Asperger Syndrome

The Basics

- Therapy " пїЅ Different types of therapy can teach children how to manage problems related to their disorder. For example, a child might have therapy to: - Help control anxiety caused by loud noises or changes in his or her routine - Learn how to recognize and respond to emotions - Learn to understand tone of voice and body language

Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate пїЅ пїЅ

What is Asperger syndrome? " пїЅ Asperger syndrome is mild type of "autism spectrum disorder. " пїЅ Autism spectrum disorder is a brain disorder that affects a persons behavior and makes it hard for the person to communicate and interact with others. пїЅ пїЅ

In 2013 the "official " пїЅ names for autism spectrum disorders were changed. In the United States, "Asperger syndrome " пїЅ is now just known as "autism spectrum disorder " пїЅ. In other countries, the term "Asperger syndrome " пїЅ is still used. пїЅ пїЅ

Asperger syndrome affects each person in a different way. But most people with Asperger syndrome have a hard time relating to other people. пїЅ пїЅ

Asperger syndrome starts in childhood. It is more common in boys than in girls. пїЅ пїЅ

What are the symptoms of Asperger syndrome? " пїЅ The most common symptoms are unusual behaviors. For example, a child with Asperger syndrome might try to get another person's attention by pushing the other person. He or she might also play in the middle of a group of other children without noticing what the other children are doing or trying to join in their play. пїЅ пїЅ

Here are some other things a child or adult with Asperger syndrome might do: пїЅ пїЅ

Stand too close to someone and talk non-stop about a single topic without noticing whether the other person is interested or even listening
Not look into other people's eyes when talking to them. When speaking with someone else, the person with Asperger syndrome might instead stare at the other person's mouth or another part of his or her body.
Have a facial expression that rarely changes
Not use his or her hands or arms when talking
Be disorganized and have problems finishing tasks, including school work
Have trouble solving problems
Be very sensitive to noises, odors, tastes, or visual information
Have trouble knowing when someone is joking or teasing
Have very specific, unusual interests, such as trains or vacuum cleaners
Get very upset if a routine or plan changes
Be clumsy

Are there tests for Asperger syndrome? " пїЅ Yes, there are a number of tests that different experts do to see if a person has Asperger syndrome. For children, these tests involve asking parents about how the child speaks and behaves. The doctor will also watch and talk with the child. пїЅ пїЅ

How is Asperger syndrome treated? " пїЅ Treatments include: пїЅ пїЅ

Therapy " пїЅ Different types of therapy can teach children how to manage problems related to their disorder. For example, a child might have therapy to:Help control anxiety caused by loud noises or changes in his or her routineLearn how to recognize and respond to emotionsLearn to understand tone of voice and body language

Help with school " пїЅ Children with Asperger syndrome might need extra help and support in school, especially with staying organized. They also often need help with reading and writing.
Medicines " пїЅ Doctors might prescribe medicines to treat conditions associated with Asperger syndrome. These conditions can include anxiety, depression, and problems paying attention. But medicines should only be used after therapy and education supports are in place.

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ

Topic 83673 Version 2.0 пїЅ пїЅ

Release: 22.8 - C22.208 пїЅ пїЅ

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Asperger Syndrome

The Basics

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