A Review –A Sperger Syndrome

 

Mrs Purohit Saraswati¹, Mrs. Rashmi P², Mrs. Sunith P S², Mrs.Vidya M²

¹Asst. Lecturer, Dept of Mental Health Nursing, J.S.S College of Nursing, Ramanuja Road, Mysuru-570004

²Asst. Lecturer, J.S.S College of Nursing, Ramanuja Road. Mysuru-570004

 

ABSTRACT:

Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder, Autism is a spectrum condition. All autistic people share certain difficulties, but being autistic will affect them in different ways. Some people with Asperger syndrome also have mental health issues or other conditions. People with Asperger syndrome are of average or above average intelligence. They do not usually have the learning disabilities that many autistic people have, but they may have specific learning difficulties. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language. People with this condition may be socially awkward and have an all-absorbing interest in specific topics. Communication training and behavioural therapy can help people with the syndrome learn to socialise more successfully. A diagnosis is the formal identification of the condition, usually by a multi-disciplinary diagnostic team

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder that is on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum it is also referred as “dash of autism”. Asperger syndrome is diagnosed more often in males than in females. It is important to note the characteristics of Asperger syndrome which can range from mild to severe. ⁽¹⁾

 

Definition:

Asperger syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger's, is a developmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests. ⁽²⁾

 

Causes:

The precise causes of autistic disorders have not been identified, although an inherited (genetic) component is believed to be involved.

 

In some cases, autistic disorders may be related to toxic exposures, teratogens, problems with pregnancy or birth, and prenatal infections. These environmental influences may act together to modify or potentially increase the severity of the underlying genetic defect. ⁽³⁾

 

Symptoms:

Some of the symptoms that may be present are ⁽⁴⁾:

·      Lack of social awareness;

·      Lack of interest in socializing/making friends;

·      Difficulty making and sustaining friendships;

·      Inability to infer the thoughts, feelings, or emotions of others;

·      Either gazing too intently or avoiding eye contact;

·      Lack of changing facial expression, or use of exaggerated facial expressions;

·      Lack of use or comprehension of gestures;

·      Inability to perceive nonverbal cues or communications;

·      Failure to respect interpersonal boundaries;

·      Unusually sensitive to noises, touch, odours, tastes, or visual stimuli;

·      Inflexibility and over-adherence to or dependence on routines; and

·      Stereotypical and repetitive motor patterns such as hand flapping or arm waving.

 

How it is different from classic autism?

·      Asperger syndrome is in many ways a milder form of classic autism.

·      Whereas those with autism do not create to have relationships, children with Asperger syndrome attempts to have interaction with others, though they may have difficulty understanding conventional social rules.

·      Asperger syndrome does not usually affect language and communication skills as classic autism.⁽⁵⁾

 

Diagnosis:

A diagnosis is the formal identification of the condition, usually by a multi-disciplinary diagnostic team, often including a speech and language therapist, paediatrician, psychiatrist and/or psychologist.⁽⁶⁾

 

Treatment:

Treatments can include⁽⁷⁾:

 

Social skills training:

In groups or one-on-one sessions, therapists teach your child how to interact with others and express themselves in more appropriate ways. Social skills are often best learned by modelling after typical behaviour.

 

Speech-language therapy:

This helps improve your kid's communication skills. For example, he'll learn how to use a normal up-and-down pattern when he speaks rather than a flat tone. He'll also get lessons on how to keep up a two-way conversation and understand social cues like hand gestures and eye contact.

 

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT):

It helps your child change his way of thinking, so he can better control his emotions and repetitive behaviours. He'll be able to get a handle on things like outbursts, meltdowns, and obsessions.

 

Parent education and training:

You’ll learn many of the same techniques your child is taught so you can work on social skills with him at home. Some families also see a counsellor to help them deal with the challenges of living with someone with Asperger's.

 

Support Group:

A forum for counselling and sharing experiences among people with a similar condition or goal, such as depression or weight loss.

Anger management:

Practicing mindfulness, coping mechanisms and trigger avoidance to minimise destructive emotional outbursts

 

CONCLUSION:

It is an autism spectrum disorder People with Asperger syndrome are of average or above average intelligence. They do not usually have the learning disabilities that many autistic people have, but they may have specific learning difficulties, Identification of the condition, usually done by a multi-disciplinary diagnostic team and treated by using therapeutic modalities.

 

REFERENCE:

1.     http://www.aspennj.org/pdf/information/articles/aspergers-syndrome-through-the-lifespan.pdf accessed on 08/12/2017

2.     "Autism Spectrum Disorder". National Institute of Mental Health September 2015. Archived from the original on 12 March 2016, Retrieved 12 March 2016.accessed on 06/12/2017

3.     https://www.medicinenet.com/asperger_syndrome/article.htmcited on 08/12/2017

4.     https://www.gstatic.com/healthricherkp/pdf/asperger_syndrome_en_IN.pdf accessed on 07/12/2017

5.     http://www.autism.org.uk/about/what-is/asperger.aspx,cited on 08/12/2017

6.     https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/mental-health-aspergers-syndrome#2,accessed on 07/12/2017

 

 

 

 

Received on 05.01.2018       Modified on 20.03.2018

Accepted on 20.04.2018      ©A&V Publications All right reserved