Asperger's ABCs

Asperger's syndrome (AS) is one of what are called autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Asperger’s is different from other autism disorders in that there are no delays in language development or acquisition of cognitive skills. AS is characterized by social skills impairment, stereotyped behavior and restricted, obsessive interests. Another common symptom is difficulty making eye contact. Other possible symptoms include sensory integration issues, atypical communication styles and problems with motor skills. Some people with AS have difficulty identifying their own or others' emotions, and/or with having empathy for others. Not all people with Asperger’s have all these symptoms, which sometimes makes it difficult to arrive at a diagnosis.

Asperger’s is named after Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger who, in 1944, described four children with impaired communication skills, limited empathy with others, and who were physically clumsy. AS is now a diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and there are hundreds of articles and books, but many questions remain. For example, there remains a good deal of controversy about the distinction between AS and high-functioning autism (HFA). Personal accounts by people with AS and HFA further confuse the issue as they appear to report the same symptoms. Individuals with sensory integration disorders or social skills problems sometimes are characterized as autistic or having Asperger’s even though they don’t have other symptoms.

The exact cause of AS is unknown. Current research suggests a genetic component. Others report that they have treated symptoms of autism successfully with a casein and gluten free diet. There is a great deal of anecdotal information and a few studies that link these substances with symptoms of autism.

Other interventions include behavior management therapy and social skills training. Physical and/or occupational therapy can help with motor skills and sensory integration. There is controversy over more intensive treatments for more severe cases of Asperger’s and Autism; accounts from patients and families of patients subjected to these treatments suggest that they are traumatic and do more harm than good.

Children in school systems where professionals are unfamiliar with Asperger’s may have difficulty getting appropriate assistance. The local disability rights/law office can help with obtaining these services, but the child’s family may be in for a fight, because as said above, diagnosis is difficult even with professional assistance, and most schools don’t have the resources to perform such assessments.

There is a growing group of professionals and people with AS who advocate that AS is a difference, rather than a disability or illness that must be treated or cured. People with more severe forms of Asperger’s may benefit from having it described as a disability, as this makes them eligible for benefits and assistance. However, people with less severe forms might find that being seen as disabled could be an obstacle in the workplace or environment where it may be seen as a liability rather than an explanation of why someone is different.

Every person with Asperger's has a different set of characteristics and qualities. Although a person may meet the minimum criteria for the diagnosis, they often have a constellation of characteristics unique to their innate characteristics, upbringing, and current circumstances.

Stay tuned for a personal account of my own characteristics and how they have affected my life. Although having AS did not stop me from getting a PhD, the effects on other parts of my life were, at times, quite severe and negative.