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Asperger Syndrome. Up Close & Personal. Asperger Syndrome: A Brief Introduction. AKA: Asperger's Disorder or Autistic Psychopathy It is a neurobiological disorder Falls within the Autistic spectrum. What is the difference between Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism?.
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Asperger Syndrome Up Close & Personal
Asperger Syndrome: A Brief Introduction • AKA: Asperger's Disorder or Autistic Psychopathy • It is a neurobiological disorder • Falls within the Autistic spectrum
What is the difference between Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism? The Following is True for AS: • Later onset • outcome is usually more positive • social and communication deficits are less severe • circumscribed interests are more prominent • verbal IQ is usually higher than performance IQ • clumsiness is more frequently seen • family history is more frequently positive • neurological disorders are less common
What is the Prognosis? • Children with AS are more likely to grow up to be independently functioning adults than those with PDD (Persuasive Developmental Disorders). • In most cases, individuals will continue to demonstrate disturbances in social interactions. • There is also an increased risk for development of psychosis (a mental disorder). • In addition, mood problems such as depression and anxiety may develop.
Is Treatment Available for Individuals with AS? • There is no specific course of treatment or cure. • Treatment that is symptomatic and rehabilitational, may include interventions such as: psychosocial psychopharmacological
Psychotherapy Parent education and training Behavioral modification Social skills training Educational interventions Medications The following are types of psychosocial and psychopharmacological methods:
It is important to always remember: • We are individuals because of our uniqueness abilities. • Therefore, it is necessary that we accept others with rather unique qualities and ways for understanding things and do not shun them for the reason that, in the eyes of some, are not considered “normal”.