WHAT IS ASPERGER SYNDROME?

Asperger syndrome was named after Dr Hans Asperger. Hans Asperger was an Austrian pediatrician who described the condition in 1944. In his research, Dr. Asperger discussed four children with a lack of empathy, engaged in one-sided conversations, connected to a particular hobby or interest, and with their own unique movements. This has been influenced by the fact that children are busy with certain issues. He described them as "little professors". Since creating this term, Asperger syndrome has been taken under the title of autism spectrum disorder from a different diagnosis.

 Asperger's syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects areas of the brain involved in socialization, sensory input processing, and sometimes motor coordination. A child with Asperger's syndrome often struggles with skills such as interacting with other people, reading social cues such as facial expressions or tones, understanding figurative language, and expressing emotions. A person with Asperger's syndrome can be very smart. However, his social skills are not as advanced as other people. They may have difficulty with eye contact or fail to understand non-verbal cues. Someone with Asperger's syndrome may exhibit repetitive behavior and may not be aware that these actions are strange. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of therapies and treatment options to alleviate the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome.

Asperger was considered a situation separate from autism, but it has changed recently. In 2013, DSM-5 included Asperger Syndrome under the title Autism Spectrum Disorder. Although Asperger syndrome is no longer technically a different condition or diagnosis, some people still use this term. Asperger's syndrome is the old name of the diagnosis currently classified as high-functioning autism. This means that a person with Asperger syndrome has a less severe form of autism spectrum disorder.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ASPERGER SYNDROME IN CHILDREN?

Symptoms of Asperger differ in children compared to adults. Here are some indications that children with asperger syndrome may show:

*They have a hard time making friends with their peers.
*Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder sometimes feel more comfortable with adults than their peers.
*The child with Asperger's syndrome plays alone and may talk to themselves.
*They have difficulty making eye contact during speaking.
*They have very few facial expressions.
*They have strange body postures, expressions and gestures.
*They have difficulty understanding social clues.
*They have a hard time understanding humor.
*They have trouble making small talk
*They appear self-centered.
*They can speak in a monotonous voice.
*They have difficulty understanding the fine details of the language.
*They can be immensely immutable.
 

Symptoms of Asperger's syndrome in adults include:

*Being socially strange
*Difficulty in small talk

*Low interest in making friends
*Difficulty in making friends and maintaining relationships
*Lack of eye contact during speech
*Unusual repetitive behavior
*Repetitive speech
*Obsession or being busy with a particular subject
*Difficulty understanding humor
*Not fully understanding what is being said

WHAT ARE THE REASONS OF ASPERGER SYNDROME?

There is no known cause for asperger syndrome so far. However, there are several factors associated with asperger syndrome. Awareness of these factors is always helpful and can make a huge difference. According to research, hereditary factors may play a role in the development of asperger syndrome. Genetic disorders in a person's DNA can make them more susceptible to the development of asperger syndrome, such as genes that affect the communication of brain cells. Of course, the scope of these various genetic disorders can play a role in how severe it is for a person affected by asperger syndrome. At the same time, the quality of brain development in the mother's womb over time also affects how brain cells form with asperger syndrome, how the brain is wired, and how thought and behavioral circuits are controlled. This physical effect was made because of the difference between the brains of people with asperger syndrome and the brains of those without this disorder.

      Finally, environmental factors can be effective in the development of asperger's syndrome, especially in a person's first years of life. Exposure to airborne contamination, viral infections, and prenatal issues were believed to affect the development of asperger's syndrome over time. Many studies are still underway to identify further and additional causes.
 

Risk factors

     Understanding the risk factors associated with Asperger's syndrome always helps because of the severity of the disorder. First and foremost, boys are more likely to develop asperger syndrome than girls. Other risk factors include premature birth within ten weeks or earlier, older parents, the presence of autistic relatives, and additional mental or medical health complications.

An Overview of a Doctor Diagnosis

      Parents who think their children may have asperger syndrome should get an official diagnosis from a doctor. There are steps that a doctor should follow to make a definitive diagnosis. First and foremost, the doctor will explore the child's ability to focus, speak and communicate with others. Parents should also be prepared to inform doctors of any symptoms their child may experience.

      Following the above questions, the child will need to go through an evaluation process. This assessment includes neurological and learning style assessments, IQ tests, psychomotor function tests, family history, and more. Because of a number of factors that play a role in Asperger's syndrome, it is important for doctors to make sure they handle all angles and get as much information as possible.
 

Earlier Better

     As Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder, it is recommended that parents or guardians be taken to the doctor as soon as possible if their child has relevant symptoms. This makes it much easier to treat asperger’s syndrome with proper care and treatment, to compensate for delays that can persist for too long, which can worsen. The earlier doctors intervene, the more they can help, and the better it will for the child.

VARIOUS TYPES OF THERAPY THAT CAN HELP ASPERGER SYNDROME

Applied Behavior Analysis

     Applied behavior analysis is a useful form of therapy used to help people with asperger’s syndrome. It is a proven therapy program that has been used since the 1960s. Applied behavior analysis takes advantage of different approaches, including using positive reinforcement to change problem behaviors. Both adults and children can benefit from this therapy. The therapist adapts therapy to the individual's needs. Research shows that applied behavior analysis helps people with autism spectrum disorders. However, some people believe that this therapy can do more harm than good to someone with an autism spectrum. There is a debate as to whether applied behavior analysis is useful or harmful, and people in the autism advocacy community have strong opinions on this.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    Cognitive behavioral therapy is an excellent form of treatment for someone with asperger syndrome. An individual with Asperger's syndrome can combat repetitive behavior and benefit from a behavioral therapist. Individuals with Asperger's syndrome can find themselves dealing with anxiety or depression, and they can use CBT for these problems. It is often used to help a person with Asperger's syndrome better regulate their feelings and impulses. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people change their negative thinking patterns. Thus, their unhealthy behavior is replaced by productive ones. Thanks to CBT, individuals can feel safe and manage their daily lives better. Asperger may have similar symptoms to obsessive-compulsive disorder. In addition to OCD, CBT is an effective therapy for individuals experiencing OCD symptoms. In therapy, individuals can learn to manage their difficulties or neurotic behaviors.

Strengths

       Those who live with Asperger struggle with certain behaviors. But they are also excellent in some areas. It is essential that these individuals recognize their strengths. Individuals who have this condition have specific skills that they can use to help themselves in their lives, such as being skilled in linguistics. Individuals with Asperger's syndrome exhibit exceptional skills in the language. However, it may be difficult to be functional in other ways.

ONLINE THERAPY FOR ASPERGER SYNDROME

     You or someone you know may experience asperger syndrome or suspect this condition. Online counseling can be an excellent form of mental health treatment for people with asperger syndrome. Asperger syndrome may be the cause of problems in your social and daily life. It is important not to hesitate to contact a licensed specialist in your area for guidance and a proper diagnosis. You can also contact online therapists for further assistance.
 
      With online therapy, individuals can learn ways to manage their symptoms and work to develop a social network of long-term relationships. However, even in severe cases, it is possible for a person with asperger’s syndrome to change their behavior and thus serve them. Talking to a licensed counselor can provide the support and expertise needed by anyone struggling with this disorder. Ultimately, sometimes everyone needs help. One of the boldest things an individual can do is to seek help when they understand what they need.