Asperger's syndrome in adults.

Asperger's syndrome is a type of perception of the surrounding world. Let's consider the features of this pathology, symptoms and causes of occurrence. As well as methods of treatment, prevention and other nuances of the disorder.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism that is characterized by a deficit in social communication and interaction. This condition is characterized by repetitive actions and limited interests.

Asperger's is most often diagnosed in children of primary school age. But it is impossible to visually determine its presence. According to scientific research, there are suggestions that such famous people as Newton and Einstein had Asperger's syndrome. The pathology causes communication difficulties and a number of other disorders. Such people find it difficult to interact with others, and it is quite difficult to understand what they are experiencing at the moment from their facial expression, body language and voice.

Asperger syndrome has the following features (triad of disorders):

1. Communication process – difficulties in understanding facial expressions, voice and gestures, difficulty starting and ending a conversation, choosing a topic. Possible frequent use of complex phrases and words without understanding their meaning, misunderstanding of jokes and metaphors.
2. The interaction process – patients find it difficult to maintain friendly relations, isolation, alienation and indifference are observed. In some cases, incorrect behavior and misunderstanding of generally accepted rules and norms are possible.
3. Social imagination – people with Asperger's have a rich imagination, but have difficulty imagining future actions. In addition, there are difficulties in interpreting the feelings and thoughts of others, and a tendency to logical games.

The term Asperger syndrome was first proposed by psychiatrist Lorna Wing. The doctor named the disease after pediatrician and psychiatrist Hans Asperger, who treated and studied children with mental dysfunctions, adaptation disorders, and social communication. But Asperger himself called the syndrome autistic psychopathy.

Scientists still cannot come to a consensus on what to call the symptom complex: a syndrome or a disorder. Thus, it was decided to rename Asperger's disease into an autism spectrum disorder with certain degrees of severity. Based on this, it can be said that the disorder has much in common with autism, but is fundamentally different from it.

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Causes of Asperger's Syndrome

The causes of Asperger's syndrome are similar to those of autism. The main factor that provokes the disorder is biological and genetic predisposition, as well as the influence of toxic substances on the fetus in the first months of pregnancy. One of the possible causes of the disorder is an autoimmune reaction of the mother's body, which causes brain damage in the future child.

The negative effects of various preventive vaccinations and vaccinations on the child's immune system are also related to risk factors for the development of Asperger's. Another cause of the disease, which has not yet found reliable scientific confirmation, is the theory of hormonal imbalance in the baby (high levels of testosterone and cortisol). In addition, the possible impact of prematurity of the fetus with Asperger's syndrome and autistic disorders is being studied.

Risk factors include intrauterine and postnatal viral infections, i.e. cytomegalovirus infection, rubella, herpes and toxoplasmosis. Negative impact of environmental factors after the birth of the child can also be the cause of the syndrome of the disease.

Signs of Asperger's Syndrome

Signs of Asperger's syndrome cannot be identified by appearance, since the pathology is a hidden disorder that characterizes a number of disorders. There is a triad of signs of the disease: these are disorders that manifest themselves in social communications, in interaction with others and in the imagination. Moreover, the syndrome is most often found in males.

Symptoms become noticeable from 2-3 years and can vary from pronounced, i.e. severe, to moderate. People with this disorder are characterized by anxiety during communication, severe anxiety, confusion. Patients are pedantic and perfectionist, observing a certain order in everything. Sensory disturbances, unnatural speech and obsessive passion for a hobby or some activity are observed.

Let's look at the main signs of Asperger's syndrome:

• Problems finding friends and difficulty communicating.
• Poor understanding of social stimuli and emotions, feelings of other people.
• Peculiar emotions and behavior that are inappropriate to the situation.
• Monotonous thinking and preoccupation with one's own world.
• An obsessive desire to complete something that has been started.
• Psychological problems with any changes in schedule or routine.
• Multiple repetition of words or actions, monotonous thinking.
• Limited language skills, lack of sharing of interests with others.
• Emotional stiffness, other than anger or frustration.
• Good mechanical memory, love of reading, without understanding the information.
• Poor eye contact and coordination, clumsiness of movements.
• Concentration on small details.
• Difficulty accepting criticism from others.
• Problems with sleep.

Asperger's syndrome in adults

Asperger's syndrome in adults is quite difficult to diagnose, since adults more adequately assess their strengths and weaknesses. But the disorder is a condition that lasts a lifetime, that is, it is impossible to "get sick" with it in adulthood. The peculiarity of the syndrome in adults, unlike in children, is that the disorder stabilizes, and with the right approach to treatment, improvements are noticeable.

