Asperger Syndrome

What is it?

It is a neurobiological disorder. By definition, those with AS have a normal IQ and many individuals (although not all), exhibit exceptional skill or talent in a specific area. Because of their high functioning and naivete’, those with AS are often viewed as eccentric or odd and can easily become victims of teasing and bullying. Vocabularies may be extraordinarily rich and some children sound like “little professors.” However, persons with AS can be extremely literal and have difficulty using language in a social context.

Characteristics:

Some professionals feel that AS is the same as High Functioning Autism, while others feel that it is better described as a nonverbal Learning Disability. Because AS was virtually unknown a few years ago, many individuals received an incorrect diagnosis or remained undiagnosed completely.

Individuals with AS can exhibit a variety of characteristics that range from mild to severe. Some may include the following:

Marked deficiencies in social skills
Difficulty with transition or change
Obsessive routines and a preoccupation with a particular subject of interest
Difficulty reading nonverbal cues and gauging appropriate personal space
Overly sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells and sights
May prefer softer clothing, certain foods
Experience auditory or visual hallucinations

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment or “cure” for Asperger Syndrome. There are, however, options for coping with AS and its symptoms:

Psychosocial Interventions

Psychotherapy to help process feelings caused from being socially handicapped
Parent education and training
Behavioral modification
Social skills training
Educational interventions

Psychopharmacological Interventions

For hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity; psychostimulants (methyphenidate, dextroamphetamine, metamphetamine, pemoline), clonidine, tricyclic antidepressants (desipramine, nortriptyline)
For irritability and aggression: Mood stabilizers (valproate, carbamazepine, lithium), Beta Blockers (nadolol, propranolol), clonidine, naltrexone, neuroleptics (risperidone, haloperidol
For preoccupations, rituals and compulsions: SSRI’s (fluvoxamine, fluoxetine), tricyclic antidepressants (clomipramine)
For anxiety: SSRI’s (sertraline, fluoxetine), tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine, clomopramine, nortriptyoline)

Source: “Mental Health Sensitivity Curriculum: Understanding Brain Disorders”
By Kentucky Partnerships for Families and Children, Inc

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