Today, medicine is aware of the occurrence of various developmental disorders in children, which later translate into their quality of life in adulthood. Sometimes a child manifests abnormal behavior that his caregivers cannot cope with. When it remains silent, behaves differently from its peers and is unable to communicate with its environment, parents or other caregivers should rightly show concern. If something in a person’s behavior suggests that he or she is withdrawn or struggling with social problems, it is always a good idea to seek advice from a specialist. This is because it may turn out that such symptoms are Asperger’s syndrome. However, what exactly is Asperger’s, what are its characteristics and what action should be taken after receiving such a diagnosis at a specialist’s office?
What is Asperger’s?
Asperger’s syndrome often evokes associations with so-called milder autism, and belongs to the holistic developmental disorders that fall on the autism spectrum. It was first described in 1944 by Dr. Hans Asperger, at the same time Leo Kaner was describing autism. While autism spectrum disorder quickly emerged as a clinical entity and quickly appeared in the classification of diseases (ICD, DSM), Asperger’s syndrome did not appear in the international classification of diseases until 1994. Consequently, compared to autism, the diagnostic and therapeutic experience is considerably shorter. Asperger’s syndrome, unlike autism, does not cause problems in mental development. The important thing is that a person suffering from it can successfully function independently. The disorders associated with this syndrome last a lifetime. It is estimated that boys are more likely to suffer from them. According to studies, Asperger’s syndrome is four times more common in them than in girls. Asperger’s syndrome affects children and adults, the first symptoms can be noticed in the first years of life. Asperger’s syndrome is most often characterized by difficulties in social interactions, difficulties in communication, specific interests, specific hobbies.
One important question that arises is whether Asperger’s is hereditary? Current research indicates that genetically the disease itself is not transmitted. However, parents may pass on a greater susceptibility to the disorder to their children. However, the heritability of the syndrome cannot be confirmed or ruled out with certainty. This is because the causes of Asperger’s syndrome are still not precisely defined.
Asperger syndrome in adults – symptoms of Asperger syndrome
Asperger syndrome in adults is associated with specific symptoms. These include a whole spectrum of behaviors that can vary from one case of the disorder to another. Not all people with the syndrome present the same set of symptoms. That is why individual diagnosis with a specialist is so important. A psychologist will conduct a thorough analysis using standardized diagnostic tools. A visit to him, in turn, should be considered in the case of observation of such symptoms as pronounced problems in contact with other people and in establishing relationships. Difficulty or even lack of ability to work in a group may also draw attention. People on the spectrum also have trouble expressing themselves or even speech disorders. They are also characterized by attachment to routine – they do not like change, surprises, but repetitive behavior, having a stereotypical character gives them a certain sense of security. Often a characteristic symptom is strong perfectionism and relentlessness in standards. Asperger’s syndrome can also be accompanied by limited facial expressions, difficulty in expressing emotions with gestures or movements. Sometimes there is also a certain amount of motor clumsiness. As a result, people with Asperger’s syndrome may have difficulty, for example, in adapting their facial expressions to situations involving sadness or happiness. Their emotions and experiences are thus sometimes misinterpreted by their surroundings. At any stage of life, they may maintain a distance from others and not show closeness to them in the common sense.
Often these symptoms are recognized in children who are taken to specialists by concerned parents. This happens when a child with Asperger’s syndrome has problems with development, speech, and contact with peers. However, Asperger’s is not just a childhood affliction. Symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome also appear in adults. This is because it is a lifelong disorder experienced not only by children and adolescents. Asperger’s in adults is often manifested by a strong sense of isolation, a lack of a sense of belonging. If the diagnosis is made, only in adulthood, specific communication problems become apparent. The recommended treatment is social skills training (TUS) and cognitive-behavioral therapy, of course, adapted to the patient’s age and needs.
In the case of Asperger‘s syndrome, the traits that accompany it also touch on the issue of empathy. First, however, it should be clarified – what is empathy? It is defined as the ability to feel and understand the mental states of others. The opinion is often repeated that people with Asperger’s syndrome are devoid of empathy. It can be said with certainty that they do not realize this ability as neurotypical people do. This is because empathy is reduced in them-persons with Asperger’s are guided by logic rather than emotions and compassion. However, this does not mean that they are characterized by ruthlessness or cruelty. They can also learn the mechanisms involved in showing empathy, so they won’t be seen as lacking it.
