Understanding Asperger’s
This condition affects a significant number of people, worldwide. Yet, it took a celebrity to spark the curiosity of the general public about it
People diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome typically have high intelligence and no speech delays. The exact cause of AS is not known, however, genetic factors may play a role, as it has been seen to run in some families — DR SUDHIR KUMAR, MD DM, Senior Consultant Neurologist, Apollo Hospitals
While hosting the US TV show Saturday Night Live, Elon Musk spoke publicly for the first time about having Asperger’s. What exactly is this condition? How can it be identified?
Asperger’s Syndrome is a developmental disorder that results in communication and behavioural problems. “Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) was first recognised as a diagnostic entity in 1994,” says Dr Sudhir Kumar, MD DM, Senior Consultant Neurologist, Apollo Hospitals. However, it was described as early as 1944 by an Austrian Paediatrician, Dr Hans Asperger, after whom this condition was named. It is a distinct disorder related to autism and it was combined with autistic disorder in 2013. AS is commonly seen in children after the age of three years, and is more common in boys. “People diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome typically have high intelligence and no speech delays,” he clarifies.
“The exact cause of AS is not known, however, genetic factors may play a role, as it has been seen to run in some families,” says Dr Sudhir.
AS AND AUTISM
Though AS is related to autism, there are many differences. Dr Sudhir explains:
Developmental delay and cognitive delay are common in persons with autistic disorder, but that is not the case with AS.
Individuals with AS have significantly impaired communication and social interaction skills. They notably lack the ability to communicate by non-verbal cues, such as by facial gestures, expressions, hand movements, etc.
Children with AS find it difficult to make friends and are often ostracised or bullied. They prefer to be alone and they love solitude.
Individuals with AS have normal or above-normal intelligence. They have excellent memory too, especially for rote learning. They become passionate about one or two subjects and may become brilliant in those fields.
Most children with AS can study in mainstream schools and colleges. Only a few of them may require education at special schools.
SYMPTOMS
AS can range in intensity from mild to severe, and those affected may not have all the symptoms. The main symptoms pertain to difficulties in social interaction and communication.
Children with AS may show an interest in friendships, but find it hard to make friends, and even harder to keep them. They are often ridiculed and rejected by their peers. They are, however, loving and affectionate with their immediate family.
They often exhibit socially inappropriate behaviour for their age. They are often rigid and find it difficult to adapt to different social situations.
They are unable to judge personal space and also find it difficult to understand another person’s emotions and feelings.
Communication problems are a major issue in people with AS. Apart from an inability to use facial expressions and gestures, they also find it difficult to modulate the tone, volume and rhythm of speech and make other variations too, which makes their speech appear mechanical and monotonous.
They often take the literal meaning of what is said, and find it hard to understand what was implied.
They may interrupt others who are speaking, and hence appear rude and insensitive.
They may develop an intense interest in one subject, which at times may be unimportant or irrelevant.
They strictly adhere to a rigid daily routine and find it hard to be flexible.
They are fearful of change and find it difficult to switch from one activity t o another.
DIAGNOSIS
The diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome is made on the basis of clinical symptoms. “If a child exhibits the symptoms mentioned above, a doctor should be consulted. A team consisting of paediatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist and psychologist is required to confirm the diagnosis of AS, and assess its severity,” says Dr Sudhir adding that “there is no specific blood test or brain scan to diagnose this condition.”
TREATMENT AND CARE
There is also no specific medical treatment for Asperger’s Syndrome and there is no cure for it, the doctor says. However, some children can have additional comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression, which can be treated with medicines. “Treatment of AS mainly requires support and training in social and communication skills. Behavioural interventions and psychotherapy are also helpful,” he explains.
Communication problems are a major issue in people with AS. Apart from an inability to use facial expressions and gestures, they also find it difficult to modulate the tone, volume and rhythm of speech