Asperger's Disorder
Definition
A condition occurring in young children, characterized by impairment in social interactions and the development of restricted repetitive patterns of behavior. Sometimes the term "high functioning"
children with autism has been used to describe this group of children.
While this term has been used commonly in England, it is newly included in the DMS-IV (1994). Previously children meeting these criteria would most likely have been considered to have PDD-NOS.
Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors
Hans Asperger labeled this disorder "Autistic Psychopath" in 1944, and the cause is unknown. There is possible relation to Autistic Disorder (Autism). the child with Asperger's disorder exhibits below-
average nonverbal communication gestures, fails to develop peer relationships, has an inability to express pleasure in other people's happiness, and lacks social and emotional reciprocity. About 3 per
1000 children have Asperger's disorder. It appears to be more common in boys.
Symptoms
There are several specific 'symptoms' from a list in the DMS-IV related to these difficulties, that children must show in order to meet the criteria for Asperger's disorder, some of which include:
A condition occurring in young children, characterized by impairment in social interactions and the development of restricted repetitive patterns of behavior. Sometimes the term "high functioning"
children with autism has been used to describe this group of children.
While this term has been used commonly in England, it is newly included in the DMS-IV (1994). Previously children meeting these criteria would most likely have been considered to have PDD-NOS.
Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors
Hans Asperger labeled this disorder "Autistic Psychopath" in 1944, and the cause is unknown. There is possible relation to Autistic Disorder (Autism). the child with Asperger's disorder exhibits below-
average nonverbal communication gestures, fails to develop peer relationships, has an inability to express pleasure in other people's happiness, and lacks social and emotional reciprocity. About 3 per
1000 children have Asperger's disorder. It appears to be more common in boys.
Symptoms
There are several specific 'symptoms' from a list in the DMS-IV related to these difficulties, that children must show in order to meet the criteria for Asperger's disorder, some of which include:
- Abnormal nonverbal communication, such as eye contact, facial expressions, body postures, or gestures.
- Failure to develop peer relationships.
- Lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests or achievements with other people (e.g. by 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 in adhering to specific routines or rituals.
- Repetitive finger flapping, twisting or whole body movements.
- Preoccupation with restricted areas of interest (unusually narrow or unusually intense).
- Preoccupation with parts of whole objects.
- There is no general delay in language.
- There is no delay in cognitive development, or in the development of age-appropriate self-help skills, or in curiosity about the environment.
Bridging The Gap ...