Aspergers Syndrome

Kaylee Rafol and Marissa Bryant-Manago

27 February 2014

Aspergers Syndrome

Aspergers syndrome, also known as Asperger Disorder or an Autistic psychopathy and is an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is in a distinct group of neurodevelopment disorders called pervasive development disorders (PDDs). An Autism Spectrum Disorder and Aspergers Syndrome is often classified by social impairment, difficulty communicating, and odd patterns of behavior. Aspergers Syndrome, like other ASDs are present from infancy or early childhood. Aspergers Syndrome was first described by Hans Asperger in 1944, but was not recognized until the 1994 edition of the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition.

Symptoms of Aspergers

Monotone speech and pitch Lack of rhythm when speaking Unable to control their volume of speech to match their environment Have poor social skills

Symptoms of Aspergers Cont.

Narrow interests
Difficulty carrying out normal conversations Highly active children Awkward with poor coordination May be more subject to developing anxiety or depression as a young adult

Who Aspergers Affects

Affects an estimated 1 in 250 people to 1 in 5,000 people

Affects three to four times as many males than females

Occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups Doesn't effect life expectancy
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Genetics of Aspergers

Chromosome 7q Other chromosomes though to be involved: 2q and 15q Exact gene address is unknown

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How one gets Aspergers Syndrome

Genetic and environmental factors Tends to run in families from parent to child Can be caused by environmental factors during pregnancy

Aspergers Inheritance Pattern

Unknown Indication that Aspergers Syndrome runs in families with histories of depression and bipolar disorder. Aspergers initial group of patients had fathers with Aspergers Syndrome symptoms.

Probability of Reproduction

Are able to have their own families More likely for children to also have disorder

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Mental Defects of Aspergers

Differences in brain development affect areas of the brain involved in though, behavior, and emotions These areas include the prefrontal cortex, the amygdala, and the fusiform face area Cognitive functions called theory of mind, central coherence, and executive function are affected.

Treatment and Cures

Treatments are based on the individual Psychotherapy during adolescence to cope with depression and social difficulties Treatment helps patients manage lack of communication skills, obsessive routines and clumsiness

Recommended Drugs

Psychostimulants, clonidine, or tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) Hyperactivity or inattention, beta blockers, neuroleptics, or lithium Anger or aggression, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) or TCAs
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Therapy

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to reduce anxious and depressed feelings and behavior by making changes in that persons thoughts and perceptions of situations through a change in cognition.

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Additional Information About Aspergers

People affected by Aspergers have an average or above average intelligence

Often very skilled in mathematics and science

Have an apparent lack of common sense

Find eye contact uncomfortable Often dont understand sarcasm or playful teasing

Aspergers Video

http://www.sciencechannel.com/video-topics/brainintelligence/ingenious-minds-asperger-syndrome.htm

Resources

http://www.autism-help.org/aspergers-syndrome-cause.htm www.ninds.gov/disorders/asperger/detail_asperger.htm ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/asperger_syndrome www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism-asperger-syndrome kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/asperger.html# dictionary.reference.com/browse/aspergers?s=t ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/asperger-syndrome Gale

Encyclopedia of Genetics http://lighthouseautismcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/lac_aspergers_symptoms-500x425.jpg http://www.cvcsn.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/FreeGreatPicture.com-1825-international-children39sday-special-collection.jpg http://add-assets.com/asset/1060.jpg