Asperger's Syndrome in Laymen's Terms
The syndrome was named for a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger. He published a paper
describing the pattern of behaviors witnessed of boys who had normal IQs and language development, but who were
thought to be autistic in behavior with marked social and communicative deficiencies.
A child or an adult can exhibit signs or symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome at any time in life that are
attributed to other things such as being absent minded, awkward physically, brilliant but eccentric or socially
inept. Many children are said to have a language of their own and eventually are diagnosed with Asperger's
Syndrome. They may indeed have a wonderful vocabulary but do not understand the pragmatics of communicating that
language. Individuals who have Asperger's syndrome are said to be clumsy. Individuals with this syndrome may avoid
gazing directly at someone even in greeting. Children with this syndrome may have difficulty in social situations
but can learn how to act socially over time. Adults who have this syndrome may experience difficulty with
relationships, family life and being able to be comfortable in social situations for business or pleasure but they
can learn to live happy and productive lives adapting to the syndrome and with therapy and certain medications.
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Specialized educational interventions are necessary as well as social training, and language therapy. Sensory integration training is necessary for young children in which occupational therapist help to desensitize the child to stimuli such as light, sound and touch. Older children undergo psychotherapy or behavioral/cognitive therapy. Medications may also be used as part of the treatment plan. There should be a team aspect involving all of the caregivers medical and otherwise of the child including doctors, teachers, babysitters, friends, other family members and parents.
Adult Aspergers Syndrome
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The syndrome was named for a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger. He published a paper describing the pattern of
behaviors witnessed of boys who had normal IQs and language development, but who were thought to be autistic in
behavior with marked social and communicative deficiencies. In 1994 professionals recognized Asperger Syndrome and
parents finally had a name for what they experienced in their children.
Common characteristics of individuals with this syndrome are deficiencies in social skills, difficulties when it
comes to changes and they often have obsessive routines and are preoccupied with one subject of interest.
Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome tend to have difficulty reading nonverbal cues of communication often referred
to as body language. They can also have difficulty determining proper body space and can be overly sensitive to
sights, smells, sounds and tastes. They will also have preferences for things that are soft, for certain foods, and
can be agitated by certain sounds or by lights that others around them are not bothered by. Those with this
syndrome are often teased as children for being "odd" and adults are accused of being eccentric. Individuals with
Asperger's Syndrome can be extremely literal and have difficulty using language in a social context.
Asperger Syndrome is currently considered to be an autism spectrum disorder and is often described as being High
Functioning Autism. Still, others describe the pattern of behaviors as a Nonverbal Learning Disorder. Many
individuals are misdiagnosed or remain undiagnosed.

Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome usually have normal IQ ranges, in fact many show exceptional skill or talent
in certain areas, so they can achieve high levels of achievements but experience difficulties in social situations
or in making transitions or changes in work or home life. Individuals who have Asperger's Syndrome prefer to have
stability in their lives and shy away from situations that would necessitate change.

Aspergers Checklist
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