asperger's syndrome is the first step to help them. Asperger's syndrome is one of the manifestations of the autism spectrum disorder and represents the complexity and variety of human brain functions. Research shows that although these people are facing challenges in some social and communication fields, they have considerable cognitive and analytical ability. Instead of focusing only on defects or limitations, it is good to focus on understanding the differences, strengthening capabilities, and supporting them all-round in order to take a step towards improving their quality of life. To discuss the care of loved ones with Asperger syndrome, DoctorDoctor's online consultation session is the easiest way. Connect with the best psychologists and psychiatrists in the country right now with minimal effort.
Methods of treatment and rehabilitation for the syndrome Asperger
1. Speech therapy
2. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
3. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
4. Drug therapy
5. Parent education
Living with Asperger's syndrome
Doctor's final words
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