The main differences between autism and Asperger syndrome – diagnosis
- Language and communication. In autism, we observe a lack of intention to communicate and often a lack of awareness that language exists at all. Autistic people are not so much unwilling to communicate as they are unaware that they can do so. In Asperger’s syndrome, the person communicates selectively. Messages most often, related to a specific goal. There is rarely narration, interpretation of experiences or surroundings. In ZA, there is also selective listening, characterized by focusing on selected details.
- Social relationships. The need for and ability to build social relationships are far different in autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. 6Persons with Asperger’s show a strong desire to exist in a group, demonstrating great difficulty in this area. They need to be in a group, but according to their own rules. In autism, the need for relationships does not emerge. Other people are primarily used as a tool to achieve some goal. Without the desire for contact, the autistic person also does not feel the effects of isolation. People with Asperger’s Syndrome indicate much better relationships with adults than with peers. In autism, one may notice a lack of relationships with both adults and peers.
Asperger’s Syndrome and the immediate environment
It is inevitable that the symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome strongly affect the immediate environment of the person struggling with the disorder. In the case of a child, a lot of hard work awaits the parents, which will include learning to live with certain behaviors of the disordered person. However, in the case of diagnosed adults, many questions and doubts also arise, such as whether Asperger’s can love? People also wonder, what does an Asperger feel? This has to do with the peculiar way in which people struggling with the syndrome show their feelings and emotions. Some people find it difficult to guess what a person affected by the disorder feels or thinks about a particular subject. However, a person who struggles with Asperger’s syndrome can still enter into relationships with others, but experiences a different kind of problem in them. This is because entering a relationship and maintaining it is extremely difficult for a person who has trouble with social interactions. However, it is still feasible. It happens that non-neurotypical people experience their first romantic relationships much later than is the case with their peers without the disorder.
Asperger’s in women
More recently, the topic of Asperger’s syndrome in women has been raised more frequently. It is widely believed to affect girls less often than boys. However, women are characterized by a different set of symptoms that were previously often ignored. Today, it is already known that not every woman exhibits the behaviors hitherto always associated with the syndrome. That is why it is so important to go to a specialist after noticing worrying symptoms. Thus, women suffering from spectrum disorders may be characterized by introversion, focusing on specific interests on which they focus all their attention. They are also characterized by very good adaptation to their surroundings. They function by imitating the people around them and thus cope with their disorder. This means that women with Asperger’s syndrome are able to camouflage their problems well. This may affect how often the disorder is recognized and diagnosed among them.
Asperger’s syndrome-how to deal with it?
When a diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome occurs, it is followed by the question-what next? How to cope with this type of disorder and is it even possible? First of all, it should be remembered that the further path of a person with the syndrome should be decided by a specialist. It is he who should choose the right treatment path. He should also determine whether therapy is needed, for example. In the case of people with Asperger’s syndrome, it is important to focus on their social skills. This is because it is an area that may cause them particular difficulty. It also affects the comfort of the disturbed person’s life. In this case, social skills training for adults can come to the rescue.
Social skills training – what does it consist of?
First of all, it is worth finding out what social skills training is – the definition says that it is a form of work with a group, through which competencies are developed regarding contacts with other people. As part of such meetings, trainees develop methods of social functioning. This is intended to make it easier for them to live in society. This type of training can make it easier for a person with Asperger syndrome to interact with other people. This is an important aspect of everyone’s life, as humans are social creatures. No one is able to function in isolation from other people. Encounters with a group of other people are therefore an opportunity to practice one’s social skills in a safe and controlled environment.
Asperger’s syndrome is therefore a developmental disorder that can be recognized as early as childhood. It accompanies a person throughout life and is characterized by varied symptoms. They can be different not only in women and men – each person struggling with the syndrome may exhibit a different set of symptoms. Women are sometimes diagnosed less frequently because they exhibit different symptoms of the disorder from men and camouflage them better. A diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome should be made by a specialist, who will then guide the person struggling with the disorder further. One of the methods used in working with Asperger syndrome is social skills training. Its task is to develop the social competence of a person on the spectrum. As a result, her quality of life can improve. She then has a chance to establish more satisfying contacts with other people.