This is due to the fact that adults are able to independently develop social skills, including elements of non-verbal communication. Therefore, many people with Asperger's syndrome lead a full life, get married, work, have children. Some features characteristic of the disorder increase the chances of a successful career and study (concentration on trifles and details, special attention to certain topics). Many adults with this disorder show a strong interest in technology, so they prefer engineering specialties. Many outstanding individuals who distinguished themselves in various professions had Asperger's syndrome. For example, Marie Curie, Wolfgang Mozart, Thomas Jefferson and even Albert Einstein.

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Asperger's syndrome in children

Asperger's syndrome in children closely overlaps with autism, but is an independent disorder. Children with this disorder have a normal level of intelligence, but special educational needs. Parents should pay special attention to the development of social skills in children. The peculiarity of the syndrome is the patient's intelligence. In 95% of cases, children with Asperger's are more developed than their peers, although they differ in their behavior and perception of the world around them.

Kanner's syndrome and Asperger's syndrome

Kanner's syndrome and Asperger's syndrome are disorders that arise due to disturbances in the functioning of the brain. Both pathologies are similar in their symptoms, so they are often confused. Let's consider the main characteristics and differences between Asperger's syndrome and autism:

• Intellectual and cognitive activity

People with Kanner syndrome appear mentally retarded, although in most cases their intelligence is normal. In addition, patients experience difficulties in the process of communication. Asperger syndrome has less pronounced symptoms, intelligence is normal or even high, but problems with the learning process arise.

• Speech skills

Patients with autism suffer from verbal communication disorders. Children with this symptom start speaking later than their peers. Even in adulthood, speech remains limited. People with Asperger syndrome do not suffer from speech disorders. Their speech is structured, has a unique rhythm, tempo and melody.

• Adaptive abilities

With Kanner syndrome, adaptation to the external environment is poor, while with Asperger's disorder, patients show interest in the surrounding world.

• Behavior

In autism, behavior is limited, patients perform certain rituals in an unchanging and strictly established order. In high-functioning disorders, simultaneous concentration on two or more objects of interest is possible. A high level of competence in the area of interest is observed.

• Self-service capability

In patients with Kanner syndrome, self-care skills develop late. Patients cannot always take care of themselves independently, even in adulthood. In Asperger syndrome, self-care skills develop according to age.

• Social interactions

People with autism suffer from mood swings, they are unpredictable and incomprehensible to others. This is what causes a low need for interaction with others. With Asperger syndrome, social interaction is expressed more softly. Such people can be described as a little strange or even peculiar. Patients are not able to communicate on an emotional level, but are capable of intellectual communication.

According to the above characteristics, the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome are less pronounced, unlike Kanner's syndrome. But both disorders make it difficult to interact with others and establish social contacts. Treatment of pathologies consists of behavioral therapy, which is aimed at eliminating stress and taking medications to improve blood circulation in the brain.

Famous People with Asperger's Syndrome

Famous people with Asperger's syndrome are a shining example of how one can live a full life and even become famous with this disorder. That is, despite the fact that the disorder will complicate many aspects of life, it can become a unique gift. Experts believe that some historical figures could have suffered from Asperger's syndrome, especially:

• Albert Einstein
• Charles Darwin
• Isaac Newton
• Marie Curie
• Jane Austen
• Andy Warhol
• Lewis Carroll
• Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates

According to some sources, among our contemporaries, the disorder is found in American film director Steven Spielberg, Satoshi Tajiri, actor Dan Ackroyd and many others. Arguments in favor of the possible syndrome in popular people vary from person to person. But there are a number of positive aspects of the disease, which have allowed many famous people to become famous, let's consider them:

• Good memory.
• Focusing on specific topics results in extensive knowledge and allows one to become an expert in a particular field.
• Systematic thinking and attention to detail.
• A unique perspective on the world.

All assumptions about famous people with Asperger's syndrome are a model of behavior, i.e. a role model or an object of imitation for patients. Pathology is not an obstacle to making a contribution to society and constructive things.

Diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome

Diagnosis of Asperger syndrome is complicated, as the disorder has symptoms similar to other pathologies. The disorder is detected at the age of 4 to 12 years, and the earlier the diagnosis is made, the less traumatic it is for the patient and his environment. To detect the disease, specialists from different fields are involved. The patient will undergo neurological and genetic studies, intellectual tests, determination of the ability to live independently and various types of psychomotor tests. A conversation is held in the form of communication and games with the child and his parents.

