Diagnosing Asperger Syndrome in Adults
If you have lived all your life with not being able to fully participate in small talk because you do not
understand the body language, and other non-verbal communications that goes on with small talk, or you just do not
understand the need for such nonessential language, or if you have difficulty dealing with any kind of social
situation at work, school or at home perhaps you are an adult who has undiagnosed Asperger Syndrome.
The reason people reach adulthood and go undiagnosed is because it is common for there to be misdiagnosis or for
physicians and parents to not recognize the signs and symptoms of this relatively new neurological disorder.
Autism Guide: The Essential Guide To Autism
Typically when adults come to be diagnosed they are given an IQ test. People with Asperger's Syndrome (AS)
typically have normal or above normal IQs. An assessment of adaptive skills that are designed to test the
individual's ability to manage complex social situations is then administered. If the person being assessed is
still living with a parent, or if the parent is available, the parent is given the Autism Diagnostic Interview
(ADI) for an early history of how the individual functioned in social situations, in his or her behavior and how
the individual was able to communicate. The symptoms don't just show up later in life, they were there since
childhood. If it is not possible to interview the parent than the individual is asked to describe their childhood
for clues of how they interacted socially, behaviorally and how they communicated with others.
Another test is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) which scrutinizes the social and communication
skills as well as behavior of young adults and adults. This test helps to determine if the individual meets the
criteria for Asperger's Syndrome.
It is the doctor's job to distinguish between shyness, social phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders and
Asperger's Syndrome. Since there are distinguishing characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome that can be similar to
other conditions and disorders it is important to get a complete family history since it is known that it runs in
families. Often times there is an eccentric Aunt, or odd Grandfather who just may have also have had Asperger’s
Syndrome.
The diagnosis is very important because it is with a diagnosis that the adult can finally put a name to the set
of behaviors and inability to communicate with others. He or she can finally know why they were so different from
others growing up. The diagnosis often brings great relief to those who suffer and to their families. Once the
diagnosis is made the doctor can devise a treatment plan. The treatment plan will include interventions and
therapies that may include speech therapy, behavioral therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy for
awkwardness of gait. Medication may be prescribed if needed for anxiety and depression.
The Developmental Disorder Known as Aspergers
Syndrome
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