Reference
Important Note:
Asperger's Syndrome is a term no longer commonly used in the psychology community with terms like ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) replacing it due to the original term's association controversial figures.
- Asperger's SyndromeDESCRIPTION
Asperger's syndrome represents an autistic spectrum disorder that is primarily characterized by deficits in social reciprocity, diminished nonverbal communication skills, restricted or circumscribed interests, and repetitive and/or stereotyped behaviors. In comparison, autism is also associated with verbal language delays, whereas Asperger's syndrome is not.
Asperger's syndrome was first described by Hans Asperger, a Viennese pediatrician, in 1944, who published a clinical description of a group of children who shared an unusual combination of developmental weakness and strengths. These children had severe social and communication abnormalities, restricted interests, motor delays, and clumsiness. Asperger initially named this syndrome autistic psychopathy (Miller & Ozonoff, 2000). However, although he noted the aforementioned deficits, this group of children acquired language at normal or earlier age and had normal intelligence and some specific strong abilities such as visuospatial skills and verbal abstraction abilities. In 1943, the child psychiatrist Leo Kanner published a description of a group of children with similar characteristics but with no mention of motor deficits as a core symptom of the syndrome.
NEUROPATHOLOGY/PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
The neuropathological basis of Asperger's syndrome remains unclear. Studies have assumed that Asperger's syndrome is part of the autism spectrum disorders, and the causes and mechanisms to explain the symptoms would be essentially the same and the differences would be attributable to the severity (Wicker et al., 2008). Overall, it is accepted that Asperger's syndrome is a polygenetic disorder, and several neurological findings of children with autism spectrum disorder have been described including deficits in intrahemispheric neural connectivity, reductions in the size of the corpus callosum, reductions in the inhibitory cortical activity, abnormal development of gray and white matter, increased activation in Wernicke's area, diminished activation in Broca's area during cognitive processing, decreased connectivity between the inferior frontal gyrus and the limbic system, and a significant deficit in the connectivity between the primary sensory cortex and the association cortex (Minshew & Williams, 2007). In summary, more recent findings support the hypothesis of Asperger's syndrome as a large-scale neural systems disorder in which deficits in cortical connectivity and abnormal balance between excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms might play the main role. For instance, one of the mechanisms that explain the social interaction impairment found in autism spectrum disorders is the deficit in emotional processing of face expressions. This weakness can be explained by the lack of neural connectivity (Wicker et al., 2008). Wicker et al. (2008) in a recent publication found that adults with autism spectrum disorder, when observing angry and happy faces, have an abnormally low activation of the areas involved in the processing of high-order emotional information: dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. However, normal activity was found in the areas that are usually activated during perceptual analysis of facial features and expressions such as superior temporal sulcus and fusiform gyrus. This lack of synchrony in the activation of these areas and the deficit of signals from the amygdala to the DMPFC might explain the failure in relating the emotional features of faces with the initiation of socially appropriate behaviors.
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Perspectives
Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Asperger's Syndrome
With The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Asperger's Syndrome at your side, you'll take the first steps toward understanding this pervasive development disorder and how it may impact your child. This complete handbook for coping with daily life helps you: Get a diagnosis and understand the results Discover the best options for education and learning Work to improve your child's social skills Identify triggers that lead to sensory overload, such as sounds, bright lights, or certain textures and fabrics Recognize symptoms of meltdowns and work with your child to prevent them Educate family and friends about Asperger's to provide a supportive and loving environment Explore other resources, including reading lists, Web sites, and support groups The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Asperger's Syndrome shows you how you can maintain a positive attitude, honor your child's unique experience, and strengthen the bond between you and your child.
