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

What is Asperger’s? Asperger’s syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder. Asperger’s syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder. An autism spectrum disorder (ASD) An autism spectrum disorder (ASD) –Mildest form of Autism Dr. Hans Asperger Dr. Hans Asperger –1944 –Boys with similar traits Boy studies b/c most cases were found in boys (still today 70-80)% Boy studies b/c most cases were found in boys (still today 70-80)% May be because girls can overcome symptoms based on socialization May be because girls can overcome symptoms based on socialization

Neurological disorder 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: 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 * The earlier the better! Psychosocial interventions 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 Camp, teen tours, group communication NO CURE! NO CURE!

What Can Cause All this? The debate… * NOT BAD PARENTING! Genetics (still a lot of research in Progress) Genetics (still a lot of research in Progress) –Family inheritance on father’s side Studies of brain 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 Other Findings –Birth problems, lack of oxygen –central nervous system dysfunction

Other Findings Other Findings –Birth problems, lack of oxygen –central nervous system dysfunction

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

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