Asperger's disease is a separate form of autism, which is not characterized by a lag in mental development. Pathology is expressed by violations in the perception of the world, a clear lack of communication, a limitation in interaction with society. The first symptoms of the disease begin to manifest in children from the age of six. A timely diagnosis is the key to adequate psychological assistance, which helps to improve the quality of human life in the future.
The essence of the disease
In 1944, an English scientist, whose last name was later named the disease, began to observe children of different ages. During the study, Hans Asperger described behaviors that distinguished children from their peers. The scientist was able to identify a number of certain patterns. For example, in children with autistic psychopathy there is a complete lack of interest in the surrounding reality. They try to live in their own world. Stingy speech and facial expressions do not allow us to understand what such children think and feel. All these symptoms have become the basis for the perception of Asperger's disease or syndrome as a separate form of autism.
Scientists have not been able to pinpoint whether pathology is an isolated neurological disorder or specific behavior. Why? The thing is that Asperger's disease (syndrome) is not accompanied by mental disorders. Later, psychologists developed a unique test to determine the level of intelligence. Its first results added controversy among scientists. 90 children out of 100 showed high mental abilities. They could build undeniable logical chains, solve serious mathematical problems in the mind. On the other hand, small patients were deprived of creativity, sense of humor, imagination. As a result, difficulties arose in interacting with society.
Causes of occurrence
Asperger's disease attracts the attention of scientists from around the world. However, so far they cannot name the exact reasons that trigger the mechanism of its development. Most experts adhere to a version of an etiology similar to autism. Therefore, among the main causes of Asperger's disease, it is customary to distinguish the following:
- hereditary genetic predisposition;
- injuries received during delivery;
- fetal intoxication during fetal development.
Modern methods of computer diagnostics and special testing can more accurately determine the causes of neurological dysfunction.
Classical Triad of Symptoms
In Asperger psychiatry, the disease is usually viewed through the prism of a triad of symptoms:
- communication problems;
- lack of creative component, emotions and emotions;
- difficulties with the spatial perception of the world.
What other symptoms of Asperger Syndrome? Photos of young patients with this diagnosis give a complete picture of the pathology picture. Its first symptoms begin to manifest at an early age. For example, young children are annoyed by any harsh sound or strong smell. Many parents do not understand this reaction of the child, so it is rarely correlated with Asperger’s disease. With age, it is replaced by a non-standard understanding of the world. Smooth and pleasant to the touch objects seem prickly, and a tasty dish - disgusting. The clinical picture is complemented by a clumsy gait, some physical awkwardness. Experts explain this phenomenon by excessive self-absorption.
Signs of the syndrome in children
In young patients under six years of age, pathology is practically not manifested. On the contrary, such children fully develop. They begin to speak and walk early, easily remember new words. Sometimes they show amazing abilities for counting or foreign languages.
The main problem of children with Asperger's disease is communication disorders. Manifestations of social inability begin after six years. Usually this period coincides with the time when the rebecs are sent to school. Among the main symptoms of pathology in young patients, the following can be distinguished:
- unwillingness to participate in active games with other children;
- a strong passion for a quiet hobby that requires perseverance;
- hostility to funny cartoons due to loud sounds and music;
- lack of contact with new people and children.
A child with Asperger's disease is very attached to home and parents. A change in familiar surroundings can scare him. Such children feel comfortable only if household items always lie in their places. With minor changes in the daily routine, they literally fall into hysteria. For example, if a mother always picks up a child from school, but then dad arrives, an uncontrolled tantrum may occur.
Asperger Syndrome in Adults
Treatment of this disease begins with the onset of the first symptoms. If from an early age, parents, together with specialists, did not correct their communication skills, pathology can progress. In adulthood, patients experience acute social isolation. They find it difficult to find a common language in the team, cannot maintain friendly relations, experience problems in their personal lives.
Among people with Asperger Syndrome, managers or senior executives never meet. They can thoroughly know the enterprise, have a high level of intelligence, but give preference to the usual routine work. Career successes do not bother them at all. Moreover, often such people become real social outcasts due to seeming impolite. They refuse to abide by the rules of etiquette when they do not see the point in them. Often make tactless comments and interrupt the conversation, lost in their own thoughts.
What is dangerous Asperger's disease?
Symptoms of neurological dysfunction identified at an early stage allow for timely psychological correction. The disease practically does not pose a threat to human life. Children gradually adapt to the surrounding reality, many of them are making progress in science. However, positive dynamics are not observed in all patients. It’s hard for some to find their destiny in adulthood, while others develop phobias. Therefore, parents should instill in their children communication skills from an early age so that in the future they can fully live in harmony with the outside world.
Diagnostic Methods
An experienced psychologist can confirm Asperger's disease based on observation of the patient’s behavior and history. However, it is not always possible to determine the cause of the pathology solely by external characteristics. Often the clinical picture of the disease is similar to the character traits of a normal introvert. Therefore, in modern psychiatry, various tests are used to diagnose the syndrome. They allow you to identify neurological disorders. Tests for adults and children with Asperger's disease are difficult questions. In addition, they are conventionally divided into groups according to their purpose:
- assessment of the level of intelligence;
- characteristic of creative imagination;
- determination of sensory sensitivity.
Modern testing methods through questions and image interpretation help identify Asperger's disease at an early stage. Based on the results, the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment.
Therapeutic Techniques
First of all, patients suffering from manifestations of Asperger's syndrome require the advice of a qualified psychiatrist. The basis of treatment is the competent adaptation of children and adults to constantly changing living conditions. To combat nervous disorders, sedatives are additionally prescribed. In especially serious cases, treatment is not complete without the use of antidepressants. It is impossible to completely change the attitude of patients to society, but their behavior can be adjusted and adapted. People diagnosed with Asperger’s disease have extraordinary thinking, so they need to explain everything in detail. Only in this case will they strive to overcome difficulties on their own.