The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is the definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger's syndrome (AS). Now including a new introduction explaining the impact of DSM-5 on the diagnosis and approach to AS, it brings together a wealth of information on all aspects of the syndrome for children through to adults. Drawing on case studies and personal accounts from Attwood's extensive clinical experience, and from his correspondence with individuals with AS, this book is both authoritative and extremely accessible. Chapters examine: * causes and indications of the syndrome * the diagnosis and its effect on the individual * theory of mind * the perception of emotions in self and others * social interaction, including friendships * long-term relationships * teasing, bullying and mental health issues * the effect of AS on language and cognitive abilities, sensory sensitivity, movement and co-ordination skills * career development. There is also an invaluable frequently asked questions chapter and a section listing useful resources for anyone wishing to find further information on a particular aspect of AS, as well as literature and educational tools. Essential reading for families and individuals affected by AS as well as teachers, professionals and employers coming in contact with people with AS, this book should be on the bookshelf of anyone who needs to know or is interested in this complex condition. 'I usually say to the child, "Congratulations, you have Asperger's syndrome", and explain that this means he or she is not mad, bad or defective, but has a different way of thinking.' - from The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
Asperger's Syndrome
How parents can help children with Asperger's Syndrome to grow and prosper If you are raising a child with Asperger's Syndrome, it can be a real challenge to find answers to your questions and make decisions while trying to keep pace with the latest developments in research and changes in the growth and behavior of your child. This book comes to the rescue by combining the latest medical information and interventions with clearcut strategies to help your child thrive at home and at school. Covers the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual development of children with Asperger's syndrome from 18 monthsthrough adolescence Presents the most up-to-date scientific data on Asperger's Syndrome, including the latest neuro-imaging research Offers practical strategies for shaping social interactions, coping with repetitive thoughts and behavior, addressing sensory needs or avoidance, encouraging interests without enabling obsessions, and other challenges Reviews the advantages and disadvantages of available medical treatments, complementary therapies, and early intervention strategies Written by a medical doctor and an educator who has a child with Asperger's From getting a diagnosis, to finding the best schooling options, to helping your child with day-to-day issues and challenges, Asperger's Syndrome is an essential practical resource you will turn to again and again for reliable and current information.
School Success for Children with Asperger's Syndrome
Hundreds of thousands of children face life with Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism spectrum disorder that affects a child's language and social skills. Kids with Asperger's have average to above-average intelligence, but often have obsessive interests, are socially awkward, and do not understand the subtleties of language and conversation. With concentrated effort on the part of parents and educators, these children can begin to overcome the difficulties of this disorder and find success in school and life. School Success for Kids With Asperger's Syndrome covers topics such as recognizing and diagnosing Asperger's syndrome, addressing the needs of students with Asperger's, implementing successful practices in the classroom, working with the school system, and providing interventions in the home to help develop needed skills.The authors, leaders in the field of special education, combine the strategies they've used in working with this population with practical tools, advice, and case studies of students who have Asperger's to give these students, their parents, and teachers guidance for success. Editorial Reviews School Success for Kids With Asperger's Syndrome covers a myriad of techniques to help students with AS meet their potential. This well-written, comprehensive book should be on the bookshelf of every teacherand parent. -Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D., Chief of Programs and Development, Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence; Associate Professor, University of Kansas With the growing number of children diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, School Success for Kids With Asperger's Syndrome is a must have for parents and teachers. Its engaging tone and comprehensive scope make it both readable and informative. I strongly recommend it for parents, teachers, and others who are interested in individuals with Asperger's syndrome. -Mary Ruth Coleman, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Appreciating Asperger Syndrome
People with Asperger Syndrome have many characteristics that are frequently seen in a negative light. Brenda Boyd shows that for every characteristic of AS that can be looked at negatively, there are several positive aspects that can be drawn on and developed. Discussing AS in general terms, she talks through the reasons why people with AS approach life in the way they do, and what an enormous contribution they make to the world. She then explores different characteristics of AS; while she acknowledges the negative perception so many people have of these characteristics, she points out the large number of advantages to the Aspergers way of thinking for individuals with AS, those around them and society as a whole. For every negative, Boyd proves there are many more positives. From their refreshing honesty to their originality and potential to become leaders rather than followers, people with AS have many admirable personality traits that should be nurtured. This book shows that by adjusting our perceptions of what is 'normal' and embracing diversity, AS can not only be understood and accepted, but appreciated. Appreciating Asperger Syndrome is a celebration of AS which should be read by individuals with AS, family members, and anyone who knows or works professionally with individuals with AS.
Introduction
- Kanopy This link opens in a new window
Sample clips from the program's interviews that reveal some of the key issues covered in the video's segments.
Through Asperger's Eyes
- Films on Demand This link opens in a new window
An Asperger's researcher, Dr. Ami Klin, describes how children with Asperger's behave differently. After Jason watches clips from a film, he reports seeing things as objects only, and has not picked up on any emotions or physical cues from the actors.
Online Resources
- Aspergers - different, not less: occupational strengths and job interests of individuals with Asperger's syndromeRooted in the neurodiversity approach, this study provides an overview of the strengths and interests of individuals with Asperger's Syndrome. We interviewed 136 individuals with Asperger's Syndrome and 155 neurotypical individuals via an online survey with regards to (a) demography, (b) occupational strengths, (c) general self-efficacy, (d) occupational self-efficacy, and (e) the job interest profile according to Holland.
