What Causes Autism And Aspergers

How Do People With Asperger Syndrome See The World

What Is Aspergers Syndrome

Aspergers syndrome was once its own diagnosis. Now it is identified as one form of the autism spectrum disorder diagnosis . Despite this, many people still use the word Aspergers to describe their diagnosis.

Aspergers Syndrome is a developmental disorder that results in communication and behavioral problems. People diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome typically have high intelligence and no speech delays. However, they tend to play, learn, speak, and act differently from others.

What Doesnt Cause Autism

Bad parenting

There was a bleak period in history from the 1950s to 1970s when autism was believed to be a psychological disorder, and blamed on cold, uncaring parents, usually the mothers.

Fortunately, the myth of the ârefrigerator motherâ has been debunked by science, and autism is now recognised as a disorder of brain development with genetic links. Nothing you said or did as a parent caused your child to develop autism, so please donât listen to anyone who suggests otherwise.

Vaccines

Scores of scientific studies have effectively ruled out vaccines as a cause of autism. Concerns originally arose around two issues of Mercury and the MMR Vaccine

In 2014, a meta-analysis, combining the result of 10 studies and over 1.2 million children, found no link between vaccines and autism. The World Health Organization, the European Medicines Agency, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other leading international health groups have also concluded thereâs no link. Unfortunately, the belief persists among anti-vaccination campaigners, who are very vocal on the Internet. If you remain concerned about vaccines, arrange a time to talk your paediatrician or GP. Remember, Vaccines Save Lives!

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What Is The Difference Between Aspergers Syndrome And Autism Spectrum Disorder

The name for Aspergers Syndrome has officially changed, but many still use the term Aspergers Syndrome when talking about their condition. The symptoms of Aspergers Syndrome are now included in a condition called Autism Spectrum Disorder . ASD is now the name used for a wide range of autism-like disorders. Some providers may still use the term Aspergers Syndrome, but others will say ASD without intellectual or language impairment. These two syndromes are, for the most part, the same.

What Causes Aspergers Syndrome

No one thing causes Aspergers syndrome. However, research suggests that certain factors during pregnancy and after birth may put a child at higher risk of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Those factors include:

• Genes.
• A chromosomal abnormality .
• A mothers use of prescription medicines taken during pregnancy .
• Having been born to older parents.

This type of autism spectrum disorder appears to be diagnosed more often in boys than girls.

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What Doesnt Cause Aspergers: Debunked Myths

You might have heard that vaccines are linked to autism, but this claim is unproven. On the contrary, extensive research has shown there is no link between vaccines and autism spectrum disorders.

Years ago, one controversial study that caused concern over the association between vaccines and autism was withdrawn because of its poor design and questionable methods.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism. In fact, skipping vaccines can put children at risk of contracting and spreading other dangerous diseases, such as measles, mumps, or pertussis .

Another common myth is that Aspergers is caused by a poor home environment. Research shows the disorder is not due to lack of love, emotional trauma, or neglect.

What Causes Asd And Aspergers

There are many theories, but no conclusions, about the exact cause of Aspergers syndrome and autism. A new brain-tissue study indicates that people with ASD have more connections between their brain cells than neurotypical people do.

According to Autism Speaks, ASD has no one cause, but is brought about by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. These may include:

• Family history of autism
• Familial or parental diagnoses of conditions such as bipolar disorder or anxiety disorder
• Advanced paternal or maternal age
• Being part of a twin or triplet set
• Prematurity of less than 26 weeks
• Low birth weight
• Prenatal exposure to heavy metals and toxins

Many people who have one or more of these potential risk factors do not have autism or Aspergers. Conversely, others with no apparent risk factors will ultimately get this diagnosis.

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Aspergers Vs Autism: Whats The Difference

The term Asperger’s entered the medical lexicon in the 1940s, and it fell out of favor just a few years ago. Now, if someone has signs of Asperger’s, they’re likely to get an entirely different diagnosis altogether.

The Autism Society explains that Asperger’s syndrome was described by a pediatrician in Vienna in the 1940s, and he gave the condition his name. He worked with boys who struggled with communication and social skills, and he thought he was describing a new and important disease.

Experts agreed with him until 2013, when the American Psychiatric Association released the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . Authors wanted to revise autism diagnosis criteria to:

• Ensure accurate diagnoses.
• Identify symptoms that need treatment or support services.
• Correctly assess disease severity.