Differential diagnostics is mandatory. Thus, many patients are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depressive states, obsessive-compulsive and generalized anxiety disorders. Oppositional defiant disorder is also possible. All of the above-mentioned pathologies can occur simultaneously with Asperger syndrome. At the same time, each of the diagnoses affects the patient in its own way.

But most often, Asperger's syndrome is differentiated from Kanner's syndrome, that is, autism. Let's consider the main methodological guidelines for differential diagnostics of both disorders:

• The first signs of autism appear in the first year of the patient's life, in some cases even in the first month after birth. Asperger's syndrome makes itself known in the 2nd-3rd year of the patient's life.
• In Kanner's disorder, children begin to walk and only then speak. In the second disorder, speech appears first, which develops rapidly, and only after that do children begin to walk.
• In Asperger syndrome, speech is used for communication, but in a very peculiar way. In autism, speech skills are not needed for communication, since the communication function is impaired.
• In patients with autism, intelligence is reduced in 40% of patients, and 60% have severe mental retardation. In Asperger's, intelligence is normal or above normal age indicators.
• Kanner's syndrome is often compared to schizophrenia, patients do not maintain eye contact and live in their own world. Asperger's disorder is equated to psychopathy, patients do not look into the eyes, but understand the presence of the interlocutor. Such patients live by their own rules and laws, but in our world.
• In autism, the prognosis is unfavorable, as atypical mental retardation and schizoid psychopathy are possible in the future. Asperger's syndrome is characterized by a favorable prognosis. But with age, such patients suffer from schizoid psychopathy.

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Asperger syndrome test

The Asperger's syndrome test allows you to identify the presence of pathology and promptly seek medical help. Great interest in the disorder among scientists and patients entails the improvement of diagnostic methods. This is due to the lack of obvious signs of the disease, by which a diagnosis can be made. Therefore, tests and questionnaires are necessary to identify the disease.

As a rule, the Asperger's syndrome test is based on determining communication difficulties and identifying feelings. Many tests are also used to identify autism. Let's look at the most popular tests:

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AQ Test

The most famous questionnaire of 50 questions was developed by psychologists from the University of Cambridge. The questions are aimed at identifying empathy, deep interest in certain topics, the presence of rituals and concentration on details. A similar test is used for adult patients. According to its results, the average value for healthy people was 14-16 points, and for patients 32 points or more. Please note that the test cannot be used as a single diagnostic method.

EQ Test

A test to determine emotional intelligence, i.e. the level of empathy. Consists of 60 questions that concern different aspects of empathy. The average test score for healthy people is 40 points, for sick people – about 20 points.

RAADS-R test

A general test for identifying Asperger's and autism symptoms in adult patients. The peculiarity of testing is that only behavioral factors at the moment and in patients over 16 years old are taken into account. Testing allows to exclude bipolar, post-traumatic, depressive and a number of other disorders. RAADS-R consists of 80 questions, with healthy people having an average score of 32, and patients from 65 to 135.

RME Test

A test that allows you to determine your mental state by looking at your eyes. It consists of photographs of famous people's eyes that depict different emotions. People with the syndrome have difficulty passing this test and have low results.

In addition to the above-described tests, there are also Western testing standards for identifying the disorder. The ADI-R and ADOS tests deserve special attention. The first is a kind of interview with parents, and the second with the child.

• ADI-R – is used to diagnose patients aged 1.5 years and older. The test is aimed at determining the full history of pathology and consists of more than 90 questions divided into 5 main categories. The psychiatrist asks questions to obtain information about the level of communication, the nature of behavior and questions of a general nature.
• ADOS is a game-like task aimed at interaction between the psychologist and the subject. The testing consists of 4 modules, which depend on the patient's level of development.

When using Asperger's tests, it is important to remember that the test results cannot be used to make a diagnosis. Many other methods are used for accurate diagnosis, as well as consultations with a psychologist and psychiatrist.

Treatment for Asperger's Syndrome

Treatment of Asperger's syndrome is possible only after diagnosis by a psychologist, neurologist and other specialists who determine the degree of the disorder. Treatment is based on the results of diagnostic procedures, focusing on the symptoms of the pathology, the age of the patient and other individual characteristics.

A psychiatrist is involved in monitoring and correcting the behavior of people with the syndrome. The doctor develops a strategy for drug and non-drug therapy. For treatment, tests are used to adapt the patient to social life, trainings aimed at developing and maintaining relationships with others.

Drug therapy is rarely used due to possible side effects. Medicines are prescribed for concomitant diseases. But there are a number of drugs that help control the symptoms of the disorder. These include stimulants, psychotropic drugs, seizure control drugs, neuroleptics, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Psychotherapy is mandatory, which is necessary to combat the symptoms of the disease.

