Asperger’s Syndrome

What is Asperger’s syndrome?

Asperger syndrome used to be a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. Though no longer a diagnosis, adults and some teenagers may have been diagnosed with Asperger’s earlier in life.

People that would have been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome are now usually diagnosed with level 1 autism, which the American Psychiatric Association (APA) describes as “requiring support.”

Why isn’t Asperger’s used anymore?

Asperger’s is named after Hans Asperger, an Austrian physician who researched child development in the 1900s. It was first included in the APA’s fourth edition of their Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders in 1994 (DSM-IV).

But research into autism and Asperger’s led psychiatrists to believe that autism was a spectrum. Along with a few other discrete diagnoses, Asperger syndrome was officially folded into autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2013.

What causes Asperger’s?

No one thing causes Asperger syndrome. However, research suggests that Asperger’s is genetic. Other factors, like being born to older parents and chromosomal abnormalities, can contribute to Asperger’s.

Vaccines do not cause Asperger’s, and provide many personal and communal health benefits. Tylenol also does not cause Asperger’s. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have about vaccines or painkillers.

How is Asperger syndrome diagnosed?

Asperger’s is no longer an official diagnosis. However, doctors can diagnose autism spectrum disorder in children as young as 18 months old. There is no blood test or medical imaging scan to diagnose your condition. Doctors compare a child’s behavior and development to a milestone checklist against same-age peers.

What are the signs of Asperger’s?

People previously diagnosed with Asperger’s have a variety of traits. Diagnostic criteria from DSM-IV can include:

• Impaired social interactions peers
• Inability to show emotional reciprocity
• Hyperfixation on an interest
• Strict adherence to specific rituals or routines
• Repetitive motor movements or tics

Life with Asperger’s syndrome

If your child was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome or ASD, developing relationships for him or her will take practice and effort. A person diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome may not display appropriate emotions (or any emotion), may not understand the irony in a joke, or the simple points of a conversation. Peers may feel like their behavior is eccentric.

Although Asperger’s syndrome or ASD cannot be cured, therapy can help. Your child can be successful at school and in their adult life. Many employers say that the focus and attention a person with Asperger’s syndrome or ASD gives to his or her job is a good thing. Adults diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome or ASD may continue to need therapy or counseling to teach appropriate personal and workplace behavior.