...only one of four recognized disorders in the autism spectrum. The others included in the spectrum are Asperger Syndrome(AS), Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), which is diagnosed when the full set of criteria for Autistic Disorder or Asperger Syndrome are not met. In an article from the American Academy of Pediatrics (2011), over the last twelve years, prevalence of developmental disabilities has increased 17.1% which equals about 1.8 million more children in 2006 through 2008 as compared to a decade earlier. Additionally, prevalence of Autism increased 289.5% while the prevalence of ADHD increased 33.0%. With this increase, more research and studies are being done to learn more about a disorder that is relatively recent. Specifically, the focus of this paper is on Asperger Syndrome, which is defined as a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction and motor coordination, and unusual or restricted patterns of interest or behavior. Clinically, the distinction between Autistic Disorder and Asperger Syndrome is often made in terms of severity and in the qualitative expression of the criteria. Both syndromes are characterized by social interaction deficits, impaired communication skills, and unusual or bizarre behaviors. However, in Asperger Syndrome, motor deficits are more pronounced, onset...
Words: 3207 - Pages: 13
...Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome Michelle Mason South University Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome The comment by Hans Asperger that 'not everything that steps out of line, and thus "abnormal", must necessarily be "inferior", Atwood (2006) truly underlines what Autism and Asperser’s Syndrome is and how it is becoming more and more of a concern in America. This concern of Autism and Asperger’s rises, as more children are being diagnosed everyday. In order to understand the affects of these diseases one must first understand the characteristics and the children that live with Autism. Research on Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome will take the reader into areas that before hand have not been considered by most. Although this disease has been heard of, many have not experienced it in their lives. This paper will explore the emotions of autistic children and parents and the grief of realizing that these children are autistic, how these children learn, the challenges they face and how society views these children through medical and scientific research as well as the author’s personal research and life experiences with this disease. To understand Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, the reader must first be able to identify and define what it is and what the characteristics are. In the article Autism and Genetic Disorders, Dr. A.L. Reiss (1986) who is head of the Department of Developmental Neuropsychiatry, Kennedy Institute for Handicapped Children, he describes and defines the signs...
Words: 1100 - Pages: 5
...Asperger’s Syndrome and Acting “…the only person who stands in the way of your achieving something is you.” Temple Grandin, (Developing Talents). What if I told you one out of every 68 people possesses an incurable disorder? ( CDC) Not to worry, it isn’t contagious. This disorder is Autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) has many different levels of diagnosis, and persons diagnosed with this disease have varying levels of function as far as cognitive and behavioral symptoms. I am going to be focusing on one of the higher functioning diagnostic levels: Asperger’s syndrome and whether persons diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome can be successful in the performing arts. Asperger’s syndrome is a level of diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum disorder....
Words: 1432 - Pages: 6
...Asperger syndrome also known as Asperger’s spectrum disorder is a development disorder related to autism, and characterized by higher than average intellectual ability coupled with impaired social skills and restrictive repetitive patterns of interest and activities. (Autsim Society, 2018) Asperger’s isn’t a learning disability, it has features of autism, nonverbal disabilities, and ADHD. Asperger’s is different from autism because there is no speech delay for someone who has Asperger’s versus someone who has autism. A person who has Asperger’s has a normal or better than expected intelligence however simply struggle with social interaction primarily. A person who has Asperger’s is considered high functioning on the autism spectrum, people...
Words: 552 - Pages: 3
...psychologist, published the first official definition of what is now named after his namesake, Asperger’s Syndrome. Similar descriptions fitting those of the disorder existed well before Asperger’s, such as the “Schizoid Personality of Childhood,” which was termed in 1926 by Eva Sucharewa, a Russian neurological assistant. Regardless of its name, the disorder encompasses a part of the autism spectrum, which affects such key aspects of an individual’s life, such as their social interactions, thought processes and minor physical movements. Asperger’s research, despite being conducted and documented during a time of great medical discoveries, did not become widely known...
