5 Facts about Asperger’s Syndrome You Can’t Miss

Asperger’s is a widely accepted condition, in part thanks to the existence of characters in TV shows and movies with this syndrome; and because it’s now associated with ASD. However, there isn’t a lot of information about all the characteristics of this syndrome, since every individual can show a wide variety of symptoms.

It’s not longer a separate syndrome.

Since the publication of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – 5 in 2013, which is the leading authority in the description of mental health conditions, Asperger is now part of the autism spectrum disorder or ASD. Typically, people with this diagnosis are placed in the first level of the spectrum. As part of the changes, the term “Asperger’s syndrome” has mostly been replaced with “high functioning autism,” because the behavior is not that severe. However, they can present some problems associated with social interactions and communication.

The cause hasn’t been found

Some questions still surround autism; there are conditions without a definitive cause. Researchers have agreed that the problem with Asperger is in the brain, especially with the development during pregnancy and the child’s first years, and also that genetic factors can play a big part in it.

It is a developmental disorder

According to The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, which is one of the most critical medical resources, developmental disorders “…are neurologically based conditions that can interfere with the acquisition, retention, or application of specific skills or sets of information.” This means that people with Asperger struggle with the acquisition of social skills; they are not good making friends or committing to relationships, and this syndrome cannot be cured; people have to learn how to live with it while finding their own ways to develop those skills.

Intelligence is a good aspect in Asperger

People diagnosed with this ASD tend to have a normal or to be above average IQ. Because individuals within it often obsess with some topic or subject, they often can excel in that field. They tend to prefer professions like physics, space engineering, astrophysics, and programming. Besides, their knowledge of random topics can be vast; they can learn everything from the names of dinosaurs to recognizing weather patterns. They also tend to follow a strict use of proper grammar, which tends to make them come off as snobbish.

Asperger is not connected with violence

There is no evidence that this condition causes violent behavior; however, there are others that can be present in these individuals that can lead to violence, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. OCD is especially common among people with Asperger, but with correct therapy, any of these conditions can be treated and the risk of violence can be reduced.

Asperger has mainstream recognition nowadays, and with the different campaigns in favor of tolerance and inclusion, all of us now can better understand the people diagnosed with it. All it takes is to follow the proper therapies and to be patient; and with the collaboration of their loved ones, people within the spectrum can lead happy and fulfilling lives. Come to Autism Soccer; we offer excellent programs for the development of your children and a place for them to be comfortable and happy.