Asperger Syndrome Information Page
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What is Asperger Syndrome?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What is Asperger Syndrome?
Asperger syndrome (AS), one of the autistic spectrum disorders, is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by an inability to understand how to interact socially. AS is commonly recognized after the age of 3. persons with high-functioning autism are usually distinguished from those with AS because autism is associated with marked early language delay. Other characteristics of AS include clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements, limited interests or unusual preoccupations, repetitive routines or rituals, speech and language peculiarities, and non-verbal communication problems. usually, children with AS have few facial expressions. A lot of have excellent rote memory, and become intensely interested in one or two subjects (sometimes to the exclusion of other topics). They may talk at length about a favorite subject or repeat a word or phrase A lot of times. Children with AS tend to be self-absorbed, have difficulty making friends, and are preoccupied with their own interests.
Is there any treatment?
There is no specific course of treatment or cure for AS. Treatment may include psychotherapy, parent education and training, behavioral modification, social skills training, educational interventions, and medications for specific behavioral symptoms.
What is the prognosis?
Children with AS have a better outlook than those with other forms of pervasive developmental disorders, but in most cases, these individuals will continue to demonstrate difficulties in social interactions. There is also an increased risk for development of psychosis (a mental disorder) and/or mood problems such as depression and anxiety.
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