Overview:
Asperger’s syndrome is a form of autism, which is a lifelong disability that affects how a person interprets the world, processes information and relates socially and emotionally to other people.
Asperger’s syndrome is mostly a ‘hidden disability’. This means that you can’t always tell that someone has the condition from their outward appearance. Irregularities are usually most obvious when in a social environment.
The symptoms:
The three main symptoms can be classified as:
* Social communication difficulty
* Social interaction difficulty
* Lack of social imagination
While there are similarities with autism, people with Asperger’s syndrome have fewer problems with speaking and are often of average, or above average intelligence. They do not usually have the accompanying learning disabilities associated with autism, but they may have specific learning difficulties.
With the right support and encouragement, people with Asperger’s syndrome can lead full and independent lives.
Although symptoms can vary from person to person, generally they find it difficult to express themselves emotionally and socially. For example, they may have:
* Difficulty understanding gestures, facial expressions or tone of voice
* Difficulty knowing when to start or end a conversation and choosing topics
to talk about
* May use complex words and phrases but may not fully understand what they
mean
* May be very literal in what they say and can have difficulty understanding jokes,
metaphors and sarcasm. For example, a person with Asperger’s syndrome may be
confused by the phrase, ‘That’s cool’ when people use it to say something is good.
Many people with Asperger’s syndrome actually want to be sociable but have difficulty with initiating and sustaining social relationships, both long and short term. This can make them very anxious. The syndrome itself does not necessarily make the sufferer want to become anti-social, it just impedes their social abilities. People with the condition may:
* Struggle to make and/or maintain friendships and relationships
* Have trouble understanding the unwritten ‘social rules’ that most of us pick up
without noticing. For example, they may stand too close to another person during
conversation, or start an inappropriate conversations
* Find other people unpredictable and confusing
* Become withdrawn and seem uninterested in other people
* Behave in a socially inappropriate manner
People with Asperger’s syndrome can be imaginative in the conventional use of the word. For example, many are accomplished writers, artists and musicians. But people with Asperger’s syndrome can have difficulty with social imagination. This can include:
* imagining hypothetical or alternative outcomes to situations and finding it hard to
predict what will happen next in any social environment
* understanding, predicting or interpreting other peoples thoughts, feelings or
actions. The subtle messages that are put across by facial expression and body
language are often missed or misunderstood
People with Asperger’s syndrome may develop an intense, and sometimes obsessive interest in a hobby or collection. Sometimes these interests are lifelong; in other cases, one interest is replaced by an unconnected interest over time. For example, a person with Asperger’s syndrome may focus on learning all there is to know about trains or computers. Some are exceptionally knowledgeable in their chosen field of interest. Or, they may go through phases of a series of interests throughout their lives.
What causes Asperger’s syndrome?
The exact cause of Asperger’s syndrome is still being investigated. However, research suggests that a combination of factors – genetic and environmental – may account for changes in brain development.
Asperger’s syndrome is not caused by a person’s upbringing, their social circumstances and is not the fault of the individual with the condition.
Is there a cure?
There is currently no cure and no specific treatment for Asperger syndrome. Children with Aspergers syndrome become adults with Asperger syndrome. However, as our understanding of the condition improves and services continue to develop, people with Aspergers syndrome have more opportunity than ever of reaching their full potential.
There are many approaches, therapies and interventions, which can improve an individual’s quality of life. These may include communication-based interventions, behavioural therapy and dietary changes. Information about many of these can be found at: www.autism.org.uk/approaches
Diagnosis
Because Aspergers syndrome varies widely from person to person, making a diagnosis can be difficult. It is often diagnosed later in children than autism and sometimes difficulties may not be recognised and diagnosed until adulthood.
How Stepping Out can help:
Stepping Out have the facilities and staff to care for anybody suffering with Asperger’s syndrome. Our staff are both experienced and qualified to handle such cases. Stepping Out are able to provide home care, helping with daily tasks which an Asperger’s sufferer may find difficult.
Or, in extreme cases where the sufferer needs full-time support, Stepping Out provide their own 24-hour staffed housing accommodation, which are primarily based in north London and Hertfordshire.