Asperger's Syndrome in Adults

Asperger's syndrome is a type of perception of the surrounding world. Let's consider features of the given pathology, signs and the reasons of occurrence. And also the methods of treatment, prevention and other nuances of the disorder.

Asperger syndrome refers to one of the forms of autism, which is expressed as a lack of social communication and interaction. This condition is characterized by the same type of actions and limited interests.

Most often, Asperger is detected in children of primary school age. But it is impossible to determine its presence visually. According to scientific research, there are suggestions that such famous people as Newton and Einstein had Asperger syndrome. Pathology causes difficulties in communication and a number of other disorders. It is difficult for such people to interact with others, and by their expression of a person, body language and voice it is rather difficult to understand what they are experiencing at the moment.

The Asperger syndrome has such peculiarities (triad of disorders):

1. The process of communication - the difficulty in understanding the expression of a person, voice and gestures, it is difficult to start and end a conversation, choose a topic. Perhaps the frequent use of complex phrases and words without understanding their meaning, a lack of understanding of jokes and metaphors.
2. The process of interaction - it is difficult for patients to maintain friendly relations, there is isolation, alienation and indifference. In some cases, possibly incorrect behavior and misunderstanding of generally accepted rules and norms.
3. Social imagination - people with an asperger have a rich imagination, but there are difficulties in presenting future actions. In addition, there are difficulties in interpreting the feelings and thoughts of other people, the propensity for logical games.

The term Asperger syndrome was first proposed by the psychiatrist Lorna Wing. The doctor named the disease in honor of pediatrician and psychiatrist Hans Asperger, who was engaged in the treatment and study of children with mental dysfunctions, adaptation disorders and social communication. But Asperger himself called the syndrome an autistic psychopathy.

Scientists and to this day can not come to a common opinion, how to call the symptom complex: a syndrome or a disorder. So, it was decided to rename Asperger's ailment into a disease of the autistic spectrum with certain degrees of severity. Proceeding from this, it can be said that the disorder has much in common with autism, but is radically different from it.

[1], [2]

Causes of Asperger Syndrome

The causes of Asperger syndrome are similar to the causes of autism. The main factor that provokes the disorder is biological and genetic predispositions, as well as the effect of toxic substances on the fetus in the first months of pregnancy. One of the possible causes of the disorder is an autoimmune reaction of the maternal organism, which causes damage to the brain in the unborn child.

The negative consequences of various preventive vaccinations and vaccinations on the immune system of the child are also relevant to Asperger's risk factors. Another reason for the ailment, which until now has not found reliable scientific confirmation - is the theory of hormonal failure in the baby (high levels of testosterone and cortisol). In addition, the possible impact of prematurity of the fetus with Asperger syndrome and autistic disorders is being studied.

Risk factors include intrauterine and postnatal viral infections, that is, cytomegalovirus infection, rubella, herpes and toxoplasmosis. Negative impact of environmental factors after the birth of a child, can also be the cause of the syndrome of the disease.

Symptoms of Asperger Syndrome

Symptoms of Asperger's syndrome can not be identified by appearance, since pathology is a latent disorder that characterizes a number of disorders. There is a triad of signs of an ailment: these are violations that manifest themselves in social communications, when interacting with others and in the imagination. Most often, the syndrome occurs in the male.

Symptoms become noticeable from 2-3 years and can range from pronounced, that is, heavy, to moderate. People with this disorder are characterized by anxiety during intercourse, severe anxiety, confusion. Patients have pedantry and perfectionism, observing a certain order in everything. There are sensory disturbances, unnatural speech and obsessive hobby of a hobby or any occupation.

Consider the main symptoms of Asperger's syndrome:

• Problems with finding friends and the difficulty in communicating.
• Poor understanding of social incentives and emotions, feelings of other people.
• Peculiar, inappropriate emotions and behavior.
• The same type of thinking and concern for one's own world.
• An obsessive desire to bring the matter to an end.
• Psychological problems with any changes in the schedule or mode.
• Multiple repetition of words or actions, the same type of thinking.
• Limited language skills, not sharing of interests with others.
• Emotional stiffness, except for anger or frustration.
• Good mechanical memory, a love of reading, without understanding the information.
• Poor eye contact and coordination, awkward movements.
• Concentration on any little things.
• Difficulties with the perception of criticism from others.
• Problems with sleep.

Asperger syndrome in adults

Asperger syndrome in adults is difficult to diagnose, as adults more adequately assess their strengths and weaknesses. But the disorder is a condition that lasts a lifetime, that is, it can not "get sick" in adulthood. Features of the syndrome in adults, in contrast to children, is that the disorder stabilizes, and with the right approach to treatment, improvements are noticeable.

