What is Asperger Syndrome? What are the symptoms?

Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), which was accepted as a type of autism in 2003, is a syndrome that occurs in a wide range of diagnoses called autism spectrum disorders, abbreviated as ASD. Many people wonder about AU, who raises a question mark for everyone when his name is mentioned among people. For this reason, we have told you what Asperger’s Syndrome is, what are its symptoms, how to diagnose and treat it.

You can also read this content: “Differentials, Not Diseases: 9 Things People with Autism Want Us to Know When Talking to Them”

What is Asperger Syndrome?

AS, also known as Asperger’s Syndrome, is one of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) characterized by difficulty with limited interests and activities and social interaction. Individuals with AS do not experience the general delay in language and cognitive development that distinguishes AS from other ASDs. Although not listed in standard diagnoses, unusual speech use and motor clumsiness are common in AS. AS is a highly hereditary disease. In other words, there is a possibility that people with this diagnosis may have AS or autism in their family members.

The Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger gave the name Asperger’s syndrome. In 1944, Hans described children coming in for treatment, unable to empathize with their peers, lacking non-verbal communication skills, and having physical clumsiness.

What are the symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome?

• Difficulties in making and maintaining friendships
• Staring too hard or avoiding eye contact
• Inability to capture the thoughts and feelings of other people, in short, to empathize
• Obsessive interest in certain topics
• Inability to focus on what the other person is talking about
• Translation of a conversation into your interests or slurred speech
• Repetitive motor actions such as waving arms and legs or clapping.
• Over-reliance on routine
• Lack of a sense of privacy
• Exaggerated use of gestures or lack of use of gestures
• Non-observance of interpersonal boundaries
• Hypersensitivity to touch, smells, sounds, visual stimuli, and tastes
• Lack of social awareness
• Difficulty understanding the use of subtle language such as irony or sarcasm
• Failure to understand body language
• Difficulty adjusting tone

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis of ASD is carried out by specially trained specialists. Pediatricians are well trained to learn as accurately as possible the strengths and weaknesses of a child as they develop. Neurologists, pediatricians, and child psychiatrists are the experts who can diagnose ASD.

In the process of making an ASD diagnosis, one or more of these specialists should be consulted. Diagnosis may take some time, but additional support and additional information about the person makes the diagnosis easier.

Doctors ask various questions to observe the child’s behavior during the diagnosis process. These questions help determine what symptoms a child has and when they first appeared. In addition, he tries to determine when the child first begins to speak, how he communicates, whether he is too focused on a particular subject or activity, how he communicates with others, whether he has friends. After answering all these questions, doctors observe the child in various situations to fully understand how the child behaves and communicates.

Treatment Methods

There is currently no known cure for Asperger’s Syndrome. However, there is no drug or supplement that has been scientifically proven to improve this condition or correct related conditions. But there are some interventions that can help manage many of the symptoms of AS, such as social anxiety, depression, and OCD.

Treatment of ASD should be done in a way that meets the needs of the individual. A well-designed method of treatment focuses on areas where a person is having difficulty and aims to improve those areas where they are having difficulty. In order for a person with such a diagnosis to be successful in studies or in business life, constant monitoring is necessary and treatment should be organized depending on the situation.

There is no cure for Asperger’s Syndrome. However, in some cases, various medications are very helpful in managing the symptoms of AS. However, since such drugs will have serious side effects, they should only be used on the advice of a doctor.

Various treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for adults and speech therapy for children, help improve the quality of life for a person with AS. Many people diagnosed with AS state that these therapies have helped them manage the symptoms of the condition they are experiencing. A variety of therapy options are available for people diagnosed with AS, including physical therapy, family or relationship therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

With family therapy or relationship therapy, a person can establish healthier relationships with their loved ones. Physical therapy can help improve a person’s balance and coordination. In addition, a person can focus better when faced with distractions. Occupational therapy can enable a person to learn the vocational skills needed to be socially and economically independent. On the other hand, speech therapy can help a person adjust their tone of voice to suit any situation.

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