Asperger's Syndrome BY: LAUREN HUMMEL AND MIKAELLA METCALF

What is Asperger's Syndrome?  Asperger’s Syndrome is a developmental disorder, as well as an extremely high form of Autism which can lead to difficulty interacting socially, dealing with repetitive behaviors, and clumsiness.

Background information  Patient- Ashley Smith  Age- 7  Birthday- 12/5/07  Diagnosed- 11/7/14  Ashley has been experiencing lack of social skills and strange behavior, and she has not been able to express her inner thoughts and feelings to people that she trusts. She has also been avoiding eye contact with her peers, and has unusual facial expressions when in certain situations.

Symptoms  Problems with social skills  Repetitive behaviors  Limited ranges of interests  Trouble with coordination  Communication difficulties  Skilled in one particular area

Regions of the brain that are affected  Amygdala  Result- changes in behavior  Cerebral cortex  Result- slow brain functioning  Cerebellum  Result- slow motor activity, lack of coordination and body movement  Brain Stem  Result- delayed reactions all over the body

Diagnosis Tests  Psychological Assessment- learning style and IQ are evaluated  Communication Assessment- Speech and formal language are evaluated  Psychiatric Examination- tests relationships, reactions to situations, and the ability to understand others.

Treatments  Behavior Therapy- This will help patients with managing their emotions.  Social Skills training- Patients will improve their communication skills with others by talking with their trainer or in groups of people to cope with their difficulties.  Antipsychotic Medication- Treats anxiety, depression, problems paying attention, and aggression.

Prognosis  Most people with Asperger’s Syndrome are expected to lead happy and very productive lives, and learn to cope with their disabilities.  They are known to improve their social, and learning behaviors over periods of time, but need moral support from their family members, doctors, and friends to help them be satisfied with their independent life.  Patients with Asperger's Syndrome see counselors, neurologists, etc. and have normal checkups when advised.

Error in Communication  A brain with Asperger’s Syndrome is generally smaller in the Cortex’s because there is a huge disconnection between the persons thoughts and feelings.  A normal brain shows these area’s being larger because there is connection between the persons thoughts and feelings.

Biomedical Professionals to see  Occupational Therapist-  Job Description/ Key responsibilities: An OT focuses on achieving results such as engagement in activities like role competence, individual satisfaction, adaptation, and quality of life. Key responsibilities of an OT include, helping the patient maintain skills for day-to-day activities, helping them become satisfied with their lives etc.  Education Requirements: Master’s degree, state licensure, CPR or BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification.  How can they help our patient Ashley?- They can try to get inside her head and talk to her about her feelings, what she is thinking, and try to help her through her uncomfortable phase.

Biomedical Professional to see contin.  Psychiatrist-  Job Description/ Key Responsibilities: A Psychiatrist is a Physician who specializes in diagnosis and treatment of mental, addictive and emotional disorders. Key responsibilities include: being responsible for analyzing a patients mental health status and providing treatments, admit patients to specific hospitals etc.  Education Requirements: a 4-year degree Bachelor of Science program including Biology, Genetics, Chemistry and Physics, and to pass the MCAT exam.  How can they help our patient Ashley?: They can direct her to the correct treatment facilities and provide her with helpful medications that can/will cure her symptoms.

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