2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Asperger's syndrome
Definition:
Asperger's syndrome is a condition where young children experience impaired social interactions and develop limited repetitive patterns of behavior. Motor milestones may be delayed and clumsiness is often observed.

Alternative Names:
Pervasive developmental disorder

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Hans Asperger labeled this disorder "Autistic Psychopathy" in 1944, and the cause is still unknown. There is a possible relation to autistic disorder (autism). Some researchers believe that Asperger's sydrome is simply a mild form of autism.

The child with Asperger's shows below-average nonverbal communication gestures, fails to develop peer relationships, has an inability to express pleasure in other people's happiness, and lacks the ability to reciprocate emotionally in normal social interactions. The condition appears to be more common in boys. There are likely genetic factors, but some theories suggest a prenatal infection may be to blame.

While people with Asperger's syndrome are frequently socially inept, many have above average intelligence and they may excel in fields like computer programming and science.
Symptoms:
  • Abnormal nonverbal communication, such as problems with eye contact, facial expressions, body postures, or gestures.
  • Failure to develop peer relationships.
  • Scapegoating by other children as "weird" or "strange".
  • Lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people).
  • Markedly impaired expression of pleasure in other people's happiness.
  • Inability to return social or emotional feelings.
  • Inflexible about changes in specific routines or rituals.
  • Repetitive finger flapping, twisting, or whole body movements.
  • Preoccupation with restricted areas of interest (unusually narrow or unusually intense). Some examples are obsession with train schedules, phone books, stamp collecting, or other collections of objects.
  • Preoccupation with parts of whole objects.
  • Repetitive behaviors, including repetitive self-injurious behavior.
  • There is no general delay in language.
  • There is no delay in cognitive development, or in the development of age-appropriate self-help skills or in curiosity about the environment.
Signs and tests:
Physical, emotional, and mental evaluations are usually performed to rule out other causes.
Treatment:

Treatment depends on the patient's level of adaptive functioning. A high IQ will bring a better prognosis. For patients with severe impairment, treatment is similar to the treatment for autistic disorder.
Expectations (prognosis):

As with most developmental disorders, the long-term outcome and prognosis will vary according to the nature of the underlying problem and the interventions used to support continued development.
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if a child is non-responsive to people or the environment, a child has odd or peculiar speech, or a child exhibits behavior that may lead to self-harm.
Review Date: 5/24/2002
Reviewed By: Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com