Asperger Syndrome

Asperger syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder classified within the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and affects communication and reciprocal social interactions.

Although individuals with the condition show difficulties with flexible thinking and often display an unusual interest in specific activities, they typically have fluent language and some may even possess above-average intellectual capacity.

Depending on the stage of life in which the syndrome manifests, it is classified into three different types:

• Childhood Asperger syndrome: detected in early childhood due to limited interests, repetitive behaviors, and difficulties with communication.
• Adolescent Asperger syndrome: usually involves emotional immaturity, disproportionate reactions, academic difficulties, and a greater tendency toward anxiety, depression, or stress.
• Adult Asperger syndrome: after adolescence, individuals with Asperger syndrome tend to show limited signs of independence, inflexibility, and difficulty entering the workforce.

The best way to interact with someone who has Asperger syndrome is to put yourself in their shoes and try to understand the challenges they face on a daily basis. It’s important to internalize that their behavior is not whimsical but stems from a different way of interpreting the world around them. To facilitate communication, it's necessary to avoid ambiguity and use direct language, as well as make explicit certain concepts that may seem obvious to most people.

Symptoms

Asperger has well-defined characteristics that affect various areas:

• Communication:
  • Difficulty understanding non-verbal communication.
  • Trouble knowing when to end a conversation or how to take conversational turns, especially when discussing topics of personal interest.
  • Inability to maintain small talk.
  • Literal interpretation of language.
  • Overly formal expression.
• Interpersonal relationships:
  • Inappropriate behavior at times due to an inability to recognize unwritten social rules.
  • Difficulty finding ways to connect with others, especially in group settings.
  • Lack of intuition to understand others' emotions and to express their own.
• Behavior:
  • Inflexible thinking.
  • Difficulty adapting to change; strong attachment to routines.
  • Specific interests to which they devote most of their time.
  • Increased sensitivity to external stimuli such as noise, lights, or smells.
  • Trouble focusing or paying attention when the topic does not interest them.
  • Avoidance of physical and eye contact.

Causes

Asperger syndrome originates from a combination of genetic and environmental factors that cause an alteration in the functioning of the central nervous system. However, the exact causes remain unknown. Studies suggest that there are difficulties in the development of neural connections responsible for processing information.

Risk Factors

According to the latest scientific findings, the risk of developing Asperger increases in the following cases:

• Family history.
• Premature birth (before 26 weeks of gestation).
• Certain genetic alterations.

Complications

In many cases, children with Asperger syndrome do not achieve the expected independence at each stage of development and often experience stress related to changes and new challenges. Additionally, their caregivers may become overprotective.

At all stages of life, they face difficulties in socializing and forming emotional bonds.

Prevention

Asperger syndrome cannot be prevented, as it has a genetic origin.

What doctor treats Asperger syndrome?

Asperger syndrome is diagnosed and treated by clinical psychologists and psychiatrists.