ASPERGER SYNDROME

Asperger Syndrome



Asperger Syndrome

Introduction

Asperger syndrome is defined as a lack of effective reciprocity in verbal and nonverbal skill interaction (Bashed, 2001). The description of the higher-functioning characteristics of this disorder has changed little from that given in the classic paper by Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger in 1943. Recent advances in biology, clinical research, and medication intervention (psychopharmacology) have an enormous impact on quality of life and long-term outcomes for individuals with Asperger syndrome and their parents or other caregivers. Lovaas, one of the pioneers of behavior therapy for autism, concluded that, unless parents were actively involved in therapy, hospital treatment had very limited long-term impact (Frith, 1991). Thus, home-based interventions, with parents playing an active role as co-therapists, began to replace inpatient program and there was much wider use of naturalistic teaching and reinforcement strategies.

Discussion

Characteristics of the Asperger Syndrome

An innate difficulty in understanding another person's state of mind or perception of a situation is a hallmark of this disorder, and it causes significant disruption in peer interactions and school functioning. Co-morbidity, which means having additional psychiatric and/or medical problems, such as attention or focus issues, anxiety, obsessions or compulsions, and mood instability, compounds the complexity of the primary diagnosis (Harpur & Lawlor, 2004).

Enormous progress in understanding the syndrome, combined with early intervention and structured life at school and home, has had a significant impact on the long-term growth and prognosis of these children. Many now have a viable plan of self-care and are much more integrated into the larger society, which means being able to hold a job, live independently, and have close and fulfilling personal relationships.

Although Asperser's syndrome is more common than autism, it is still rarely recognized by both parents and professionals. Such children are happiest when moving according to established patterns in the ordered world. They love praise, winning, being first. Bad behavior often is the result of the impossibility, in consultation with, trouble with doing something, frustration (Szatmari, 2004).

Professional Understanding of Disability and Lived Experiences

These are exciting times in the field of Asperger syndrome. Besides the recent advances in biology and Neuro-imaging, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drugs risperidone in 2006 and aripiprazole in 2008 for irritability and aggression in children five to sixteen years old with autism. This has pushed many of us to reevaluate our treatment approaches for the higher-functioning children in the domain of Asperger syndrome children. The ...