- Asperger syndrome.Asperger syndrome (AS) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder of social interaction, communication, and a restricted range of behaviors or interests. Although not generally associated with intellectual disability, the severe social disability and, in many cases, associated mental health and other medical problems, result in disability throughout life.
- Stimulus Characteristics Affect Humor Processing in Individuals with Asperger SyndromeThe present paper aims to investigate whether individuals with Asperger syndrome (AS) show global humor processing deficits or whether humor comprehension and appreciation depends on stimulus characteristics. Non-verbal visual puns, semantic and Theory of Mind cartoons were rated on comprehension, funniness and the punchlines were explained.
Intricate Minds I: Understanding Classmates with Asperger Syndrome
- Kanopy This link opens in a new windowIn this video, teenagers who have Asperger Syndrome describe how they act and feel, how their behaviors are often misinterpreted, and how they yearn for understanding and acceptance. The intended audience is high school and middle school students, teachers, and staff. The program is designed to promote positive interactions and decrease bullying, and focuses on the interviewed students' strengths.
Websites
- Asperger's syndrome-Health DirectAsperger’s syndrome is the former name of a developmental disability that affects how people behave, see and understand the world and interact with others. People with this developmental disability may have special interests, repetitive behaviours and under or overreact to sensory input.
People who previously were diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome have since 2013 been diagnosed as having a high-functioning form of autism spectrum disorder. There is no longer a separate diagnosis for Asperger's syndrome, although some people may prefer to keep using this term. - Asperger syndrome-Genetic & Rare Diseases Information CenterAsperger syndrome is part of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a group of disorders that affects the development of social and communication skills.[1][2] Unlike many children with ASD, children with Asperger syndrome do not have early language delays, and often have well developed language skills and normal to above average intelligence. However, they may use unusual speech patterns and have a hard time understanding irony, humor, and sarcasm or gestures and social cues important to normal conversation.[3] Many children with Asperger syndrome develop an obsessive interest in one topic or object. They may use high-level vocabulary or complex statistics in conversation.[1][3] Children with Asperger syndrome may have delayed motor skills and thus can appear uncoordinated and clumsy compared to their peers. Other features of Asperger syndrome include difficulty interacting with peers, inappropriate social or emotional behavior, and engaging in repetitive routines.[1]
- Asperger Syndrome Information Page-National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeAsperger syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder. It is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one of a distinct group of neurological conditions characterized by a greater or lesser degree of impairment in language and communication skills, as well as repetitive or restrictive patterns of thought and behavior. Other ASDs include: classic autism, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Unlike children with autism, children with AS retain their early language skills. The most distinguishing symptom of AS is a child’s obsessive interest in a single object or topic to the exclusion of any other. Children with AS want to know everything about their topic of interest and their conversations with others will be about little else.
- Behavioral, Cognitive and Neural Markers of Asperger SyndromeAsperger syndrome (AS) is a subtype of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) characterized by major problems in social and nonverbal communication, together with limited and repetitive forms of behavior and interests. The linguistic and cognitive development in AS is preserved which help us to differentiate it from other subtypes of ASD. However, significant effects of AS on cognitive abilities and brain functions still need to be researched. Although a clear cut pathology for Asperger has not been identified yet, recent studies have largely focused on brain imaging techniques to investigate AS. In this regard, we carried out a systematic review on behavioral, cognitive, and neural markers (specifically using MRI and fMRI) studies on AS. In this paper, behavior, motor skills and language capabilities of individuals with Asperger are compared to those in healthy controls. In addition, common findings across MRI and fMRI based studies associated with behavior and cognitive disabilities are highlighted.
Asperger's Syndrome: Autism and Obsessive Behavior
- Films on Demand This link opens in a new windowIt is the size of the frontal cortex that helps separate the human brain from that of other animals. This part allows humans to communicate, infer meaning, and imagine, all basic to the socialization process. But there is a group of people, primarily males, who lack a small piece of this frontal cortex and who suffer from a mild form of autism. Identified as Asperger’s syndrome in 1940, this condition makes them incapable of everyday social interactions. They live in a constant state of anxiety, a result of the phobias that are a part of the disease. This program profiles the symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome and what sufferers and their families can do to overcome the limitations that it imposes.