Words: 1695 - Pages: 7
...Married To Asperger’s Introduction We all remember the awkward kid in school who was a loner and unable to sustain friendships. What happens when this kid grows up, will they marry, can they marry, is it possible for this person to have a successful marriage? What barriers are there and how can they be dealt with so an other-centered extravert can have a fulfilling marriage with a self-absorbed person with Asperger’s syndrome? People with Asperger’s syndrome have difficulties in relationships in general. Marriage is probably is the most interpersonal of all relationships. I believe it may be difficult for an extravert to have a fulfilling marriage. Asperger’s syndrome is one of the Autism spectrum disorders that are characterized by abnormalities of social interaction and communication. Those that are diagnosed with the syndrome often associated exhibit restricted behavior or activities such as being fascinated and glued to a certain activity and often have a general delay in the development of their speech (Janzen, 1999). Because of this, there is a very high likelihood that the people diagnosed with this syndrome will have a problem when it comes to the development of friendships (IAP, 2011). They may engage in a one sided conversation about their topic of interest without necessarily taking into consideration the feeling of the listener and whether he or she is interested in their topic of discussion...
Words: 2352 - Pages: 10
...Living with Asperger's Syndrome Albert Einstein, Bela Bartok, Alan Turing, Bill Gates, Thomas Jefferson and I. Is this a list of Geniuses? People who have changed history? Or are these people who display the symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome? Dr. Tony Attwood, the world-renowned Australian psychologist who is an expert on Asperger's Syndrome, cited them as examples of people with Asperger's during a Conference held at the Palisades Center in Rockland, New York, in October of 1999. Dr. Attwood is a practicing clinical psychologist at MacGregor Specialist Center in Australia, with twenty-five years of experience in the field of Asperger's Syndrome. I had the opportunity to join over 200 other participants at the day-long Asperger's Conference. Participants came from as far away as Africa to assist with organizational tasks and to listen to Dr. Attwood's presentation, as well as his answers to questions from the audience. Dr. Attwood, who has worked with Asperger's patients and lectured around the world, commented, "I have always been impressed by their patience and ingenuity in achieving abilities others acquire without a second thought." Where does the name Asperger's Syndrome come from? Over fifty years ago, a Viennese pediatrician, Hans Asperger, published the first study of youngsters, mostly boys, with a common pattern of abilities and behaviors: lack of empathy, little ability to form friendships, one-sided conversations, intense absorption in a...
Words: 568 - Pages: 3
...Asperger’s Syndrome is a specific type of Autism that was founded and distinguished from other similar mental health disorders in the 1940’s. Its name origins came from the man who originally discovered it- Hans Asperger. He was a Viennese pediatrician who worked closely with children, specifically males, throughout his practice. He focused on boys who had normal language development and average intelligence, but still had signs of autism. The boys met with other professionals in addition to meeting with Hans, these other professionals categorized them as having a high-functioning form of autism. With testing and written observations, Hans eventually identified these boys as having a type of specified autism called “Asperger Syndrome”. In 1994 it officially became an independent disorder. In 2013, both autism and Asperger’s were placed under the broader category of “Autism Spectrum Disorder”. Autism and Asperger’s are so commonly lumped together because they have many similarities. Children with autism are sometimes perceived as uninterested in others whereas those with Asperger’s have the desire to fit in and interact with peers, they simply don't have the skills. They may be socially awkward, not understand social rules, or show a lack of empathy. They are often unengaged in conversation and don’t make eye contact. Another difference between these two disorders lies in their speech patterns. Children with autism usually have delayed speech or misuse their language while...
