Aspergers Syndrome

By Vanessa Rasmussen, © 2004, All rights reserved.
Website: http://www.startingadaycarecenter.com

Asperger Syndrome or (Asperger's Disorder) is a neurobiological disorder named after a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger. Hans, in 1944 published a paper which described a pattern of behavior in several young boys who had normal intelligence and language development, and at the same time also exhibited autistic-like behavior and marked deficiencies in social and communication skills. It is linked to autism spectrum disorder, and includes autistic-like behavior and marked deficiencies in social and communication skills.

Asperger's Syndrome is more common in boys than in girls. It is not usually recognized before the age or three or even later. The syndrome can be classified using the categories below:

Often overly sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells, and sights, the child 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 behavioral traits that seem odd or unusual are due to those neurological differences and not the result of intentional rudeness, bad behavior, and most certainly not the result of "improper parenting".

Understandably, AS individuals encounter enormous difficulties during their transition into adolescence, and later into adult life, since they have not completed the requisite developmental tasks or moved beyond early stages in language, cognitive and social skills. They frequently remain emotionally dependent on parents or family members, and suffer from separation anxiety and insecurity when trying to live on their own. Friendship with peers, romantic relationships, marriage and parenting, and entry into the work world are usually beyond their capacity.

Copyright 2001, 2004. All rights reserved. Any reproduction of this article in whole or in part without written or verbal permission is strictly prohibited. For information about reprinting this article, contact the copyright owner: Vanessa Rasmussen, Ph.D, Starting a Day Care Center, http://www.startingadaycarecenter.com.