What is Asperger's syndrome and how to notice it in time

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

If the child does not look into the eyes and does not eat anything other than the usual dishes, these may be symptoms.

Asperger's Syndrome is one of those amazing disorders that one day suddenly became fashionable. Popularization of this condition began with "Rain Man", released in 1988, and continues to this day - just remember the famous "The Problem with Sheldon Cooper and the" Cute Autism "of autists": Sheldon Cooper from "The Big Bang Theory" or Sagu Noren from the series "The Bridge".

A brilliant mind, thoughtfulness, the ability to take non-standard approaches, combined with directness bordering on tactlessness and an inability to follow social norms - people suffering from Asperger's syndrome often really look like this. However, the cinema, as always, does not show everything.

Asperger Syndrome occurs four times more often in boys than in girls with Asperger Syndrome.

The life hacker found out the main points about the violation promoted by the TV series.

What is Asperger's Syndrome

This is the name of one of the types of autism. More precisely, they called it. In 2013, the reference book of all psychiatrists in the world - "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5) - changed the DSM-5 and Autism: Frequently Asked Questions "classification and the concept of" Asperger's syndrome "officially disappeared.

Technically, there is no such diagnosis today. Asperger's Syndrome has become part of a broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Nevertheless, in colloquial speech, the name of the syndrome is still used. For the reason that it differs from many other ASD variants. First of all, those that relate to highly functional Mental Health: Aspergers syndrome types of ASD - that is, those in which intelligence is preserved, and "autistic" symptoms are not too pronounced. In most cases, people with Asperger Syndrome suffer from social impairment, making it difficult for them to understand and interact with others.

How to recognize Asperger's syndrome

Alarm bells can be noticed already in the first months of life. One of the most striking symptoms of What to know about Asperger’s syndrome is the lack of eye contact. Also, a baby can be more awkward, awkward than his peers.

But the main signs of Asperger's syndrome appear around the second year of life - when a child is expected to start communicating with others. Here are some of the most common symptoms that this type of ASD manifests itself with:

• Mechanical speech. It lacks rhythm and intonation, the voice sounds even and monotonous. Some children always speak too loudly.
• Stereotypes. This is what they call repetitive activities or monotonous interests. For example, a child can play with cars for hours, lining them up in an endless row. The main feature of stereotypes in Asperger's syndrome is rigid orderliness. The objects that the child plays are always placed in strictly defined places, numbered or classified in a different way.
• A tendency to create rituals and follow them methodically. A child, for example, always goes to the kindergarten in the same way. And throws a tantrum if mom tries to suggest a different path. Eats soup from a certain plate - and refuses to eat from another. He puts the shoes in only one chosen place … Any deviation from the ritual causes an uncontrollable emotional reaction.
• Lack of emotion in normal communication. The child does not understand jokes and does not laugh at them. Doesn't smile when happy. It is impossible to "stir up" it.
• Inability to recognize emotions in other people. Such a person does not notice social cues that are obvious to others. For example, he does not understand when they are angry with him.
• Distance problems. A child with Asperger Syndrome may not be aware that she is approaching the other person unnecessarily during a conversation. For the rest of the children, such tactlessness and invasion of personal space can be frightening.
• Lack of role-playing games. Thinking is built on logic, so imaginary games are incomprehensible and uninteresting for a child.

The listed symptoms can be either pronounced or blurred. Sometimes they become obvious only as they grow older - when the requirements of the environment around a person become more complex.

Why is Asperger's syndrome dangerous?

In general, this subspecies of ASD does not pose any danger to life. Children with Asperger's Syndrome most often grow up, albeit not quite standard, "with special features", but capable of independent living of adults.

However, there is also a dark side. American writer Lydia Netzer, mother of one of the children with the syndrome, comparing Sheldon Cooper's “cute autism” with a real disorder, described the phenomenon something like The Problem with Sheldon Cooper and the “Cute Autism”:

“Characters (like Sheldon. - Ed.) […] Create an unrealistic expectation that autistic people will appear charming and quirky to others, which will ultimately make them socially successful. But in real life this will not happen. […] Autism can be beautiful, magical, even brilliant, but it also screams, hurts and collides with the world over and over again."

Hysterics and nervous breakdowns are hidden behind the screen of the syndrome - when something does not go according to the established rules. Children with the disorder often show aggression directed at themselves.

There will never be an episode with young Sheldon in which a boy punches himself in the face until bloody bruises and cries because his last friend decided that he was too strange and turned away from him. The authors will not allow this.

Lydia Netzer writer

A frequent consequence of non-standard behavior is ridicule, rejection and rejection from others. This can aggravate the condition of the child. Lead to the development of other disorders - anxiety or depression. Another nuance is low self-esteem, fear of people, inability to establish and maintain long-term relationships.

For these reasons, Asperger's Syndrome needs correction.

How to treat Asperger's syndrome

If a parent thinks a child has symptoms of ASD, it is important to talk to a pediatrician about it as soon as possible. The doctor will conduct an additional examination, talk with the patient himself. And, if necessary, will issue a referral to a specialized specialist. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, this can be:

• Psychologist. He helps diagnose problems with emotions and behavior and recommends how to overcome them.
• Neurologist. This physician detects various disorders in the functioning of the brain.
• Correctional teacher. Specializes in speech difficulties and other developmental issues.
• Psychiatrist. Experienced in mental health problems and prescribing medication to treat them.

There is no universal approach to the treatment of Asperger's syndrome. For some children, it is enough to take a course of speech therapy, which will improve communication skills. Some may benefit from social skills training. Someone needs cognitive behavioral therapy.

Medicines are rarely used to treat Asperger's syndrome. They are mainly prescribed to correct certain symptoms - for example, increased anxiety or hyperactivity.

Well, good news. If the parents took up the correction in time, by adulthood, Asperger's syndrome in many cases becomes almost indistinguishable. There are only pluses left: high intelligence Understanding Asperger's Symptoms in Adults, the ability to focus on an interesting task, love of order and anxious adherence to schedules. And this is an excellent springboard for success in life.