Words: 1342 - Pages: 6
...Virginia Berry June 15, 2011 PS380 Professor Husk Kaplan University Aspergers Syndrome is one of the most common autism spectrum disorders, (Hunt & Marshall, 2006). There are many symptoms that are common with children with Aspergers syndrome. One symptom may be showing intense obsession with specific subject like cars, bugs or the weather. Speaking in a monotone voice or speaking fast is another symptom of Asperger’s (MayoClinic, 2011). There are approximately 26 to 36 out of 10,000 school-age children that are diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome (Ehlers & Gillberg, 1993). Like classic autism, there is no known factor that causes Asperger’s Syndrome. Though many parents believe there is link autism by childhood vaccinations, there is no documented proof that the two are related (Downs, 2011). Treatment for Asperger’s Syndrome can be reviewed with the four major schools of psychotherapy; structuralism, behaviorism, Gestalt psychology and psychoanalysis. Structuralism is to analyze the mind in simple components and find how the components fit into a complex form, (Britannica, 2011). Behaviorism is a theory that all behaviors are learned through conditioning. Gestalt psychology theory is based off perception, (Britannica, 2011). Psychoanalysis is based on observation of individuals that are unaware of their behavior and emotions, (APSAA, 2011). Individuals living with Asperger’s Syndrome may not benefit from all four major schools of psychotherapy. Behaviorism and psychoanalysis...
Words: 1078 - Pages: 5
...General Psychology Asperger’s Syndrome Tiffany Beach Asperger's syndrome is defined as a developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to socialize and communicate effectively with others. Doctors group Asperger's syndrome with other conditions that are called autistic spectrum disorders or pervasive developmental disorders, these disorders affect social skills and communication. A good thing to keep in mind Asperger’s syndrome is generally thought to be at the milder end of the autistic spectrum disorders. There is no cure for Asperger's syndrome, but if your child has the condition treatment can help him or her learn how to interact more successfully in social situations. Children with Asperger's syndrome usually don't have delays in the development of language skills, but can develop delays in their motor skills. While children with Asperger's syndrome engage in conversation they may feel awkward and lack usual give and take, also showing signs of not wanting to form friendships. Despite all of this a child with Asperger’s syndrome can be quite active. Here are a few questions to help determine if your child may have Asperger’s syndrome: * Does your child engage in one-sided, long-winded conversations and not notice if the listener is listening or trying to change the subject? * Do they show an intense obsession with one or two specific subjects, such as baseball statistics, train schedules, or weather? * Have they appeared to...
Words: 539 - Pages: 3
...Running head: Asperger’s Syndrome Asperger’s Syndrome Cynthia Brownlee Eng 101 October 30, 2011 Abstract Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a relatively new disability to the United States. The awareness of the disability is about twenty years old. However, the increase of the number of individuals being diagnosis is rapidly growing. This paper defines the characteristics of an AS individual and provides information for educators as far as strategies and accommodation needed to make the classroom successful. The education arena holds the responsibility of learning strategies and interventions in assisting an individual with AS. Asperger’s Syndrome According to Lee and Park (2007), “‘Autistic psychopathy’ (as cited in Asperger, 1944, p.76) was the first term used to describe Asperger’s Syndrome” (p. 132). In 1943 the condition of autism was discovered by Dr. Leo Kanner. His description of autism reflects the lack of involvement of children socially with other people, but reflects the consistency of routines and differences in mannerisms. In 1944 Dr. Hans Asperger, who was unknowing of Kanner’s work with autism, introduced children with a milder form of Autism. He published his work; however, the audience of the research was very limited. Asperger revealed in Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) when his works were published in Germany. The United States was not introduced to this disability until...
Words: 2591 - Pages: 11
...Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder in which an individual “maintains adequate cognitive and language development but becomes severely impaired in social interaction”. Individuals with Asperger syndrome also develop “restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities” (Halgin & Whitbourne, 2010, p. 347). The most common misconception that many people seem to have about Asperger Syndrome is that all individuals with Asperger syndrome are exceptionally talented. One reason might be that Asperger Syndrome is not yet widely recognized by the people. Meanwhile, popular media, such as TV, movies, and magazines often portray characters that are diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome as wacky geniuses. Also, there have been a lot of speculations about many historical figures having Asperger syndrome; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Albert Einstein, and Vincent Van Gogh are some of the most well-known historical figures who may have had Asperger Syndrome. Despite all these, it is important for people to understand that not all people with Asperger Syndrome are gifted and not all people who are extremely talented have Asperger syndrome. Asperger syndrome is categorized into a disorder called Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Other diagnostic categories include autistic disorder, Rett’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (Mastropieri & Scruggs, 2010, p. 86). Individuals with...
