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Asperger Syndrome falls under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and is characterized by certain behavioral and communication issues, as well as difficulties in social interaction. It is a type of pervasive developmental disorder, which means it impacts various aspects of a person's development.
The exact causes of Asperger Syndrome remain uncertain, but it is believed to arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. This results in a behavioral syndrome, which is linked to disorders in brain and mental development and leads to alterations in nervous functions and psycho-cognitive and emotional disorders.
Symptoms of Asperger Syndrome can emerge from early childhood and vary in severity. The individuals affected by this condition often exhibit behavioral disorders and face challenges in social interaction and communication. However, these issues are typically less severe than those seen in autism.
People with Asperger Syndrome do not usually have language disorders, but they often interpret verbal expressions very literally. They may exhibit an unusual fixation on a specific topic or display one-sided verbosity. Their ability to think abstractly and use their imagination is often limited. These deficits are also evident in the rigidity of their thoughts and their difficulty in recognizing irony, idioms, understanding metaphors, and jokes.
Cognitive functions in individuals with Asperger Syndrome are generally better than those in individuals with autism. They do not have an intellectual disability, but they often have a restricted range of interests and activities, which they pursue obsessively, sometimes even excelling in specific areas.
Individuals with Asperger Syndrome often isolate themselves and exhibit repetitive, unusual, and stereotyped behaviors. Physical awkwardness is often associated with these symptoms, such as difficulty learning to walk, poor ability in games involving movement, tics, strange postures, and locomotor problems. They may also lack empathy, show absence of facial expressions, and have accentuated or reduced sensory responses, such as hypo- or hypersensitivity to noises, smells, or tastes.
The diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome is typically made clinically from the age of 3-4 years by a team of specialists, including child neuropsychiatrists, psychologists, and pediatricians.
The treatment for Asperger Syndrome, like autism, involves behavioral therapy, which includes educational and psycho-behavioral interventions. In some cases, pharmacological therapy may also be used.
Asperger Syndrome is characterized by a range of symptoms. Common symptoms may include alexithymia, anhedonia, learning difficulties, difficulty concentrating, mood disorders, social phobia, insomnia, hypomimia, and social isolation.
Less common or rarer symptoms can include aggression, apraxia, impulsive behavior, echolalia, avoidance, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, and tics.
It's important to note that this information is intended to provide a broad understanding of Asperger Syndrome and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.