Does anyone know what ASPERGERS SYNDROME is?

Answer 1

Asperger syndrome — also referred to as Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's, or just AS — is one of five neurobiological pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and is characterized by deficiencies in social and communication skills, normal to above normal intelligence,[1][2] and standard language development. The diagnosis of AS is complicated by the lack of a standard diagnostic screen, and the use of several different screening instruments and sets of diagnostic criteria. The exact cause of AS is unknown and the prevalence is not firmly established, due partly to the use of differing sets of diagnostic criteria.

Asperger syndrome was named in honor of Hans Asperger, an Austrian psychiatrist and pediatrician, by researcher Lorna Wing, who first used the eponym in a 1981 paper.[3] In 1994, AS was recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as Asperger's Disorder.[4]

AS is most commonly diagnosed in children but many adults who weren't diagnosed as children are diagnosed in adulthood.. Assistance for core symptoms of AS consists of therapies that address poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness. Most individuals with AS can learn to cope with their differences, but may continue to need support to maintain an independent life

Answer 2

Asperger Syndrome or (Asperger's Disorder) is a neurobiological disorder named for a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger, who in 1944 published a paper which described a pattern of behaviors in several young boys who had normal intelligence and language development, but who also exhibited autistic-like behaviors and marked deficiencies in social and communication skills. In spite of the publication of his paper in the 1940's, it wasn't until 1994 that Asperger Syndrome was added to the DSM IV and only in the past few years has AS been recognized by professionals and parents.

Answer 3

This web site gives a good introduction to the disorder which is a mild variant of Autism in which affected individuals are characterized by social isolation and eccentric behavior in childhood. There are impairments in two-sided social interaction and non-verbal communication. Though grammatical, their speech is peculiar due to abnormalities of inflection and a repetitive pattern. Clumsiness is prominent both in their articulation and gross motor behavior. They usually have a circumscribed area of interest which usually leaves no space for more age appropriate, common interests. Some examples are cars, trains, French Literature, door knobs, hinges, cappucino, meteorology, astronomy or history. The name "Asperger" comes from Hans Asperger, an Austrian physician who first described the syndrome in 1944.
.
http://www.aspergers.com/

Answer 4

Yes. It is the mildest form of what is now known as the "Austistic Spectrum", also known as Pervasive Development Disorders (PDDs). Simply stated, it is the mildest form of Autism. People with this diagnosis tend to be what others label as "odd" or "socially inept." They are almost always of average to above average intelligence, can communicate verbally (unlike typical autism) and often excel in mathematics.

Unusual or unaccaptable behaviors are also common symptoms, such as ignoring a parent or other authority figure when being told to do (or not do) something, or refusing to participate in a group activity in school or social setting.

Unfortunatley, the most painful part of this disorder for parents of children with Asperger's syndrome is that the children have a difficult time making and keeping friends. And, kids being kids, they tend to be teased and excluded from activities.

Therapies generally consist of behavior modification counseling and sometimes medication, especially when ADHD is part of the diagnosis (which is the case with my nephew). And, although they generally perform at or above grade level academically, some benefit from more structured educational settings. A girl in my daughter's school was moved in third grade because the public school setting was too disturbing to her. Although she tried very hard to make friends, it pushed the other kids away when she announced to every one of them that they were her "best friend in the world" on a daily basis. It's a matter of not knowing how to interact with others in ways that our society deems as appropriate. This girl ended up moving to a different school where her needs could be better met. However, there are many children with Asperger's who manage well in a typical school setting with the appropriate guidance and therapies.

I find it interesting that, since this categorization is relatively new, that there are many adults in our workplace and community who quite obviously would have been diagnosed with Asperger's if such a thing existed when they were children. They are the people we label "socially retarted" or "strange" but generally accept them for being the way they are. As long as they have been able to make a life for themselves and are functioning in the world, it really is mainly an issue for those of us on the outside who perceive their behaviors as "weird" or "odd", not for them.

Answer 5

Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's, or just AS — is one of five neurobiological pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and is characterized by deficiencies in social and communication skills, normal to above normal intelligence,[1][2] and standard language development. The diagnosis of AS is complicated by the lack of a standard diagnostic screen, and the use of several different screening instruments and sets of diagnostic criteria. The exact cause of AS is unknown and the prevalence is not firmly established, due partly to the use of differing sets of diagnostic

Answer 6

Asperger syndrome — also referred to as Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's, or just AS — is one of five neurobiological pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and is characterized by deficiencies in social and communication skills, normal to above normal intelligence,[1][2] and standard language development. The diagnosis of AS is complicated by the lack of a standard diagnostic screen, and the use of several different screening instruments and sets of diagnostic criteria. The exact cause of AS is unknown and the prevalence is not firmly established, due partly to the use of differing sets of diagnostic criteria.