Words: 1954 - Pages: 8
...Comparison and Contrast of Asperger’s and Autism Years ago Autism was a disorder that was rarely talked about or diagnosed and if one had heard of it there were common misconceptions as to what exactly it is. In the present time, with the help of extensive research and people speaking out about Autism, we have come to realize that Autism is more common and it also has different spectrums and levels that vary tremendously. For instance, one of the well-known spectrums of Autism is Asperger’s Disorder, which is sometimes misdiagnosed as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hypertension Disorder) due to the similarities in the behavioral problems that are displayed. Some may think that Asperger’s and Autism go hand in hand and they are both the same in every way, but you would be very much mistaken to believe that. Even though Asperger’s is one autism spectrum disorder it are disorders that share similarities, they are characteristically different in terms of their symptoms, causes, diagnoses, and treatment/coping techniques. Asperger’s and Autism are two disorders who shares similarities and differences in terms of their symptoms. “Autism is a spectrum of complex brain disorders. The disorders result in social, behavioral, and communication problems”. Both disorders aren’t well known and sometimes misdiagnosed as more common disorders, due to the fact that the symptoms from both can often mimic other regressive behavioral and developmental disorders. “Asperger syndrome is a pervasive developmental...
Words: 1122 - Pages: 5
...The history of Asperger’s and its impact on my life and family Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder falling in the autism spectrum, its affects social interactions, verbal and nonverbal communication, a difficulty to accept change, inflexibility of thought and a very narrow area interest. They tend to have very good memory skills and excel in math and science there is a range of severity of the symptoms in this syndrome. Children with this syndrome often go undiagnosed because they appear odd or eccentric. the symptoms are : having one –sided long winded conversation without noticing if the listener actually cares or is listening, showing unusual nonverbal communication such as lack of eye contact few facial expressions and awkward posture, they show an intense obsession with one or two specific subjects ( such as my little brother who has an intense interest in busses , cars, and septa schedules) they don’t seem to understand , empathize with or be sensitive to others feelings (may come off as cold hearted and rude) , also they have a difficult time reading other people’s emotions and understanding humor or sarcasm . my brother Kenneth is 9 years old and was diagnosed with Asperger’s and adhd when he was 3 years old he also had speech delay because he went deaf in his left ear he can hear now but he had to get tubes put in his ears and years of speech therapy . he doesn’t really show the symptoms listed above if you first meet him he just seems like a normal 9...
Words: 476 - Pages: 2
...Developmental Disorders Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Diagnosis The first diagnosed case of ASD was in 1938 by American psychiatrist Leo Kanner. A diagnosis of ASD can be made accurately before the child is 3 years old but the diagnosis of ASD is not commonly confirmed until the child is somewhat older. The ages of diagnosis can range from 9 months to 14 years however the mean age of diagnosis is 13 months. On average each case of ASD is tested at 3 different diagnostic centers before confirmed. Early diagnosis of the disorder can diminish familial stress, speed up referral to special educational programs and influence family planning. In the brain The cause of ASD is still uncertain. ASD is a disorder of the cortex, which controls higher functions, sensation, muscle movements, and memory. What is known is that a child with ASD has a pervasive problem with how the brain is wired. The distribution of white matter, the nerve fibers that link diverse parts of the brain, is abnormal. An ASD child’s brain grows at a very rapid rate and is almost fully grown by the age of 10. Symptoms Signs include impairments in social interactions, communication and repetitive or restricted patterns of interest or behaviors. There are also different symptoms at different ages based on developmental milestones. Children between 0 and 36 months with ASD show lack of eye contact, seem to be deaf, lack of social smile, doesn’t like being touched or held, unusual sensory behavior,...
Words: 1907 - Pages: 8
