Transcript Document
A Journey Through Asperger’s Syndrome Ali, Katie, Liza What is Asperger’s? • Asperger’s syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder. • An autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – Mildest form of Autism • Dr. Hans Asperger – 1944 – Boys with similar traits • Boy studies b/c most cases were found in boys (still today 70-80)% • May be because girls can overcome symptoms based on socialization • Neurological disorder – – – ASD of a distinct group of neurological conditions greater or less than average degree of impairment in language and communication skills, repetitive or restrictive patterns of thought and behavior. Common Traits & Characteristics – socially awkward and clumsy – naive and gullible – unaware of others' feelings – unable to carry on conversation – easily upset by changes – literal in speech and understanding – sensitive to loud sounds, lights, odors – fixated on one subject or object – physically awkward in sports – very accurate memory for details – trouble understanding things they have heard or read – inappropriate body language & expression – repetitive and irrelevant comments – unusually loud, high or monotonous voice – rock, fidget or pace while concentrating Diagnosing the Syndrome • Two main criteria for diagnosis: DSM IV and Gillberg’s criteria: – Impairment in social interactions – Limited all-consuming interests – Burden regarding routines and interests – Speech and communication problems – Non-verbal language difficulties – Difficulty with motor skills Possible Treatment *The earlier the better! • Psychosocial interventions – Social training skills – Cognitive behavior therapy – Any activity to help individual learn to adjust to social situations and act appropriately • Camp, teen tours, group communication • Psychopharmalogical interventions • NO CURE! What Can Cause All this? The debate… *NOT BAD PARENTING! • Genetics (still a lot of research in Progress) – • Family inheritance on father’s side Studies of brain – Right lobe studies using MRI’s – – – • Research done in 1994 and 1995 Disability with right hemisphere Right front lobe especially deals with “social rules” Other Findings – – Birth problems, lack of oxygen central nervous system dysfunction An Interview with Asperger’s • Wendy Lawson & her story Autism is: being present in this world, But not entirely of it. I am one step removed and curled, The switch just doesn't click. I perform the role of my perception, And play many parts so well. But minus files for my redemption, My part in life I cannot tell. Life is like a video, I watch but cannot partake. My uneven skills are but an echo, Of the frustrations which I hate! However, my focused use of time and space, I would not give away. I know that I am especially placed, For some developed career one day! – – – – always new she was different Very difficult to make friends No flexibility Obsessions of interests – – – – – Tinted glasses Only cotton Can’t read body language Social skills by trial and error Uncomfortable when not in control • animals and insects Fact or Myth? • ALL PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME ARE EXACTLY THE SAME? • False • ASPERGER’S SYNDROME IS HIGH FUNCTION AUTISM • True • ALL PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME CAN HAVE MEANINGFUL JOBS AND LIVE INDEPENDENTLY • False • IF YOU CAN FIX THE BEHAVIORS OF PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME, YOU CAN CURE THE DISORDER • False • SOME PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME DESIRE FRIENDSHIP • True • FROM A CROWD OF PEOPLE I MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO PICK THE PERSON WITH ASPERGER’S OUT • True! Asperger’s In History…Surprised? • Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton Works Cited • • • • • • • • • • http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm http://img.nesteklikk.no/2005-14/medium/56555.jpg http://img.pathfinder.gr/CMAN/i/61/0/26-5.jpg http://www.learningdiscoveries.org/Aspergers.htm www.scarfuk.co.uk/ images/image2.gif http://mugsy.org/wendy/wendy13.jpg http://www.aspergers.com/ http://info.med.yale.edu/chldstdy/autism/aspergers.html http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Troy/1807/criteria.html