Range of disability with aspergers

Aspergers syndrome is considered one of the disabilities included in the autism spectrum disorders or personality pervasive disorders. Often times it is classified as a high functioning form of autism because these sufferers will have normal or above average intelligence and normal language development.

Individuals who suffer from aspergers syndrome will have more difficulty with communicating with others and have a triad of symptoms which include poor social imagination, poor social interaction and poor social communication. In many cases they are unable to maintain eye contact and do not read and react to social cues that most of us do subconsciously.

Some question whether or not aspergers syndrome is truly a disability but should rather be termed a difference in ability. The fact is, a great number of individuals who suffer from the symptoms also have special abilities that can\’t be ignored. These abilities often fall in the realm of math or music. This should not be confused with the individual who has autism, but a highly developed skill or talent and considered a savant.

The difference lies in the individuals language development and intelligence level. Individuals with aspergers can have a chance to become very productive functioning people in society if the right steps are taken to help them develop strategies and coping mechanisms to attempt to overcome their symptoms.

The symptoms and condition of aspergers syndrome has no known cure. At this time researchers believe that it is the result of a neurological deficit in the brain which manifests itself as a difficulty in social interactions. Because the functioning and structure of the brain can not be changed individuals must learn to develop coping strategies that will help them interact with society and decrease their frustration level.

The range of abilities and disabilities of individuals who have aspergers syndrome is very wide. There are some who have the same behavioral issues that face those who have autism while others appear to be quite at ease in social situations and exhibited only some mild obsessive-compulsive disorders or ritualistic behavior.

Frustration sets in for both the individual and their family members when the sufferer may refuse to seek any kind of help because of a lack of being able to see the future and have any hope for the future.

A diagnosis of aspergers syndrome in childhood often occurs after the age of three while autism is usually diagnosed prior to the age of three. There is no guarantee of the future for those who suffer the symptoms of aspergers syndrome but it has been found that individual counseling to help people develop coping strategies and family counseling to help family members cope with behaviors that are not intentional is the best answer to increase the ability of an individual to function in society.

Family members and parents often have questions of what the future will hold for their child and sibling after the diagnosis of aspergers syndrome. Unfortunately, physicians and psychologists are on able to give an accurate picture of what the future will look like because of the wide range of disability that an individual may experience throughout their lifetime. All that can be assured is that their family member can now receive care and treatment that was not available prior to 1994 when the diagnosis was first entered into the DSM-IV. Although it is a small consolation, research continues to delve into causes and treatments that can help those individuals who have aspergers syndrome or high functioning autism.

RESOURCES

National Center for Learning Disabilities: Learning Disabilities and Asperger\’s Syndrome

Asperger Association of New England: Asperger Syndrome Diagnosis in Adults

University of Oxford: Autistic Spectrum Disorder

KidsHealth: Asperger Syndrome