Answer 7

YES

I have asperger's syndrome...so if you have any questions ask me at [e-mail]

it's a form of autism.....it causes a lot of mental and social problems...communication is really hard....there is usually a fear of change...addiction to routine.....lack of social skills....

AS people are also clumsy..."accident prone"...and really don't have a filter for their mouth....they say some hurtful things without thinking about consequences....

also they have a limited comfort zone....meaning it would be hard to drive to someplace they've never been before...and it would also be hard meeting new people as many Asperger's people end up single for their whole lives

Since i HAVE asperger's syndrome you can ask me anything you want...you have my email

Answer 8

Asperger syndrome — also referred to as Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's, or just AS — is one of five neurobiological pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and is characterized by deficiencies in social and communication skills, normal to above normal intelligence,[1][2] and standard language development. The diagnosis of AS is complicated by the lack of a standard diagnostic screen, and the use of several different screening instruments and sets of diagnostic criteria. The exact cause of AS is unknown and the prevalence is not firmly established, due partly to the use of differing sets of diagnostic criteria.

Asperger syndrome was named in honor of Hans Asperger, an Austrian psychiatrist and pediatrician, by researcher Lorna Wing, who first used the eponym in a 1981 paper.[3] In 1994, AS was recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as Asperger's Disorder.[4]

AS is most commonly diagnosed in children but many adults who weren't diagnosed as children are diagnosed in adulthood.. Assistance for core symptoms of AS consists of therapies that address poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness. Most individuals with AS can learn to cope with their differences, but may continue to need support to maintain an independent life.[5]

Here is a link to the rest of the info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger's_syndrome

Answer 9

My brother ,Sam, has aspergers. It a form fo autism. Just not the the extreme cases that the public usually sees. Sam goes to school and plays in the band and lives a pretty normal life although he still has some autisic quirks.

Answer 10

Asperger Syndrome or (Asperger's Disorder) is a neurobiological disorder named for a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger, who in 1944 published a paper which described a pattern of behaviors in several young boys who had normal intelligence and language development, but who also exhibited autistic-like behaviors and marked deficiencies in social and communication skills. In spite of the publication of his paper in the 1940's, it wasn't until 1994 that Asperger Syndrome was added to the DSM IV and only in the past few years has AS been recognized by professionals and parents.

Individuals with AS can exhibit a variety of characteristics and the disorder can range from mild to severe. Persons with AS show marked deficiencies in social skills, have difficulties with transitions or changes and prefer sameness. They often have obsessive routines and may be preoccupied with a particular subject of interest. They have a great deal of difficulty reading nonverbal cues (body language) and very often the individual with AS has difficulty determining proper body space. Often overly sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells, and sights, the person with AS may prefer soft clothing, certain foods, and be bothered by sounds or lights no one else seems to hear or see. It's important to remember that the person with AS perceives the world very differently. Therefore, many behaviors that seem odd or unusual are due to those neurological differences and not the result of intentional rudeness or bad behavior, and most certainly not the result of "improper parenting".

By definition, those with AS have a normal IQ and many individuals (although not all), exhibit exceptional skill or talent in a specific area. Because of their high degree of functionality and their naiveté, those with AS are often viewed as eccentric or odd and can easily become victims of teasing and bullying. While language development seems, on the surface, normal, individuals with AS often have deficits in pragmatics and prosody. Vocabularies may be extraordinarily rich and some children sound like "little professors." However, persons with AS can be extremely literal and have difficulty using language in a social context.

At this time there is a great deal of debate as to exactly where AS fits. It is presently described as an autism spectrum disorder and Uta Frith, in her book AUTISM AND ASPERGER'S SYNDROME, described AS individuals as "having a dash of Autism". Some professionals feel that AS is the same as High Functioning Autism, while others feel that it is better described as a Nonverbal Learning Disability. AS shares many of the characteristics of PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder; Not otherwise specified), HFA, and NLD and because it was virtually unknown until a few years ago, many individuals either received an incorrect diagnosis or remained undiagnosed. For example, it is not at all uncommon for a child who was initially diagnosed with ADD or ADHD be re-diagnosed with AS. In addition, some individuals who were originally diagnosed with HFA or PDD-NOS are now being given the AS diagnosis and many individuals have a dual diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism.

whoo thatz long srry hope it helpz