Physical therapy for Asperger's syndrome

Therapeutic exercise for Asperger syndrome is necessary for health and preventive purposes. Regular physical activity has a beneficial effect on the functioning of all organs and systems of the body. This allows you to normalize and restore impaired or temporarily lost functions. Depending on the severity of the symptoms of the disorder, doctors create an individual therapeutic exercise complex for each patient.

There are a number of exercises that can significantly improve coordination of movements, these are motor, ideomotor and antispastic exercises. Physical education relieves muscle tone, improves manipulation of household items and body position in space. Classes are held in rehabilitation centers under the supervision and control of a specialist working with patients with Asperger syndrome. As a rule, therapeutic gymnastics is combined with various physiotherapy procedures and massage.

Nutrition and Diet for Asperger's Syndrome

Nutrition and diet for Asperger syndrome are aimed at alleviating the symptoms of the disorder. Nutrition should be limited, as the negative impact of some foods on the condition and development of mental abilities in people with the disorder has been scientifically proven. According to studies, products with undigested proteins, i.e. peptides, products with casein and gluten negatively affect the development of Asperger syndrome.

Preference is given to dietary nutrition that does not contain casein, gluten and peptides. Dairy products and products containing wheat are removed from the diet. According to urine tests, gluten is completely eliminated from the body within 8 months, and casein after three days. Compliance with the diet improves the patient's condition, changes are manifested in communication skills and interaction with others.

Allowed products:

• Vegetables (cabbage, beans, carrots, cucumbers, beets, pumpkin, eggplant and others).
• Fish (herring, mackerel, sprat).
• Meat (chicken, turkey, rabbit meat).
• Fruits and dried fruits, honey.
• Compotes, juices, decoctions from fruits and dried fruits.
• Quail and chicken eggs.
• Various herbs and greens.
• Baked goods made from rice and buckwheat flour.
• Olive oil, pumpkin seed oil and grape seed oil.
• Homemade baking.

Harmful products:

• Products containing gluten (baked goods, ketchups and sauces, tea with additives, barley and pearl barley, sweets, sausages, canned vegetables and fruits).
• Products with casein (dairy desserts, cottage cheese, cheese, milk, ice cream).
• Products containing soy, soda, phosphates, artificial sweeteners.
• You should also refrain from eating citrus fruits, rice, corn, and mushrooms.

Following a dietary diet for Asperger's syndrome can significantly alleviate the patient's condition. A similar menu is also great for people with Kanner's syndrome, that is, autism.

Prevention of Asperger's syndrome

Prevention of Asperger's syndrome is necessary to improve the health of patients and normalize their condition. For these purposes, exercise therapy is used, dietary nutrition is followed, and regular consultations with a psychologist and neurologist are held.

Compliance with preventive methods allows improving the quality of life. Various trainings are conducted for patients to develop communication, as well as behavioral therapy. If the syndrome is diagnosed in children, then preventive measures are also necessary for parents, their goal is to teach relatives how to communicate and behave with children. Prevention in adults is necessary to maintain normal well-being and prevent exacerbation of symptoms of the disorder.

Prognosis of Asperger's syndrome

The prognosis for Asperger's syndrome is favorable, but in some cases relative. It is entirely based on the timely detection of pathology, i.e. the diagnostic measures used. The general condition of the patient also depends on the treatment, both medicinal and psychotherapeutic.

Asperger's syndrome is not fatal, but about 20% of patients lose their personality status. Despite this, there are many famous people with this disorder who have become famous in various fields of science and art. The right approach to treatment and prevention allows people with Asperger's syndrome to lead a full life, make friends, build relationships and a successful career.

Movies about asperger syndrome

Movies about Asperger's syndrome allow you to learn more about the disorder and the behavior of people with this kind of pathology. Let's look at the most popular movies whose heroes suffered from this disease:

• Easy Rider (1969)
• Journey of the Heart (1997)
• Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
• 16 Years. Love. Reloaded (2004)
• The Magnificent Seven (2005)
• Carbuncle (2006)
• Paprika (2006)
• The Big Bang Theory (2007)
• Autism: The Musical (2007)
• Ben X (2007)
• If You Can Say It in Words (2008)
• Adam (2009)
• Mary and Max (2009)
• All About Steve (2009)
• My Name Is Khan (2010)
• Dear John (2010)

This selection of films is recommended for viewing by parents whose children have been diagnosed with the syndrome, as well as relatives and friends who have people with the disorder in their circle. The films allow you to learn more about the main symptoms, the behavior of patients in society and interaction with others.