Asperger's Syndrome










Asperger’s Syndrome





Asperger's Syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) which is an uncommon and relatively minor disorder, which is characterized by a lack of communication and social skills. The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is rising. It's not clear whether this is due to better detection and reporting or a real increase in the number of cases, or both. While there is no cure for autism spectrum disorder, intensive, early treatment can make a big difference in the lives of many children.
The word "autism," which has been in use for about 100 years, comes from the Greek word "autos," meaning "self." The term describes conditions in which a person is removed from social interaction -- hence, an isolated self. Asperger's is also sometimes called high-functioning autism (HFA), viewed as being on the mild end of the ASD spectrum with symptoms that differ in degree from autistic disorder. The syndrome is also referred to as Autistic Psychopathic, which is a persuasive development disorder, characterized by severe and substantial impairment in social interaction, development of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. During the 1960’s, autism and schizophrenia were commonly linked together as common denominators of children with emotional or social behavior problems. Common research of treatments in this time included electric shock therapy, LSD and behavioral changing techniques (pain and punishment). Experiments in the possible use of LSD to change the personalities and behaviors of troubled youth continued until the United States officially banned the drug in 1967.
Children with Asperger’s are often diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), due to the fact that symptoms of both disorders mirror Asperger’s Syndrome. Parents who usually suspect that something is a little “off” with their child tend to...