What is Asperger's Syndrome? Symptoms, Causes, Types and Treatment

What is Asperger's Syndrome?

Asperger's syndrome is a kind of autism. People with Asperger's have a hard time with their social skills and communication.  

Socializing and interacting with others does not come naturally to those with Asperger's. They have trouble reading social cues like expressions and body language. Making and keeping friends can be difficult. Understanding unwritten social rules like sarcasm and jokes is hard too.  

People with Asperger's also develop habits and routines that they repeat a lot. They focus intensely on certain topics that interest them while ignoring most others. Changing routines or adapting to new things does not come easy.            

Asperger's affects people of all ages, races and backgrounds. Those with Asperger's usually have average or above average intelligence. They learn to read and speak like other kids but their social and communication skills do not develop the same way. Asperger's lasts a person's whole life.

Symptoms

Some main symptoms of Asperger's are:

• Trouble with social interactions and communication. This includes problems making eye contact, understanding body language, and picking up on social cues.
• Difficulty making and keeping friends. Interacting in groups is hard. Social rules are not intuitive.   
• Sharp interest emphasis on one or two topics. Little interest in anything else. 
• Rigid thinking and resistance to change. Dislike changing routines and adapting to new situations.  
• Repetitive behaviour and strict routines that a person insists on following.  
• Sensory issues like being overly sensitive or unaware of sights, sounds, tastes, and touches.
• Problems with independent living skills like planning, organizing time and prioritizing tasks.      
• Clumsiness and odd movements that look awkward.    
• Trouble regulating and understanding one's own emotions.

Causes

Researchers do not know the exact causes of Asperger's. But two things likely play a role:

Genetics: Asperger's seems to run in some families so genes may affect a person's risk.

Differences in the brain: Studies find differences in how the brain works and is wired in people with Asperger's. The connections and chemistry of neurons in certain parts of the brain may differ.

Preventing Asperger's   

Researchers do not yet know how to completely prevent Asperger's. But parents can:   

• Seek early diagnosis and treatment. Seeking early help is necessary and as soon as possible.      
• Teach social skills like making eye contact, sharing, taking turns and reading body language.
• Provide structure, routine, clear rules and expectations to reduce confusion and anxiety.   
• Teach coping strategies to manage feelings and behaviour in social situations.   
• Reduce sensory overloads by minimizing overwhelming sights, sounds and textures.        
• Encourage a variety of interests to balance out intense focused interests.  
• Involve peers to help kids form friendships and join social and group activities.

Treatment

There is no cure for Asperger's. But treatment focuses on:   

• Improving social and communication skills through speech therapy and social skills training.
• Reducing repetitive behaviours and intense interests through behavioural therapy.   
• Lessening anxiety and meltdowns through coping skills training and emotional regulation strategies.   
• Teaching independent living skills for adulthood through occupational therapy.
• Treating conditions like ADHD or anxiety that often occur with Asperger's.
• Medicines may be used for conditions like anxiety or ADHD, but not for Asperger's itself.

With the right support and interventions, people with Asperger's can learn skills to form relationships and lead fulfilling lives. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to optimizing long-term outcomes. Focusing on strengths while addressing needs helps individuals with Asperger's syndrome reach their full potential.