Diagnosis Of Autism And Aspergers
As we discussed before, Aspergers Syndrome is now a part of ASD diagnosis. Its signs and symptoms differ from one person to another.
There are certain symptoms that need to be present in an individual in order for ASD diagnosis to be made.
The person will be assessed in terms of having persistent difficulties with social communication and social interaction and restricted and repetitive behaviors. These are seen since early childhood.
The following symptoms can mean that your child has ASD. If you see the following signs in your child, seek professional help:
- Lack of eye contact
- Depth of knowledge in that area of interest
- Sensitivity to certain sounds, textures, smells, tastes, etc.
Intellectual Or Artistic Interest
Many of the diagnosed Aspergians will have at least one particular field of intellectual or artistic interest and talent. Asperigans show great skill in their area of interest at an early age and proceed to effectively excel at it later in life. Wolfgang A. Mozart is a great example of a historical figure with Aspergers-like characteristics. Mozart was extremely skilled at composing music he was known to compose as a young child and continued doing so late into life. Aspergians may thrive in fields such as photography, webpage design, accounting, engineering, or data entry.
How Is Asperger’s Diagnosed
Doctors use interviews to diagnose autism spectrum disorder. When all the results are in, your doctor uses the information to determine where you fall on the spectrum.
Experts say an ASD screening might include an assessment of your:
- Social skills. Questions about current relationships, interactions with authority figures, and feelings about others are expected. Sometimes, outsiders like family members or teachers also answer questions to give experts a deeper understanding.
- Physical health. Underlying issues could blur your ASD symptoms. For example, kids with profound hearing loss may seem as though they are uncommunicative, but when that problem is addressed, they can chat with their peers with ease. A full health panel helps doctors rule out issues like this.
- Mental health. Asperger’s and other autism disorders often spark depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity. These problems can limit recovery.
Asperger’s is difficult to diagnose, and it’s common for doctors to use multiple interviews to spot the disorder. People with Asperger’s are intelligent and often quite social. Some mask their symptoms, so the issues are harder to see. Multiple interviews, held over a long period, can help doctors identify issues that might remain hidden in one quick chat.
This is a valid choice, but it’s not the right one for everyone. Autism spectrum disorder is a protected disability, and people with the diagnosis can access critical help.
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What Is Aspergers Syndrome
Aspergers syndrome was first described by the Viennese pediatrician Hans Asperger in the 1940s. He noticed that some children had behaviors similar to autism, but with average intelligence levels and language development.
When the DSM-4 added Aspergers syndrome, it described the condition as the same as autism with a key exception: people with Aspergers didnt have delays in the areas of communication and language.
The for Aspergers disorder states that the person will have:
- closer to neurotypical language development
- average intelligence
- noticeable differences in social interaction
- repetitive behaviors
- strong, focused approach to certain interests or activities
Aspergers syndrome tends to be seen as a form of high-functioning autism. High-functioning autism typically means that a persons language skills and development are considered normal according to neurotypical standards.
When the DSM-5 was published in 2013, Aspergers syndrome was folded into autism spectrum disorder.
The specific behavior and communication patterns associated with high-functioning autism or Aspergers tend to be classified as requiring support. This means people with an Aspergers diagnosis might not need as much support in day-to-day life as other autistic people.
Difference No : Iq May Be Higher Than Normal
While kids with autism typically have a below average IQ, those with Aspergers may have higher-than-normal intelligence.
Some children with Aspergers have a very advanced vocabulary and may become experts in memorizing facts about a specific subject. For instance, they may remember and recite specific sports statistics or facts about dinosaurs.
Some kids with Aspergers are described as gifted and having intellectual talents. They may perform exceptionally well academically, but this isnt always the case, as many also have behavioral problems that can hold them back.
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What Is The Difference Between Autism And Aspergers
The difference between autism and Aspergers is a question that often features in discussions about autism.
Aspergers was included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition for the first time in 1994, where it appeared as a separate presentation of a pervasive developmental disorder.
Key characteristics associated with Aspergers syndrome in DSM-4 were:
- Difficulties with social interaction and social communication
- Restricted and repetitive behaviours
- No intellectual disability, and
- No delay in verbal speech development.
Other diagnoses that were thought to be different categories of autism were included in DSM-4 under the umbrella title of Pervasive Developmental Disorders. These included:
- Autistic Disorder
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, known as PDD-NOS.
How Is Asperger Syndrome Diagnosed
Asperger syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed with neuropsychological testing.
- This usually involves observation of a patients behavior along with an assessment of a patients behavioral history.
- Tests may also be administered to evaluate cognitive, linguistic, and communication abilities.
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How Do These Deficits Manifest In Kids With Nld
In addition to the different combinations of symptoms, kids with NLD also vary along a spectrum of severity.
One the one hand there are kids who are extremely high-functioning but socially awkward, a little clumsy, disorganizedwhat Bezsylko calls the absentminded professor type. Other kids are more pervasively affected, and they function with more difficulty in many areas. These kids often struggle to learn everything that isnt rote or literal.
