Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, both developmental disorders, may seem similar but have distinct features. It’s crucial to understand these differences. Often, these disorders are overlooked during school years because their symptoms are less apparent, and they can suddenly manifest in adulthood. Therefore, keeping a close watch is important if you notice any suspicious symptoms.
A Type of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Asperger’s Syndrome, recognized as a symptom by Austrian doctor Hans Asperger, is one of the many aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorder. This psychological disorder is known to be possessed by figures such as Einstein, Elon Musk, and Mozart, leading some to call it the disease of geniuses.
Causes of Asperger’s Syndrome
The exact cause of Asperger’s Syndrome is still unknown. It’s considered that various factors, such as birth complications, neurological elements, and genetic influences, could play a part. People diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome often had low oxygen levels, complications before and after birth, and a higher probability of having a family member suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome.
Typical Language Development as a Feature
A key feature of Asperger’s Syndrome is difficulty in social interaction and the presence of repetitive, peculiar behaviors, but language development is usually normal. Most children with Asperger’s have average cognitive abilities, so there’s no significant delay in language skills, which often allows the condition to go undetected until adulthood.
Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome
Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome are intensely interested in specific topics and talk about them without considering the listener’s feelings or reactions. They may also be overly sensitive or unusually insensitive to stimuli such as sounds, light, touch, and texture. Other symptoms include a lack of ability to share interests, a decreased willingness to communicate, and features like a stereotyped tone of voice.
Better Prognosis with Early Detection
The prognosis for Asperger’s Syndrome improves with early detection and treatment, especially with emotional support and attention from those around them. This is because there’s a high possibility of experiencing other mental difficulties, such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, along with existing social development issues.
Asperger’s Syndrome in Adults
Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome tend to speak and act self-centered and neglect others’ feelings, which naturally stands out in social life where one needs to consider others. They resist changing their ways if they believe they’re right, which can cause problems in communal life. They also resist advice from others and can get angry, making it difficult to blend in with those around them.
Difference from Autism?
Asperger’s Syndrome corresponds to Level 1 on the Autism Spectrum, and the difference from Autism is that it only shows mild symptoms of Autism, with no delay in language skills. Because of this, you may not be diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome throughout your life, and you may live without knowing that you have Asperger’s Syndrome.
Self-Diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome
If any of the following symptoms apply, you might suspect Asperger’s Syndrome:
- Inability to imagine and understand the feelings and intentions of others
- Difficulty understanding the appropriate speech and atmosphere for a situation
- Trouble comprehending typical communication, such as speech, gaze, and gestures
- Lack of empathy for others’ stories
- Inability to distinguish between jokes and serious statements, taking everything at face value
- Inability to respond spontaneously
- Overly sensitive or insensitive senses
- Repetitive similar actions
- Obsessive focus on a specific subject
Treatment of Asperger’s Syndrome
There’s no unique treatment for patients with Asperger’s Syndrome; a comprehensive approach, including psychological therapy, family education, and cognitive therapy, is required based on the patient’s symptoms. Although the symptoms can’t be cured entirely, they can be managed to a level that doesn’t interfere with the individual’s desired lifestyle and relationships.
Difference from Tic Disorder
Tic disorder is when individuals unconsciously repeat certain behaviors, including sudden movements of body parts (muscle tics) or uttering words irrelevant to the situation (vocal tics). At a glance, it may be confused with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, but Tic disorder, characterized by repetitive behaviors and vocalizations, can be distinguished from Asperger’s Syndrome.
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