To meet those goals, experts got rid of several disorders that differed from autism only by severity. Asperger’s was one of them.

Now, experts consider Asperger’s part of autism spectrum disorder. People with Asperger’s have much in common with other people who have autism. Their symptoms might be mild, but they’re still part of the autism spectrum.

Where Can I Get More Information

For more information on neurological disorders or research programs funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, contact the Institute’s Brain Resources and Information Network at:

Office of Communications and Public LiaisonNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeNational Institutes of HealthBethesda, MD 20892

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient’s medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

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What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder refers to a group of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and difficulties with social communication and interaction. The symptoms are present from early childhood and affect daily functioning.

The term spectrum refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability in functioning that can occur in people with ASD. Some children and adults with ASD are fully able to perform all activities of daily living while others require substantial support to perform basic activities. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders includes Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified as part of ASD rather than as separate disorders. A diagnosis of ASD includes an assessment of intellectual disability and language impairment.

ASD occurs in every racial and ethnic group, and across all socioeconomic levels. However, boys are significantly more likely to develop ASD than girls. The latest analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 68 children has ASD.

What Is Aspergers Syndrome Level 1 Autism Or High

Autism is a developmental disorder, which means that people are born with it and tend to display symptoms early in life, often before the age of two. People with autism tend to display difficulties in the following areas:

• Social communication and interaction
• Sensory processing issues

People with level 1 autism face those same difficulties, but are of average or above-average intelligence and can lead either independent lives or only require some support. This is in contrast to people with level 2 autism, who require “substantial” levels of support, and level 3 autism, which is characterised by severe deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication and where a “very substantial” level of support is also required. In simpler terms, level 1 is a milder form of autism and level 3 is the most severe form of autism.

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The Problematic History Of Hans Asperger

Vaccines Dont Cause Autism

First off, vaccines do not cause autism. While this scaremongering has died down a little, there are still some people that have fallen victim to this very unfair campaign.

There is no one specific cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder. There is evidence that genetics are involved, ranging from gene mutations to inherited genetics. There is currently a lot of research taking place about the impact of environmental factors triggering ASD.

The symptoms of autism can look different in every individual. Lack of responses to sounds and expressions as a baby can be an indicator, as can lack of gestures, playing make believe or limited language. It is however crucial if you are concerned, to seek professional advice from someone trained to diagnose ASD, as it is a complicated process.

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Other Risk Factors For Aspergers Syndrome

Other risk factors for Aspergers syndrome may include:

• Being born prematurely, especially before 26 weeks
• Being born less than a year apart from an older sibling
• A family history of Aspergers
• Being born to older parents
• Having a mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety
• Having another health condition, such as Tourette’s syndrome, epilepsy, or tuberous sclerosis

What Are Some Common Characteristics Of Aspergers

Often, TV shows will portray an individual with Aspergers, such as Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory, or Max Braverman in Parenthood. The common characteristics of Aspergers that these shows seize upon is the display of inappropriate social interactions and repetitive, self-stimulating behaviours, such as hand flapping, explains Janet Ferone of Ferone Educational Consulting.

Especially when they are young, some people with Aspergers may appear obsessed with a specific interest, such as trains or stamp collecting. Many cant handle intense, sensory stimulation such as loud noises or bright lights. Others follow the same predictable routine, even into adulthood. Given the right work atmosphere, people with Aspergers are often successful and known for attention to detail, plus an uncanny ability to recognize patterns. There are now companies advertising for workers with this condition, particularly in technical fields where social skills are not needed, but precise attention to detail is, she adds.

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Final Thoughts: We Are Closer To Understanding Aspergers Syndrome

But theres still so much more for scientists to understand. Much of the research yields results that are inconclusive or observational in nature.

There is no definitive cause of Aspergers Syndrome. However, evidence suggests that genetics, as well as several environmental factors, can cause a child to develop the condition.

Evidence exists that exposure to specific toxins during the first eight weeks of fetal development could make a child more likely to develop Aspergers Syndrome.

Furthermore, the health of the mother might also contribute. Influencing factors MAY include:

• Maternal and Fraternal age
• Environmental factors

Each of those factors might cause the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder conditions, including Aspergers Syndrome.

