Aspergers Syndrome as a Form of Autism - Essay Example

Asperger’s Asperger’s Asperger’s syndrome is one of autism forms which are an enduring disability that impacts the way an individual processes information, understands the world around and associates with other individuals. It has been grouped by doctors with other circumstances that are known as pervasive developmental problems or autistic spectrum problems. All of these disorders involve issues with communication and social skills, however, Aspergers syndrome is, in general, considered to be at the lighter end of autistic spectrum. It can be called a hidden disability as it is not evident from the outward appearance of an individual. There are three main areas where individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome experience difficulties. These include social interaction, social communication and social imagination. These three areas are usually referred as the impairment triads. Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome experience fewer issues with speaking and their intelligence level ranges from average to above average. In general they do not encounter the associated learning disabilities that are often evident amongst individuals with autism but they may experience particular learning issues such as dyspraxia, dyslexia, epilepsy or ADHD. Though it’s a lifetime problem but its symptoms may improve with the passage of time and growing age as the adults with Asperger’s syndrome may learn to comprehend their personal weaknesses and strengths and in turn may enhance their social ability. Moreover, with proper encouragement and support, individuals with Asperger’s syndrome can be enabled to lead an independent complete life (Frith, 1991). Racial Disparity According ADDM findings, the prevalence of ASD is more amongst non-Hispanic whites as compared to other ethnicities but with the passage of time the disparity amongst the Hispanics and non-Hispanics has declined significantly with time (Pal, 2013). A huge research body documents that racial and ethnic disparities exist in the diagnosis and intervention plan of ASDs and this may lead to false results depicting in the prevalence of Asperger’s syndrome and other ASDs more in one ethnicity than others. However, the main reason that may be attributed to the increased incidence of Asperger’s syndrome amongst non-Hispanic whites is the institutional factors like clinician prejudices, accessibility of healthcare, symptoms interpretation by families and clinicians as well as the appliance of logical algorithms by clinicians for the detection of ASD. Causes Exploring the causes of Asperger’s Syndrome is still going on and no exact cause has been yet identified. However, it has been suggested that it can be attributed to both environmental and genetic factors that work in combination to alter the brain development. Moreover, it has been ascertained that the way an individual has been brought up does not induce Asperger’s Syndrome and it is not even caused by the social conditions or the person’s own mistakes. The main cause that has been yet associated with the condition is the alteration in genetic material that may result in changes in brain structure. Moreover, the childhood immunizations are also not linked with the development of autism spectrum problems or Asperger’s Syndrome. The difference in prevalence might be attributed to various environmental factors that encircle our society. The non-Hispanic whites had been part of the community that has accessibility to all the facilities available throughout history and therefore the proper diagnosis may be attributed to the fact that the appropriate healthcare facilities are accessible to them while the Hispanics might go undiagnosed and hence are reported less incidence. Risk factors The probability of incidence of Aspergers syndrome is much more in males and it is usually said that boys are five times more prone to Asperger’s than girls. As stated earlier, Aspergers syndrome may develop in combination with other psychiatric problems like anxiety disorder or ADHD. However, in case anxiety disorder is absent the individual with Asperger’s syndrome may endure from hypersensitivity to particular stimuli like loud noises or anxiety. In few cases, depression and/ or tumultuous behaviours (self-injury, tantrums and aggression) may happen in reaction to the frustration and anxiety experienced by individuals of Aspergers syndrome. Amongst other behavioural conditions, difficulties in the management of anger and neurotic behaviours are also noticed. As with any mental issue, the level of symptoms severity of Asperger’s Syndrome may also deviate extensively amongst individuals, and it is not necessary that all individuals with Asperger’s syndrome may experience other linked psychiatric issues, disruptive behaviours or depression (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2010). Treatment plans The fundamental Aspergers syndrome’s symptoms are incurable. However, various kids with Aspergers syndrome develop into well-adjusted and happy adults. Majority of the children gain from early differentiated treatments focused on the management of behaviour and training of social skills. Each child requires a particular plan for alleviating the issues experienced due to Asperger’s syndrome. The non- Hispanic white population has a culture of openness that facilitates the earlier diagnosis of ASDs. They show more collaborative nature and therefore do impart their whole strength in alleviating the suffering of children with Asperger’s syndrome. Most of the treatment plans established are well adopted by this segment of population. These include programs focusing on tackling the initial difficulties linked with Asperger’s Syndrome such as interventions proposed at assisting the child to acquire suitable social skills (like social skills coaching) or particular strategies to instructing the child to formulate a more suitable kind of behaviour or formulating an insight into a specific social situation (like utilising strategies such as comic strip discussion or social stories). Other alternative approaches destined at eradicating the secondary problems experienced by individuals with Aspergers syndrome. For instance, these children may be more susceptible to being socially isolated or bullied and particular management plan covering these essential issues can thus be vital. This particular population is found to be more collaborative in nature and therefore their offspring having Asperger’s Syndrome can be well supported via individuals around them by enhancing the consciousness of their condition, their needs and the unparalleled profile of their difficulties and strengths. Since each individual with Asperger’s syndrome is distinct from another, therefore a treatment plan that suits an individual might not be appropriate for others and therefore proper clinician guidance is required (Attwood, 2006). References Attwood, T. (2006). The Complete Guide to Aspergers Syndrome. Great Britain: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Frith, U. (1991). Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Cambridge University Press. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010). Aspergers syndrome. MAYO CLINIC. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aspergers-syndrome/basics/treatment/con-20029249 Pal, S. (2013). Autism Spectrum Disorders. US Pharm. 38,1:8. Read More