The Definition of Aspergers Syndrome and the Keys to a Diagnosis

 
Aspergers was named after Hans Asperger, a pediatrician and discoverer of asperger syndrome. Aspergers is a neurobiological disorder that is part of the Austim Spectrum Disorder; individuals with aspergers are higher functioning than those with Autism. High functioning meaning, being able to read, write, do math, show affection, and complete daily tasks. In understanding the definition of Aspergers syndrome, it is important to note that aspergers plays a large role in social interactions. Those diagnosed with aspergers will often withdraw from conversations, have trouble picking up on social cues, cannot maintain a conversation or understand different levels of tone and pitch in a conversation

The Autism Spectrum

An autism spectrum disorder is exactly how it sounds, a spectrum. There is no one single thing that defines someone as having autism. It ranges from low
functioning behaviors to high functioning behaviors.

Understanding Asperger Syndrome

Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder. Aspergers is high functioning autism. Individuals with aspergers have an average to high IQ, but; are socially awkward and struggle with having conversations.

Aspergers Syndrome in Children

Asperger syndrome is typically diagnosed in children between the ages of 3 and 9. The signs of aspergers syndrome for a child are as follows; struggles with social interactions, obsesses over a particular subject or object, avoids eye contact and often stares at other people, sensitive to noise and touch, struggles with speech, poor communication such as having one sided conversations, poor motor skill planning, can be lost in own world, dislike a change in routine, and a lack sympathy for others.

Christopher Gillberg is a professor of child and adolescent psychiatry and is known for his research in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and in fact labeled Autism as a spectrum disorder. Gillberg believes that in order for a child to be diagnosed with asperger syndrome they have to rate somewhere in the following 6 categories; severe impairment in reciprocal social interaction, all absorbing narrow interest, imposition of routines and interests, speech and language problems, non-verbal communication problems, and motor clumsiness.

Diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome

Getting an asperger syndrome diagnosis can be difficult and can often be missed diagnosed. Aspergers can often be confused for ADHD or OCD. When looking for a diagnosis it is important to see professionals such as speech therapists, occupations therapists, physical therapists, educators and a neurologist or developmental pediatrician who are familiar with the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is also important to check the IQ as well. An average to above average IQ is required to get a diagnosis of aspergers. It is also necessary to make sure that the right testing is done. If aspergers is suspected then it is important to get the appropriate questionnaire.

Autism Spectrum Quotient

The autism spectrum quotient was developed by psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen to determine autistic traits in adults. This test can be found via the internet for anyone to take to see where they rate in terms of autistic tendencies.

- The American Psychiatric Association does a lot of research on autism, holding conferences discussing different theories on ASD.

- The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is an assessment for diagnosing autism. The observation usually takes between a half hour to an hour where the evaluator provides opportunities for the subject to display social and communication skills that are relevant to the diagnosis of autism.

The Gilliam Asperger Disorder Scale (GADS) is designed to evaluate behaviors that are suspected to be associated with aspergers, such as, social interactions, restricted patterns of behavior, cognitive patterns, and pragmatic skills. This can be completed by a parent or teacher and either at home or school. Professor Simon Baron-Cohen is an expert on asperger syndrome and the developer of the autism spectrum quotient. Baron-Cohen believes that Autism involves degrees of “mind-blindness,” meaning there are delays in the development of their theory of mind, lacking empathy and the ability to understand that others have ideas, needs and intentions that are different from their own.

The Childhood Autism Rating Scale

(CARS) is administered after the age of 2 and determines the severity of Autism through the symptoms observed.

Testing for Aspergers

Testing for diagnosis of asperger syndrome starts with an IQ test, the IQ test informs you if the IQ is average to above average which is needed for aspergers diagnosis. There are also assessments such as the Autism Diagnostic Schedule, Gilliam Asperger Disorder Scale and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale that assess the behaviors associated with aspergers syndrome.

It is quite important to understand what Aspergers is and how it is diagnosed. If you suspect any loved one falls under any of the characteristics of Aspergers syndrome, it is vitally important to seek the council of a professional who deals specifically with Aspergers.

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