Asperger Syndrome

Asperger Syndrome is a congenital neuropsychiatric disorder that is very similar to autism and is often described as its mild form. The syndrome is not particularly rare; it is estimated to affect about 1 in 200 children, with boys being affected more often than girls. Because the symptoms are relatively mild, it often remains undiagnosed. According to 2015 data, Asperger syndrome was diagnosed that year in 0.5% of the population (approximately 37.2 million people).

In 2013, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‑5), which is used primarily in the United States (USA), the terms “Asperger Syndrome” and other pervasive developmental disorders were replaced by the umbrella diagnosis “autism spectrum disorder” (ASD). This means that Asperger syndrome is no longer officially considered a separate disorder in the USA, but is now included under ASD. However, many physicians still use the term Asperger syndrome. The International Classification of Diseases by the World Health Organization (ICD‑11), which is used in many other countries worldwide, continues to list Asperger syndrome as a subtype of ASD.

Causes:

The causes of this syndrome are not entirely clear; it may involve a kind of disturbance in brain development during intrauterine development and an abnormal functioning of brain neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemical compounds that transmit impulses between nerve cells in the brain. Genetics plays a role in the development of the disorder, as a higher family occurrence has been observed in this syndrome.

Symptoms:

Some symptoms are similar to childhood autism, while others are completely different. A person with AS has normal or even above‑average intelligence (in some areas it may even approach genius), but their perception of other people’s emotions and their social abilities are impaired. Even though individuals with AS usually tolerate being around others quite well, they have difficulties with communication — they are unable to perceive emotions and nonverbal communication, and cannot adapt their behavior to the situation. Sometimes their behavior may be mistakenly interpreted as impoliteness. People with Asperger syndrome often receive the label of being “odd.” They have reduced ability to form lasting relationships, they may struggle with coworkers at work, feel misunderstood, and fail to understand their surroundings. They tend to repeat daily rituals whose existence calms them. Sudden changes of plans or the need for spontaneous decision‑making cause them difficulties and trigger neuroses, depression, anger, aggression, etc.

Prevention:

Since this is a congenital disease and the cause is not fully known, prevention of its development is not possible.

Treatment:

The syndrome itself is incurable. In diagnosed cases, care from a child psychiatrist and psychologist is necessary, as they will try to instill in individuals with AS the social skills that will subsequently make their lives easier. It is therefore more accurate to speak of upbringing rather than treatment. Behavioral disorders, aggression, and depression are treated with medication (antidepressants, neuroleptics).

• socializačné problémy
• problém s komunikáciou
• poruchy správania, agresivita, depresia
• časté zmeny nálad
• náznaky autizmu
• problém udržať emócie
• problémy s nadviazaním vzťahov
• radi opakujú denné rituály
• pri náhlych zmenách sú nepokojní až nahnevaní