Relationship between Aspergers and Autism

Autism is often described as a spectrum disorder because of the variety of ways in which it can present itself in different individuals. There is no single known cause and because of the complexity of the disease and the fact that no two children are alike, it is very probable that there are many causes. At this point researchers believe that these causes can include genetic errors, environmental factors, the role of the immune system and damage to the brain that may occur during birth.

One of the greatest controversies that surrounds autism is the questionable link between the condition and certain childhood vaccines, particularly the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Others have also linked autism to vaccines that contain a preservative with small amounts of mercury, thimerosal. Many researchers and doctors believe that most of the children\’s vaccines have been free of thimerosal since 2001. However, the flu vaccine continues to hold this particular preservative. Today, extensive studies have been done which have neither proven nor disproven the link between autism and vaccines.

In the particular spectrum of autism lies a condition called Asperger syndrome. In this condition individuals have both normal intelligence and normal language development as well as none of the learning disabilities commonly associated with autism, but they do carry some of the behavioral symptoms often associated with autism.

Children with Asperger syndrome will usually exhibited a triad of symptoms which include difficulty with social communication, social imagination and social interaction. Children and adults who exhibits signs of Asperger syndrome will also typically have an all absorbing interest in a particular topic or hobby.

Researchers place Asperger syndrome with other conditions called autistic spectrum disorders or pervasive developmental disorders. All of these involve problems with social skills and communication, although, Asperger syndrome is generally thought to be at the milder end of the spectrum.

In fact, Asperger syndrome was so mild that although it was described in the literature as early as 1944 it wasn\’t until 1994 that it was included in the DSM-IV and even later before it was recognized by professionals and parents. Until that time individuals who suffered from Asperger syndrome were considered to be a bit eccentric or odd but did not have a diagnosis or considered to be disabled.

Controversy continues to be an issue with Asperger syndrome because researchers are still focusing on whether high functioning Asperger syndrome is really a disability or just a \”difference\”. By categorizing this condition as different they feel that the diagnosis will be more neutral and value free rather than describing it as an impairment or a disability. The latter may apply only to lower functioning cases of autism and should be reserved only for those who require financial and physical support.

Individuals who suffer from Asperger syndrome and autism find their condition is difficult and leave them socially isolated and lonely. By definition the disorder brings difficulties in socialization and communication, both for the child and the parents. It probably means fewer play dates and birthday invitations and stares from parents in public when a child\’s meltdown is part of a disability and not the result of \”bad parenting\”.

Asperger syndrome and autism are part of the same diagnosis of pervasive personality disorder or autism spectrum disorder but at opposite end of the continuum. At this point researchers are continuing to work towards discovering the cause of both conditions, working towards better treatment protocols and the possibility of prevention.