This is due to the fact that adults are able to independently develop social skills, including elements of non-verbal communication. Therefore, many people with Asperger's syndrome lead a full life, marry, work, and have children. Some characteristic ailments increase the chances of a successful career and study (concentration on details and details, special attention to certain topics). Many adults with this ailment show a strong interest in technology, so they prefer engineering specialties. A lot of outstanding personalities who showed themselves in different professions, had Asperger's syndrome. For example, Maria Curie, Wolfgang Mozart, Thomas Jefferson and even Albert Einstein.

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Asperger syndrome in children

Asperger syndrome in children closely intersects with autism, but is an independent disorder. Children with a similar ailment have a normal level of intelligence, but special educational needs. Parents should pay special attention to the development of social skills in children. The peculiarity of the syndrome is the intellect of the patient. In 95% of children with Asperger are more developed against their peers, although they differ in behavior and perception of the world around them.

Canner's Syndrome and Asperger's Syndrome

Canner's syndrome and Asperger's syndrome are disorders that arise from disorders in the functioning of the brain. In their symptoms, both pathologies are similar, so they are often confused. Consider the main characteristics and differences of Asperger's syndrome from autism:

• Intellectual and cognitive activity

People with Kanner's syndrome make an impression of the mentally retarded, although in most cases the intellect corresponds to the norm. In addition, patients experience difficulties in communication. Asperger's syndrome has less severe symptoms, the intelligence is normal or even high, but there are problems with the learning process.

• Speech skills

Patients with autism suffer from verbal communication disorders. Children with this symptom start talking later, unlike their peers. Even in adulthood, speech remains limited. People with Asperger syndrome do not suffer from speech disorders. Their speech is structured, has a peculiar rhythm, tempo and melody.

• Adaptability

In the case of Canner's syndrome, adaptation to the environment goes badly, and with Asperger's disorder, patients show an interest in the world around them.

• Behavior

With autism the behavior is limited, the patients perform certain rituals in an unchanged and strictly established order. With a highly functional disorder, simultaneous concentration on two or more objects of interest is possible. There is a high level of competence in the area of interest.

• Self-service

In patients with Kanner's syndrome, self-service skills develop late. Patients are not always able to take care of themselves, even in adulthood. With Asperger's syndrome, self-care opportunities develop according to age.

• Social interactions

People with autism suffer from a changeable mood, they are unpredictable and incomprehensible to others. This is what causes a low need for interaction with others. In Asperger's syndrome, social interaction is more mild. Such people can be described as a bit strange or even peculiar. Patients are not able to communicate at the level of emotions, but are capable of intellectual communication.

According to the characteristics described above, the symptomatology of Asperger's syndrome is less pronounced, unlike Kanner's syndrome. But both disorders make it difficult to interact with others, and the opportunity to establish social contacts. Treatment of pathologies consists of behavioral therapy, which is aimed at eliminating stress and taking medications to improve blood circulation in the brain.

Famous people with asperger syndrome

Famous people with Asperger's syndrome are a vivid example of the fact that with this disorder one can live fully and even become famous. That is, despite the fact that the ailment will complicate many aspects of life, it can become a unique unique gift. Experts believe that some historical figures could suffer from Asperger's syndrome, in particular:

• Albert Einstein
• Charles Darwin
• Isaac Newton
• Marie Curie
• Jane Austen
• Andy Warhole
• Lewis Carroll
• Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates

According to some sources, out of our contemporaries, American film director Steven Spielberg, Satoshi Tadziri, actor Dan Akroyd and many others are upset. Arguments in favor of a possible syndrome in popular people vary from person to person. But there are a number of positive aspects of the disease, which many famous people allowed to become famous, consider them:

• Good memory.
• Focusing on certain topics, which leads to extensive knowledge and allows you to become an expert in a certain field.
• Systematic thinking and concentration on details.
• A look at the world from a unique point of view.

All assumptions about known persons with Asperger's syndrome are a model of behavior, that is, a role model or an imitation object for patients. Pathology is not an obstacle to making contributions to society and constructive things.

Diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome

Diagnosis of Asperger syndrome is complex, since the disorder has a symptomatic similar to other pathologies. The disorder is diagnosed at the age of 4 to 12 years, and the earlier the diagnosis is made, the less traumatic it is for the patient and his environment. To detect the disease attract specialists from different areas. The patient is expected to have neurological and genetic studies, intellectual tests, determination of abilities for independent life and various tests for psychomotorics. There is a conversation in the form of communication and games with the child and his parents.