At Winston Prep, a study of more than 100 students with NLD showed that there were 6 combinations of the 5 deficits. The largest group had all five of the deficits, but the second largest group had just two: social communication and executive functions.
Difference No : Theres Rarely A Language Delay
One big difference between autism and Aspergers is that kids with autism tend to start talking later. Those with Aspergers usually dont experience a language delay.
While children with autism often seem aloof, those with Aspergers usually want to interact with others.
Though they welcome conversation, kids with Aspergers do find it difficult to communicate and may come off as socially awkward.
Difficulty maintaining eye contact and reading facial expressions, and speaking without emotion are signature traits of Aspergers. Children and adults with Aspergers also find it difficult to recognize and express their own feelings.
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Aspergers Vs Autism: What Are The Differences
Aspergers and autism are no longer considered separate diagnoses. People who may have previously received an Aspergers diagnosis instead now receive an autism diagnosis.
But many people who were diagnosed with Aspergers before the diagnostic criteria changed in 2013 are still perceived as having Aspergers.
And many people also consider Aspergers as part of their identity. This is especially considering the stigma that still surrounds autism diagnoses in many communities around the world.
Yet the only real difference between the two diagnoses is that people with Aspergers may be considered as having an easier time passing as neurotypical with only mild signs and symptoms that may resemble those of autism.
Similarities Of Autism And Aspergers
As mentioned before, Aspergers is now a part of autism spectrum disorders.
However, back when the syndrome had its own diagnosis, the symptoms were really similar to that of autism. The following were the similar symptoms:
- Difficulty in interpreting verbal and non-verbal language
- Difficulty in understanding gestures, facial expressions, jokes, etc.
- Difficulty in understanding others thoughts and feelings
- Difficulty in expressing emotions
- Depth of knowledge in that area of interest
- Sensitivity to certain sounds, textures, smells, tastes, etc.
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Treatment For Children With Autism
Learning about the difference between autism and Aspergers is helpful, but taking action is even more important. At Therapeutic Pathways, we encourage parents to seek treatment for their child as early as possible. Research suggests that early intervention provides the best opportunity for children to learn valuable independent life skills.
For more information about treatment options, contact Therapeutic Pathways at 422-3280.
How To Deal With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Unfortunately, no specific prevention ways have been listed for autism spectrum disorder, but it is a treatable disease and with good treatment procedure, kids can improve their speech impurities as well as social skills. As to causes, there is no great difference between Aspergers and autism in line with treatment. The following 7 methods apply to both of them.
1. Learn About the Disorder
Knowing more about the situation in hand always helps. Learning about the misconceptions revolving around ASD and the truth can deepen your understanding about the troubles faced by your kid.
2. Try Behavior and Communication Therapies
Enrolling your kid in programs addressed to deal with autism spectrum disorders is the best thing. These programs specialize in behavioural and social skills development, teaching kids how to act in given set of situation thus preparing them for real life troubles. Here, the kid can learn how to communicate with different people.
3. Join Educational Therapies
Highly structured educational programs are always a win in the proper treatment of ASD as they provide planned activities for social, communication and speech skills in a school environment.
4. Use Family Therapies
Understanding your kid is the need of the hour, especially with kids suffering from ASD. Parents can learn how to intelligently play and associate with their kid so as to improve their lacking skill-sets in family therapies.
5. Take Medications
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Language Development For Aspergers
Language development in children with Aspergers Syndrome is often typical in terms of verbal language. Children with Aspergers Syndrome are generally delayed in their use of language.
Compared to other types of autism spectrum disorders, those diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome do not have significant delays or difficulties in language or cognitive development. They have extensive vocabulary.
While their language develops somewhat typically, their non-verbal language development declines as they grow up.
This decline in non-verbal language impacts the overall language development, as it is the structure supporting the functional communication.
Language development in people with AS may appear somewhat typical compared to other forms of autism.
However, the language challenges faced can be more complex and at a higher level compared to other forms of autism spectrum disorders.
The History Of Asperger’s
Chances are, people with Asperger’s have always been active in society, but we didn’t give their characteristics a name until the 1940s. As soon as the term was applied, people wanted to change it.
Autism Speaks explains the Asperger’s timeline like this:
- Early description: In 1944, an Austrian pediatrician described four patients with poor social skills, narrow interests, and clumsiness.
- Later interest: In 1981, a British psychiatrist published case studies under the heading “Asperger syndrome,” named after the pediatrician from the 1940s.
- Formal acceptance: In 1994, Asperger syndrome was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders .
- Name change: In 2013, the term Asperger syndrome was removed from the DSM-5 and replaced with autism spectrum disorder.
The National Autistic Society in the UK explains that all people with autism share common traits. They typically struggle with social interactions, for example, and they tend to have very narrow interests. But some people have more difficulties than others.
When researchers looked at Asperger’s vs. autism, they saw many similarities. In fact, so-called “high-functioning” autistic people, who still have symptoms but can often compensate to better fit with the world around them, are almost indistinguishable from people with Asperger’s.
