Asperger's Syndrome: Diagnosing it Early Makes a Big Difference
Since the late 1990s, cases of autism in the population have grown rapidly. Today, for every 51 children born, one has characteristics of the autism spectrum or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Of these, 10% have a very particular subtype, called Asperger syndrome, also known as high functioning autism.
The condition was first described in 1944 by pediatrician Hans Asperger. The carriers of the syndrome were called “little teachers”, due to their dialogues rich in detail and unusual intelligence.
Although the cause of the syndrome is unknown, studies indicate that it is possible that genetic and environmental factors may be the main elements for it to develop.
Considered a super-mild and discreet version of autism, symptoms can appear in early childhood and last into adulthood. The main difficulty faced by those born with the condition is linked to their social skills, that is, in situations that require some type of social interaction.
As a result, children and young people can present immature and inappropriate attitudes, interpreting these moments without social filter and without proper and considered empathy for the feelings of the people around them.
Despite the similarities with autism, Asperger syndrome differs in the possibilities of functional adaptation. Other signs that may appear and help in the accurate diagnosis are: correct and robotic verbalization, little eye contact, preference for isolation, lack of facial expressions and emotions in speech, attachment to routine and limited scope of interests.
But how exactly is the diagnosis made? There are no imaging or blood tests to carry out the identification. Confirmation is carried out by studying the behavioral characteristics, taking into account the assessment of the child's child development.
Doing the research and having the answers early on can bring countless benefits to those who live with the condition, especially in terms of quality of life. It is important that the child recognizes and understands himself in the environment in which he is inserted.
Thus, it is possible for them to learn, from an early age, to deal with their limitations and develop strategies to face current and future adversities.
Is there a cure? The condition has no cure, but it is possible to follow with multidisciplinary treatments, such as behavioral psychotherapy and social skills therapies.
In addition to taking medication, to treat comorbidities that may appear along with the syndrome, such as depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
With treatment, patients with Asperger's syndrome can start a family, work and fulfill dreams. The big lesson is in learning to deal with the instabilities and different languages of social life and, above all, that everyone can respect their unique way of thinking and feeling.
* Clay Brites is a child neurologist at the NeuroSaber Institute, in Londrina (PR), a doctor in medical sciences from the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) and a guest physician at the pharmaceutical company Prati-Donaduzzi to clarify the matter
Source: https://saude.abril.com.br/blog/com-a-palavra/sindrome-de-asperger-diagnosticar-cedo-faz-muita-diferenca/
By Clay Brites, Child Neurologist* Apr 5, 2021, 5:54 PM
