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 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 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 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 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 Asperger’s In History…Surprised? • Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton