A Journey Through Asperger’s Syndrome Ali, Katie, Liza

What is Asperger’s? Dr. Hans Asperger Neurological disorder Asperger’s syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder.  An autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Mildest form of Autism Dr. Hans Asperger 1944 Boys with similar traits Boy studies b/c most cases were found in boys (still today 70-80)% May be because girls can overcome symptoms based on socialization Neurological disorder ASD of a distinct group of neurological conditions greater or less than average degree of impairment in language and communication skills, repetitive or restrictive patterns of thought and behavior.

Common Traits & Characteristics socially awkward and clumsy naive and gullible unaware of others' feelings unable to carry on conversation easily upset by changes literal in speech and understanding sensitive to loud sounds, lights, odors fixated on one subject or object physically awkward in sports very accurate memory for details trouble understanding things they have heard or read inappropriate body language & expression repetitive and irrelevant comments unusually loud, high or monotonous voice rock, fidget or pace while concentrating

Diagnosing the Syndrome Two main criteria for diagnosis: DSM IV and Gillberg’s criteria: Impairment in social interactions Limited all-consuming interests Burden regarding routines and interests Speech and communication problems Non-verbal language difficulties Difficulty with motor skills

Possible Treatment NO CURE! *The earlier the better! Psychosocial interventions Social training skills Cognitive behavior therapy Any activity to help individual learn to adjust to social situations and act appropriately Camp, teen tours, group communication Psychopharmalogical interventions NO CURE!

What Can Cause All this? The debate… *NOT BAD PARENTING! Genetics (still a lot of research in Progress) Family inheritance on father’s side Studies of brain Right lobe studies using MRI’s Research done in 1994 and 1995 Disability with right hemisphere Right front lobe especially deals with “social rules” Other Findings Birth problems, lack of oxygen central nervous system dysfunction

An Interview with Asperger’s Wendy Lawson & her story always new she was different Very difficult to make friends No flexibility Obsessions of interests animals and insects Tinted glasses Only cotton Can’t read body language Social skills by trial and error Uncomfortable when not in control Autism is: being present in this world, But not entirely of it. I am one step removed and curled, The switch just doesn't click. I perform the role of my perception, And play many parts so well. But minus files for my redemption, My part in life I cannot tell. Life is like a video, I watch but cannot partake. My uneven skills are but an echo, Of the frustrations which I hate! However, my focused use of time and space, I would not give away. I know that I am especially placed, For some developed career one day!

Fact or Myth? ALL PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME ARE EXACTLY THE SAME? False ASPERGER’S SYNDROME IS HIGH FUNCTION AUTISM True ALL PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME CAN HAVE MEANINGFUL JOBS AND LIVE INDEPENDENTLY IF YOU CAN FIX THE BEHAVIORS OF PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME, YOU CAN CURE THE DISORDER SOME PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME DESIRE FRIENDSHIP FROM A CROWD OF PEOPLE I MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO PICK THE PERSON WITH ASPERGER’S OUT   True!

Asperger’s In History…Surprised? Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton

Works Cited http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm http://img.nesteklikk.no/2005-14/medium/56555.jpg http://img.pathfinder.gr/CMAN/i/61/0/26-5.jpg http://www.learningdiscoveries.org/Aspergers.htm www.scarfuk.co.uk/ images/image2.gif http://mugsy.org/wendy/wendy13.jpg http://www.aspergers.com/ http://info.med.yale.edu/chldstdy/autism/aspergers.html http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Troy/1807/criteria.html