Aspergers Syndrome - Essay Example

The only difference between someone with autism and someone with Asperger’s is that the mental development of the person with Asperger’s, in regard to speech, is similar to that of someone with neither disorder, though they still have trouble in holding conversations with others (Sparrow & Klin 72). There is no specific known cause of Asperger’s syndrome, though it is known that the organ affected the most is the brain. Since the disorder seems to run in families, where more than one child is often diagnosed, scientists and doctors alike believe that the disorder is caused by something involving certain hereditary genes. It is also believed that changes in the structure or the development of the brain, as well as changes to specific genes, can be linked to someone developing the disorder.

There is also the assumption that Asperger’s syndrome can be brought on by other mental health disorders, like depression and bipolar disorder; these disorders are thought to be able to trigger the development of Asperger’s. Contrary to popular belief, Asperger’s is not caused by someone being deprived emotionally. Since many people with Asperger’s appear rude towards others, given their inability to properly respond in public, people have come to the conclusion that Asperger’s can develop due to bad parenting or bad experiences in childhood. This is incorrect. Though there is very little known about how the disorder is caused, it is known for certain that Asperger’s syndrome is a neurobiological disorder that can have negative effects on the lives of those diagnosed with the disorder if treatment is not sought.

Symptoms
The most common sign associated with Asperger’s is the inability of the individual to properly acknowledge the existence of others, even if they are having direct contact with them. Someone who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome tends to become involved in long, one-sided conversations without taking notice as to whether or not the other person is listening or attempting to change the subject. Their nonverbal communication is unusual, such as not making eye contact or displaying bizarre body posture, facial expressions, or poor coordination. An individual with Asperger’s does not attempt to understand or sympathize with the feelings of others, and they have a hard time understanding humor.

Yet another symptom of a person with Asperger’s is their intense, though severely narrowed, interest in only a few specific complex topics, which can lead to a level of near-obsession. An individual might be able to name all of the stars in the sky or speak of the patterns of music, or they might be able to draw detailed portraits or learn a song on piano simply by listening to it once. Though it is not entirely known why people who have Asperger’s have these especially abilities, it is believed to be related to the fact that since the person is unable to be properly social and communicative with others, they channel that excess energy into a specific interest (Attwood 177).
Treatment Options

Since scientists and doctors are unable to find a definite cause for Asperger’s syndrome, there is also no cure for the disorder. If someone is diagnosed with Asperger’s as a child, they will still have Asperger’s as an adult. However, as previously mentioned, individuals are able to improve their social skills through a variety of therapies, specialized interventions, and medications.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps a person with Asperger’s to overcome some of their behavior problems, such as interrupting others and having angry outbursts. They are taught to recognize the feelings of others and to cope with the anxiety they may feel in a social setting. Cognitive-behavioral therapy also aids a child in learning specific coping strategies and then being given specific social scenarios so that they may know when to appropriately implement these coping techniques. The purpose of the therapy is to make the child more comfortable in social situations. Similarly, communication and social skills training are available to children and young adults with Asperger’s, which can help them to learn the rules of socialization and communication.

This can make them feel more comfortable and in better control of themselves when they are having contact with others.
Though there are no medications that have been developed solely for the treatment of Asperger’s, some medications are used to treat some of the symptoms associated with Asperger’s, such as depression and hyperactivity. Many of the available medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and olanzapine, help reduce repetitive behaviors, while risperidone and aripiprazole tend to irritability and agitation. Guanfacine is used for problems with hyperactivity and inattention in younger children with Asperger’s. Read More