ASPERGER’S SYNDROME
Much of our everyday communication is based on non-verbal cues. Being able to read signals, facial expressions, body language and tone of voice are second nature to most of us. We are able to decipher if a person is sad, happy or angry and respond accordingly. While this may be instinctive for many, people who have Asperger’s Syndrome find it very difficult to read these signals that many of us comprehend effortlessly. This may impair their ability to interact and may lead to anxiety and confusion about the world.
Asperger’s Syndrome is part of a range of disorders known as Autistic Spectrum Disorders which is a neuro-developmental condition, impacting the way a person makes sense of the world, relates to others and also how their brain processes information. It lies on a spectrum and it varies in its intensity and severity, affecting people in different ways.
Those who have been diagnosed with such a condition have difficulty in three main aspects of life; social communication, interaction and creativity.
There are various other symptoms of this disorder and these include: > Repetitive behaviour > Unusual rituals > A small range of interests > Uncomfortable in large social settings > Problems with coordination > Difficulties in communication > A special skill or talent > Difficulties with intimacy It is only in recent years that this disorder, which seems to be more common in males than females, has been recognised in its own right. It is quite complex and difficult to diagnose but usually noticed in children between the ages of two and six years. Unfortunately many cases are unreported and untreated, mainly due to lack of awareness or unavailability of qualified clinicians who can accurately identify and classify symptoms.
Research suggests that children who are diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome often have above average intelligence and a special knack for learning facts and figures. One reason for this is because they have larger brains than average, which grows very fast during childhood. However, they find it problematic to indulge in imaginative and creative play and have a difficult time in understanding abstract concepts.
People with Asperger’s also have a tendency to develop a focused or specific interest in one or a limited number of things. Sarah’s parents say that when she was five years old she “was obsessed with the planets. That is all she ever talked about and her room was covered with drawings and pictures of the different planets. She rarely focused on anything else.”
Both children and adults with this condition respond well to routine in order to establish more predictability and controllability in the world around them. These people may have excessive anxiety about social situations and find it difficult to perform or communicate in front of a group of people. One of the ways in which this can be curbed is through the introduction of systematic strategies and focusing on a special interest. This may then lead to providing a shield against the intrusive and anxiety-provoking thoughts.
Ben, now 28, was diagnosed with Asperger’s at the age of nine. He says that “If I get anxious I get all wound up and lose control of my thoughts. So I have a timetable and it helps me to see what I have to do next, otherwise I get confused.”
Research has not been able to identify an exact cause of this disorder but environmental and genetic factors are held responsible and that is because both variables can contribute to certain changes in brain development which leads to the development of Asperger’s Syndrome.
More and more work is being done on both a scientific as well as a social level. This way, we can raise awareness as well as help them fully realise their potential and avail opportunities in order to improve their quality of life. By focusing on strengths rather than developmental areas, these people can have more functional relationships and engage in occupations that are best suited to them. All differences should be embraced and understood, including those that come Asperger’s syndrome. With speculation that great people like Einstein and Newton had the condition, judgment and stigma should be discarded and replaced with acceptance, uniqueness and a deeper understanding. Samineh I. Shaheem is an author, an assistant professor of psychology, consultant at HRI, Learning & Development advisor and owner of Life Clubs UAE. She has studied and worked in different parts of the world, including the USA, Canada, UK, Netherlands, and now the UAE. She co-hosts a radio programme on 103.8 FM Dubai Eye (Psyched Sundays, Voices of Diversity 10-12pm) every Sunday morning discussing the most relevant psychological issues in our community. Twitter: @saminehshaheem/Facebook: Life Clubs UAE. Please forward your thoughts and suggestions for future articles to OutOfMindContact@gmail.com or Samineh@lifeclubs.ae