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Asperger Therapies And Services
Find the following services near you using the Autism Speaks Resource Guide.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help address anxiety and other personal challenges.
Social skills training classes can help with conversational skills and understanding social cues.
Speech therapy can help with voice control.
Physical and occupational therapy can improve coordination.
Psychoactive medicines can help manage associated anxiety, depression and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder .
Can Cats Have Special Needs
If your cat exhibits some behavioral and physical abnormalities, then she may be what is typically called a « special needs cat. » Special needs cats often display many traits that might resemble, to the casual observer, those associated with Down syndrome, even though cats cannot actually develop the condition.
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The Development Of Harmful Psychological Problems
The potential for the development of harmful psychological disorders typically occurs during puberty or immediately thereafter. The most common disorders are anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, young Aspergians have a high rate of suicide that may be directly related to anxiety and depression. The only other demographics with a higher suicide rate for teenagers is transgender and homosexual individuals.
A Concise History Of Asperger Syndrome
In the same years of Leo Kanners description of Infantile Autism , Hans Asperger wrote a case report on Autistic Psychopathy , describing children with social-communication impairment, eccentric manners, unusual interests and cognitive domains of hyper-functioning. The American Psychiatric Association did not immediately recognize Autism as a distinct category: it was introduced as Infantile Autism in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and included within Pervasive Developmental Disorders in the DSM-III-R . In 1981, Wing resumed Aspergers researches, renaming the Autistic Psychopathy as Asperger Syndrome . In 1989, the first diagnostic criteria for AS were proposed and in the 1990s, AS appeared in the DSM-IV within PDD .
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What Is Non Verbal Processing Disorder
Nonverbal learning disorder is a learning disability that causes difficulty with motor, visual-spatial, and social skills. Children with NVLD are often well-spoken and can write well, but struggle with subtle social cues and comprehension of abstract concepts. 1. 65% Of all communication is conveyed nonverbally3.
‘asperger Syndrome’ Was Introduced To The World By British Psychiatrist Lorna Wing In The 1980s
The term derives from a 1944 study by Austrian paediatrician Hans Asperger .
Many people who fit the profile for Asperger syndrome are now being diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder instead. Each person is different, and it is up to each individual how they choose to identify. Some people with a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome may choose to keeping using the term, while others may prefer to refer to themselves as autistic or on the autistic spectrum.
Autism is a spectrum condition. All autistic people share certain difficulties, but being autistic will affect them in different ways. Some people with Asperger syndrome also have mental health issues or other conditions, meaning people need different levels and types of support. People with Asperger syndrome see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. If you have Asperger syndrome, you have it for life it is not an illness or disease and cannot be cured. Often people feel that Asperger syndrome is a fundamental aspect of their identity.
People with Asperger syndrome don’t have the learning disabilities that many autistic people have, but they may have specific learning difficulties. They may have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.
With the right sort of support, all autistic people can be helped to live a more fulfilling life of their own choosing.
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What Is Mild Asperger’s
Aspergers is considered a mild form on the autism spectrum, since a person with Aspergers will often be able to function in situations that someone with a more severe form of the illness will not be able to handle. A person with classic autism will act inappropriately at times, and often engage in strange repetitive motions such as hand flapping or spinning. A person with mild Aspergers may merely be considered eccentric or socially inept.
This syndrome is classified as a pervasive developmental disorder on the autism spectrum. A pervasive developmental disorder is an illness that is defined by a delay in a childs ability to function in normal situations involving basic skills such as socialization and communication. Autism spectrum disorder affects a childs ability to interact with others and to react appropriately to social situations and other stimuli. There are varying degrees of illness on the autism spectrum, and this disorder can be severe, as in autism, or mild, as in Aspergers syndrome.
Differences Between Asperger And Autism
Although it is hard to test IQ scores of children with ASD because of the nature of the disorder lately it is known that they have average or above average intelligence scores.
Those with Aspergers, on the other hand, predominantly score on par with or higher than their peers. Frequently they have superior IQ scores.
Generally, people with Asperger do not suffer from the speech impairments or inabilities that often characterize those with an autism spectrum disorder.
While there may be difficulty in understanding the subtitles of speech , people with Aspergers possess the ability to speak and annunciate clearly.
In addition, autism spectrum disorders are usually spotted in children before they reach school-age.
This is because the symptoms present much earlier than those of Aspergers.
Because Asperger affects sociality and communication, it easily goes undetected until an affected child encounters difficulties in school.
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Intervention For Autism And Aspergers
Interventions and treatments for Autism/Aspergers Syndrome should include various approaches and be tailored to the individuals needs.
It is important to involve professionals, as well as parents and teachers.
Early intervention addresses core symptoms of AS/ASD and tackles poor communication skills and restricted and repetitive behaviors.
The following methods are used in the interventions for AS/ASD:
- Social skills training
- Ability to play with language
- Tendency to follow rules