Health Encyclopedia

Asperger syndrome

Definition

Asperger syndrome is a condition marked by impaired social interactions and limited repetitive patterns of behavior. Motor milestones may be delayed and clumsiness is often observed. Asperger syndrome is very similar to or may be the same as high functioning autism (HFA).

Alternative Names

Pervasive developmental disorder - Asperger syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Hans Asperger labeled this disorder "Autistic Psychopathy" in 1944, and the cause is still unknown. There is a possible relation to autistic disorder (autism). Some researchers believe that Asperger syndrome is simply a mild form of autism.

The child with Asperger shows below-average nonverbal communication gestures, fails to develop peer relationships, has an inability to express pleasure in other people's happiness, and lacks the ability to reciprocate emotionally in normal social interactions. The condition appears to be more common in boys than in girls. There are likely genetic factors, but some theories suggest a prenatal infection may be to blame.

While people with Asperger syndrome are frequently socially inept, many have above-average intelligence, and they may excel in fields like computer programming and science. There is no delay in cognitive development, in the development of age-appropriate self-help skills, or in curiosity about the environment. Generally, there is no language development delay.

Symptoms

Abnormal nonverbal communication, such as problems with eye contact, facial expressions, body postures, or gestures
Failure to develop peer relationships
Being singled out by other children as "weird" or "strange"
Lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests or achievements with others (a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
Markedly impaired expression of pleasure in other people's happiness
Inability to return social or emotional feelings
Inflexibility about specific routines or rituals
Repetitive finger flapping, twisting, or whole body movements
Unusually intense preoccupation with narrow areas of interest, such as obsession with train schedules, phone books, or collections of objects
Preoccupation with parts of whole objects
Repetitive behaviors, including repetitive self-injurious behavior

Signs and tests

Physical, emotional, and mental evaluations are usually performed to rule out other causes.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the patient's level of adaptive functioning. A high IQ will bring a better prognosis than a below-average one. For patients with severe impairment, treatment is similar to the treatment for autistic disorder.

Expectations (prognosis)

As with most developmental disorders, the long-term outcome and prognosis will vary according to the nature of the underlying problem and the interventions used to support continued development.

Recent studies have shown that a variety of treatment approaches can help improve social function. Because the patient may have average or above average intelligence, improvements in social function are particularly important.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your provider if your child is non-responsive to people, has odd or peculiar speech, or exhibits behavior that may lead to self-harm.

Review Date:6/13/2006
Reviewed By:Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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