Differential diagnostics is mandatory. So in many patients, bipolar disorder, hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder, depressive states, obsessive-compulsive and generalized anxiety disorders are revealed. Opposition is also defiantly defiant. All of the above pathologies can occur simultaneously with Asperger syndrome. In this case, each of the diagnoses in its own way affects the patient.

But most often Asperger's syndrome is differentiated from Kanner's syndrome, that is, autism. Let's consider the basic methodical instructions for differential diagnostics of both disorders:

• The first signs of autism appear in the first year of the patient's life, in some cases even in the first month after birth. Asperger syndrome manifests itself in 2-3 years of the patient's life.
• In the case of Kanner's disorder, children begin to walk and only then talk. In the second disorder, speech is first manifested, which is rapidly developing and only after that children begin to walk.
• With Asperger syndrome speech is used for communication, but very peculiar. With autism, speech skills are not needed for communication, since the function of communication is impaired.
• In patients with autism, intelligence is reduced in 40% of patients, and 60% have pronounced mental retardation. At asperger, the intellect is normal or above normal age indices.
• Kanner's syndrome is often compared with schizophrenia, patients do not maintain eye contact and live in their own world. Asperger's disorder is equated with psychopathy, the patients do not look into the eyes, but they understand the presence of the interlocutor. Such patients live by their rules and laws, but in our world.
• With autism, the forecast is unfavorable, since atypical mental retardation and schizoid psychopathy are possible in the future. The syndrome of Asperger is characterized by a favorable prognosis. But with age, such patients suffer from schizoid psychopathy.

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Asperger Syndrome Test

The test for Asperger's syndrome can reveal the presence of pathology and promptly seek medical help. Great interest in frustration among scientists and patients entails the improvement of diagnostic methods. This is due to the lack of obvious signs of a disease, which can be diagnosed. Therefore, tests and questionnaires are necessary to identify the disease.

As a rule, the test for Asperger's syndrome is based on the determination of difficulties in communication and the identification of feelings. Many tests are also used to identify autism. Consider the most popular testing:

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Test AQ

The most famous questionnaire of 50 questions, developed by psychologists at Cambridge University. The questions are aimed at revealing empathy, deep interest in certain topics, the presence of rituals and concentration on small things. A similar test is used for adult patients. According to its results, in healthy people the average value was 14-16 points, and in patients 32 or more points. Note that the test can not be used as a single diagnostic method.

Test EQ

A test for determining emotional intelligence, that is, the level of empathy. It consists of 60 questions that deal with different aspects of empathy. The average test score in healthy people is 40 points, in patients - about 20 points.

RAADS-R test

A common test for detecting Asperger symptoms and autism in adult patients. The peculiarity of testing is that only behavioral factors are taken into account at the moment and in patients over 16 years old. Testing allows to exclude bipolar, post-traumatic, depressive and a number of other disorders. RAADS-R consists of 80 questions, while in healthy people the average score is 32, and in patients from 65 to 135.

Test RME

Testing, allowing to determine the mental state by sight. It consists of photos of the eyes of famous people who depict different emotions. Patients with the syndrome experience difficulty with the passage of this test and have poor results.

In addition to the above tests, there are also Western standards for testing for the detection of a disorder. Special attention should be paid to the ADI-R and ADOS tests. The first is a kind of interview with parents, and the second with a child.

• ADI-R - used to diagnose patients aged 1.5 years. The test is aimed at determining the full history of pathology and consists of more than 90 questions, divided into 5 main categories. The psychiatrist asks questions to obtain information about the level of communication, the nature of behavior and general questions.
• ADOS are tasks in the form of games aimed at interaction between the psychologist and the subject. Testing consists of 4 modules, which depend on the degree of development of the patient.

Applying tests for Asperger's syndrome, you must remember that the test results can not be used to diagnose. For accurate diagnosis, many other methods are used, as well as advice from a psychologist and a psychiatrist.

Treatment of Asperger Syndrome

Treatment of Asperger syndrome is possible only after diagnosis by a psychologist, neurologist and other specialists who determine the degree of the disorder. Treatment is based on the results of diagnostic procedures, focusing on the symptomology of pathology, patient's age and other individual characteristics.

Observation and correction of the behavior of people with the syndrome is handled by a psychiatrist. The doctor makes the tactics of drug and non-drug therapy. For treatment, tests are used to adapt the patient to public life, trainings aimed at developing and maintaining relationships with others.

Medication is rarely used because of possible side effects. Medicinal products are prescribed for concomitant diseases. But there are a number of drugs that can control the symptoms of the disorder. These include stimulants, psychotropic drugs, a drug for controlling seizures, neuroleptics and serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Mandatory is psychotherapy, which is necessary to combat the symptoms of ailment.

