Transcript PowerPoint Presentation - Asperger`s Syndrome

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
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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
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socially awkward and clumsy
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naive and gullible
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unaware of others' feelings
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unable to carry on conversation
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easily upset by changes
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literal in speech and understanding
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sensitive to loud sounds, lights, odors
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fixated on one subject or object
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physically awkward in sports
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very accurate memory for details
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trouble understanding things they have heard or
read
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inappropriate body language & expression
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repetitive and irrelevant comments
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unusually loud, high or monotonous voice
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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)
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Family inheritance on father’s side
Studies of brain
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Right lobe studies using MRI’s
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Research done in 1994 and 1995
Disability with right hemisphere
Right front lobe especially deals with “social rules”
Other Findings
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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!
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always new she was different
Very difficult to make friends
No flexibility
Obsessions of interests
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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?
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ALL PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME ARE EXACTLY THE SAME?
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False
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ASPERGER’S SYNDROME IS HIGH FUNCTION AUTISM
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True
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ALL PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME CAN HAVE MEANINGFUL JOBS AND LIVE
INDEPENDENTLY
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False
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IF YOU CAN FIX THE BEHAVIORS OF PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME, YOU CAN CURE
THE DISORDER
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False
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SOME PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME DESIRE FRIENDSHIP
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True
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FROM A CROWD OF PEOPLE I MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO PICK THE PERSON WITH ASPERGER’S
OUT
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True!
Asperger’s In History…Surprised?
• Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton
Works Cited
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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