What is asperger's disorder?

Sometimes the key to living and working with disabled individuals is understanding the condition they deal with on a day to day basis. People with Asperger's Disorder can fulfill a needed role in society, but more understanding is needed.

-What is Asperger's Disorder?

Asperger's Disorder is a type of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). People with Asperger's Disorder tend to be socially isolated. They also exhibit eccentric behavior as children. They tend to have circumscribed interests, which are interests that focus on one area, and in that area they are highly intelligent, but they rarely have interests in other areas. Abnormalities in speech make it difficult to understand people with this impairment, and they may be clumsy.

-What is the epidemiology of Asperger's Disorder?

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes , the number of cases of Asperger's is not well established. Estimates indicate that between two to four out of every 10,000 children suffer from the condition.

-What are the differences between Asperger's Disorder and 'High Functioning' (i.e. IQ > 70) Autism?

With individuals with Asperger's Disorder, the condition hits later in childhood. They tend to have a higher verbal IQ than high functioning autistic individuals. They also have more ability to communicate and interact socially. The circumscribed interests are more prominent with Asperger's patients. It is more frequently associated with a family history of the condition, and it is less common for an Asperger's patient to have other neurological conditions. The overall outcome for Asperger's patients is more positive than high functioning autistic patients.

-What is the biology of Asperger's Disorder?

Current research is pointing to brain abnormalities that cause Asperger's syndrome, but a biological cause has not yet been fully determined. It is believed that the abnormal migration of cells during an embryo's development causes the neural circuits in the brain to be formed improperly. However, how and why this happens has not yet been determined.

-How is Asperger's Disorder diagnosed?

Doctors look for certain behaviors to determine whether or not a child has Asperger's

Disorder versus classic autism. These include:

• Not turning when called


• Not using gestures in communication


• Aloofness


• Not playing interactively


• Not interested in peers


• Not making normal eye contact

When all of these are present, it is typically diagnosed as Asperger's. Diagnosis begins with the developmental screening during a normal checkup at the pediatrician or family doctor. If these conditions are present, a comprehensive evaluation is done with a team of specialists to determine whether or not Asperger's is the cause.

- How is Asperger's Disorder treated?

Treatment focuses on helping the child with communication problems and physical clumsiness, as well as the discouragement of repetition or obsessive behavior. This can be done through the following treatment options:

• Social skills training (group therapy)


• Medication


• Physical therapy


• Cognitive behavioral therapy


• Speech therapy


• Training for parents

- Books related to Asperger's Disorder

These resources will help families who are dealing with a child that has Asperger's Disorder:

- Building Social Relationships: A Systematic Approach to Teaching Social Interaction Skills to Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Social Difficulties by Scott Bellini. Order from Amazon.com .

- Of Mice and Aliens, An Asperger's Adventure by Kathy Hoopmann. Order from Amazon.com .

- Asperger Syndrome, A Guide for Educators and Parents by Brenda Smith Myles, Richard L. Simpson. Order from Amazon.com .

- List of U.S. doctors who evaluate individuals with Asperger's Disorder

Finding a doctor who specializes in dealing with and evaluating patients with Asperger's Disorder is essential to finding the best possible treatment. The Asperger Disorder Clinicians List gives the contact information for doctors throughout the United States who have the right qualifications.

- List of doctors from other countries who work with Asperger's patients

Not all Asperger's patients are in the U.S. or have access to U.S. doctors. Finding clinicians from other countries is important so that international patients can have the right level of care.

- Other Asperger's Related Sites on the Net

Asperger Foundation International – An international support foundation for people impacted by this condition

ASPEN – The Asperger Syndrome Education Network

GRASP – The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership

MAAP Services – A nonprofit organization for families of Asperger's and high functioning autistic patients

University Students with Autism and Asperger's – Provides resources for college students with the condition

Asperger's Syndrome – A comprehensive guide to the condition

Autism Society of America – A national resource for people who deal with autistic children and adults

Accepting Your Asperger's – Written from a young adult with the condition

New Jersey Government Council on Autism – Research and resources about autism disorders

-Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to educate children with this condition?

First, consult with your child's doctors and therapists. Then, check this guide:

Asperger Syndrome
(A Guide for Educators and Parents)
by Brenda Smith Myles, Richard L. Simpson
Pro-Ed, Inc. 1998

What is the potential outcome for my child? Will she live a normal life?

With proper therapy and behavioral training, children with Asperger's can fill a needed role in society. They often struggle with social situations, but they can learn to live and function with their disability. Many even find work in mainstream society.

What research is underway?

Numerous colleges and government agencies are researching the cause and potential treatments for Asperger's and other autistic disorders. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is researching the condition currently at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD.

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Get more facts and information about Asperger's disorder from Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders at Encyclopedia.com.