Physiotherapy with Asperger Syndrome

Therapeutic physical training with Asperger syndrome is necessary for health and preventive purposes. Regular physical activity has a beneficial effect on the functioning of all organs and systems of the body. This allows you to normalize and restore the broken or temporarily lost functions. Depending on the severity of the symptoms of the disorder, doctors make up for each patient an individual medical and sports complex.

There are a number of exercises that significantly improve the coordination of movements, these are motor, ideomotor and antispastic exercises. Physical culture removes muscle tone, improves manipulation of household objects and the position of the body in space. Classes are held in rehabilitation centers under the supervision and supervision of a specialist in working with patients with Asperger syndrome. As a rule, therapeutic gymnastics is combined with different physiotherapy and massage.

Nutrition and diet for asperger syndrome

Nutrition and diet for Asperger syndrome is aimed at alleviating the symptoms of the disorder. Nutrition should be limited, as the negative influence of certain foods on the state and development of mental abilities in people with a disorder has been scientifically proven. According to the studies, products with unsplit proteins, that is, peptides, products with casein and gluten have a negative effect on the development of Asperger syndrome.

Preferences are given to dietary nutrition, which does not contain casein, gluten and peptides. From the diet, dairy products and products that include wheat are removed. According to the analysis of urine, gluten is completely eliminated from the body within 8 months, and casein after three days. Adherence to the diet improves the patient's condition, changes are manifested in communicative abilities and interaction with others.

Permitted products:

• Vegetables (cabbage, beans, carrots, cucumbers, beets, pumpkin, eggplant and others).
• Fish (herring, mackerel, sprat).
• Meat (chicken, turkey, rabbit meat).
• Fruits and dried fruits, honey.
• Compotes, juices, decoctions of fruits and dried fruits.
• Quail and chicken eggs.
• Various herbs and greens.
• Baking from rice and buckwheat flour.
• Olive oil, pumpkin and grape seed oil.
• Homemade baking.

Harmful products:

• Products containing gluten (bakery products, ketchups and sauces, tea with additives, barley and pearl barley, sweets, sausages, canned vegetables and fruits).
• Products with casein (milk desserts, cottage cheese, cheese, milk, ice cream).
• Products containing soy, soda, phosphates, artificial sweeteners.
• It is also worthwhile to refrain from using citrus, rice, corn, mushrooms.

Adhering to dietary nutrition in the Asperger syndrome can significantly alleviate the condition of the patient. This menu is perfect for people with Kanner's syndrome, that is, autism.

Prevention of Asperger Syndrome

Prevention of Asperger syndrome is necessary to improve the health of patients and normalize their condition. For these purposes, use exercise therapy, adhere to dietary nutrition and regularly consult a psychologist and a neurologist.

Observance of preventive methods makes it possible to improve the quality of life. For patients, various trainings for the development of communication, as well as behavioral therapy, are conducted. If the syndrome is diagnosed in children, then preventive measures are also necessary for parents, their goal is to educate relatives about communication and behavior with the kids. Prevention in adults is necessary to maintain a normal state of health and prevent the worsening of symptoms of the disorder.

Prognosis for Asperger Syndrome

The prognosis of Asperger syndrome is favorable, but in some cases relative. It is completely based on the timely detection of pathology, that is, used diagnostic activities. The general condition of the patient depends on the treatment, both medicamental and psychotherapeutic measures.

Asperger syndrome is not fatal, but about 20% of patients lose their personality status. Despite this, many famous people with this disorder are known, who have become famous in various fields of science and art. The right approach to treatment and prevention allows people with Asperger's syndrome to lead a full life, make friends, build relationships and a successful career.

Movies about Asperger Syndrome

Movies about Asperger's syndrome allow you to learn more about the disorder and behavior of people with this kind of pathology. Consider the most popular films, the heroes of which suffered from this ailment:

• Carefree rider (1969)
• Heart travel (1997)
• Love, knocking down (2002)
• 16 years. Love. Reloading (2004)
• The Magnificent Seven (2005)
• Carbuncul (2006)
• Paprika (2006)
• The Big Bang Theory (2007)
• Autism: The Musical (2007)
• Ben X (2007)
• If you can say it in words (2008)
• Adam (2009)
• Mary and Max (2009)
• All about Steve (2009)
• My name is Khan (2010)
• Dear John (2010)

This collection of paintings is recommended for viewing by parents whose children have been diagnosed with the syndrome, as well as relatives and friends, in whose environment there are people who are sick with a disorder. Films allow you to learn more about the main symptoms, the behavior of patients in society and interaction with others.