Researchers still have much to learn about Aspergers Syndrome. As the library of knowledge continues to grow, we will gain greater insight into this disorder. And we should learn more about how to help people cope better with it.

Heres What You Need To Know

The biggest takeaway from this article: the signs that were once used to diagnose Aspergers now fall more firmly into a diagnosis of ASD. So, basically, Aspergers is no longer a functioning term. This doesnt mean the term isnt still used, thoughit just means that theres no formal diagnosis for Aspergers Syndrome.

Either way, a diagnosis doesnt mean you, your child, or any other loved one, has a disease that needs to be treated. The best thing you can do is learn about the nuances of ASD in order to develop a better understanding of you or your loved one.

The most important thing is to accept you or your loved one, whether its autism vs. Aspergers Syndrome.

If youre in need of a pediatric diagnosis or care, contact us today to get started.

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The Role Of Supporting Caregivers

Parents and other caregivers may benefit from learning experiences that help them gain a deeper understanding of AS.

A person with AS can often cope with change if they know it is coming, and if it is planned. Family and other support networks can help the person prepare for change when appropriate.

If parents believe that their child may have symptoms of AS, it is important to communicate with the childs school, because educational institutions can offer learning support.

The core characteristics of AS are lifelong, but additional support can help the individual maximize their achievements and quality of life.

The exact cause is unknown, but AS may result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors that cause changes in brain development.

AS tends to run in families, suggesting that some cases may be hereditary.

Some researchers have proposed that environmental factors early in pregnancy may have an impact, but experts have not yet confirmed this.

Brain abnormalities may be linked to AS. Advanced brain imaging technology has identified structural and functional differences in specific regions of the brain among people with AS.

There are a few complications of Aspergers syndrome. It can be an underlying condition that fuels other functional difficulties, or the complications can arise from the tics that accompany the condition.

Related conditions: Young children with AS are often unusually active. By young adulthood, they may develop anxiety or depression.

How Is Autism Treated

There is no cure for ASD. Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can substantially improve those symptoms. The ideal treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that meet the specific needs of the individual. Most health care professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better.

Educational/behavioral interventions: Early behavioral/educational interventions have been very successful in many children with ASD. In these interventions therapists use highly structured and intensive skill-oriented training sessions to help children develop social and language skills, such as applied behavioral analysis, which encourages positive behaviors and discourages negative ones. In addition, family counseling for the parents and siblings of children with ASD often helps families cope with the particular challenges of living with a child with ASD.

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When Did Aspergers And Autism Start To Show Up In The Population

Many people will tell you that autism was unheard of before the 1970s. This isnt actually true, although this condition has seemed to become much more widespread over the last several decades. Autism is now thought to affect 1 in 66 Canadian children, according to the 2018 report of the National Autism Spectrum Disorder Surveillance System. Observance and diagnosis of both autism and Aspergers started, however, during the 1940s. At that time two doctors, Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger, living on opposite sides of the Atlantic, came across a number of pediatric patients who shared a unique combination of impairments, explains Tasha Oswald, PhD. Appearing to be obsessively focused on objects and sameness, the children ranged from nonverbal to language abilities like that of little professors. This divergence in language abilities led to the split between autistic and Aspergers, or low and high functioning. However, over the last 15 years, growth in research on autism, mirroring the growth in the prevalence rate, have led to a shift from a categorical to a spectrum view, she explains. A growing community of advocates has begun to further shift our view of autism spectrum from a focus primarily on impairments to a focus on neurodiversity, which acknowledges and celebrates the strengths that stem from differences in the way people process and perceive information.

What Are The Characteristics Of A Person With Aspergers Syndrome

When you consider people like Daryl Hannah and Sir Anthony Hopkins as those living with Aspergers, youll understand that the syndrome can affect anyone from any background.

No, you wont be able to look at someone and recognize that he or she lives with Aspergers syndrome. But once you spend some time around a person with the syndrome, youll see the character traits associated with Asperger.

You might think many of these characteristics are the same as someone with autism. However, you will find a significant difference. Those with Aspergers syndrome develop language skill milestones. Conversely, with autism do not speak or encounter developmentally-delayed speech.

A person with Aspergers syndrome may have exceptional verbal skills in that they have a high-level vocabulary. However, they may also talk to themselves a great deal. They might even speak to themselves in the third person at times. They may also develop repetitive speech patterns.

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