Asperger's Syndrome in Laymen's Terms
The syndrome was named for a Viennese
physician, Hans Asperger. He published a paper describing the
pattern of behaviors witnessed of boys who had normal IQs and
language development, but who were thought to be autistic in
behavior with marked social and communicative
deficiencies.
A child or an adult can exhibit signs or symptoms of Asperger's
Syndrome at any time in life that are attributed to other things
such as being absent minded, awkward physically, brilliant but
eccentric or socially inept. Many children are said to have a
language of their own and eventually are diagnosed with Asperger's
Syndrome. They may indeed have a wonderful vocabulary but do not
understand the pragmatics of communicating that language.
Individuals who have Asperger's syndrome are said to be clumsy.
Individuals with this syndrome may avoid gazing directly at someone
even in greeting. Children with this syndrome may have difficulty
in social situations but can learn how to act socially over time.
Adults who have this syndrome may experience difficulty with
relationships, family life and being able to be comfortable in
social situations for business or pleasure but they can learn to
live happy and productive lives adapting to the syndrome and with
therapy and certain medications.
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Specialized educational interventions are necessary as well as social training, and language therapy. Sensory integration training is necessary for young children in which occupational therapist help to desensitize the child to stimuli such as light, sound and touch. Older children undergo psychotherapy or behavioral/cognitive therapy. Medications may also be used as part of the treatment plan. There should be a team aspect involving all of the caregivers medical and otherwise of the child including doctors, teachers, babysitters, friends, other family members and parents.
Adult Aspergers Syndrome
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The syndrome was named for a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger.
He published a paper describing the pattern of behaviors witnessed
of boys who had normal IQs and language development, but who were
thought to be autistic in behavior with marked social and
communicative deficiencies. In 1994 professionals recognized
Asperger Syndrome and parents finally had a name for what they
experienced in their children.
Common characteristics of individuals with this syndrome are
deficiencies in social skills, difficulties when it comes to
changes and they often have obsessive routines and are preoccupied
with one subject of interest. Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome
tend to have difficulty reading nonverbal cues of communication
often referred to as body language. They can also have difficulty
determining proper body space and can be overly sensitive to
sights, smells, sounds and tastes. They will also have preferences
for things that are soft, for certain foods, and can be agitated by
certain sounds or by lights that others around them are not
bothered by. Those with this syndrome are often teased as children
for being "odd" and adults are accused of being eccentric.
Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome can be extremely literal and
have difficulty using language in a social context.
Asperger Syndrome is currently considered to be an autism
spectrum disorder and is often described as being High Functioning
Autism. Still, others describe the pattern of behaviors as a
Nonverbal Learning Disorder. Many individuals are misdiagnosed or
remain undiagnosed.
Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome usually have normal IQ
ranges, in fact many show exceptional skill or talent in certain
areas, so they can achieve high levels of achievements but
experience difficulties in social situations or in making
transitions or changes in work or home life. Individuals who have
Asperger's Syndrome prefer to have stability in their lives and shy
away from situations that would necessitate change.
Asperger's Syndrome
09/07/2010
Ripped at the Seams
Wayne Weber's corner of the world is textbook suburbia, complete with a postage stamp of lawn and a one-story cottage that sits on a quiet side road branching off from downtown Chagrin Falls.
Ripped at the Seams
09/08/2010
Suspect in Pepperell kidnapping held on N.H. charges
NASHUA, N.H. -- An 18-year-old autistic Georgetown man, who is facing kidnapping charges in Massachusetts, pleaded innocent yesterday to charges in New Hampshire that he assaulted a Hudson police officer who tried to help a 13-year-old Pepperell girl who disappeared with the man on Friday.
Suspect in Pepperell kidnapping held on N.H. charges
09/08/2010
Suspect in Pepperell kidnapping held on N.H. charges
NASHUA, N.H. -- An 18-year-old autistic Georgetown man, who is facing kidnapping charges in Massachusetts, pleaded innocent yesterday to charges in New Hampshire that he assaulted a Hudson police officer who tried to help a 13-year-old Pepperell girl who disappeared with the man on Friday.
Suspect in Pepperell kidnapping held on N.H. charges
09/07/2010
Ripped at the Seams
Wayne Weber's corner of the world is textbook suburbia, complete with a postage stamp of lawn and a one-story cottage that sits on a quiet side road branching off from downtown Chagrin Falls.
Ripped at the Seams
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