A mild form of autism, Asperger's syndrome. About the syndrome itself and its main symptoms

Asperger's disease is a distinct form of autism that is not characterized by a delay in mental development. Pathology is expressed by disturbances in the perception of the surrounding world, a clear limitation in interaction with society. The first ones begin to appear in children from the age of six. A timely diagnosis is the key to adequate psychological assistance, which helps to improve the quality of human life in the future.

The essence of the disease

In 1944, an English scientist, by whose name the disease was later named, began to observe children different ages. During the study, Hans Asperger described signs of behavior that distinguished children from their peers. The scientist was able to identify a number of certain patterns. For example, children with autistic psychopathy completely lack interest in the surrounding reality. They try to live in their own world. Sparing speech and facial expressions do not allow us to understand what such children think and feel. All these symptoms became the basis for the perception of the disease or Asperger's syndrome as separate form autism.

Scientists have not been able to accurately determine whether the pathology is an isolated neurological disorder or a specific behavior. Why? The thing is that Asperger's is not accompanied by mental disorders. Later, psychologists developed a unique test to determine the level of intelligence. His first results added to the controversy among scientists. 90 children out of 100 had high mental capacity. They could build undeniable logical chains, solve serious math problems in the mind. On the other hand, young patients were deprived of creativity, a sense of humor, and imagination. As a result, difficulties arose when interacting with society.

Causes

Asperger's disease is attracting the attention of scientists from all over the world. However, they still cannot name exact reasons triggering the mechanism of its development. Most experts adhere to the version of an etiology similar to autism. Therefore, among the main causes of Asperger's disease, it is customary to highlight the following:

• hereditary genetic predisposition;
• injuries received during childbirth;
• intoxication of the fetus during intrauterine development.

Modern methods computer diagnostics and special testing allow more precise determination of the causes of neurological dysfunction.

Classic triad of symptoms

In Asperger's psychiatry, it is customary to view illness through the prism of a triad of symptoms:

• communication problems;
• lack of creativity, emotions and experiences;
• Difficulties in spatial perception of the world.

What other symptoms does Asperger's syndrome have? Photos of small patients with this diagnosis give a complete picture of the pathology. Its first symptoms begin to appear in early age. For example, small children are irritated by any sharp sound or strong smell. Many parents do not understand this reaction of the child, so it is rarely correlated with Asperger's disease. With age, it is replaced by a non-standard understanding of the world around us. Smooth and pleasant to the touch objects seem prickly, and tasty dish— disgusting. The clinical picture is complemented by an awkward gait and some physical awkwardness. Experts explain this phenomenon by excessive self-absorption.

Signs of the syndrome in children

In young patients under six years of age, the pathology practically does not manifest itself. On the contrary, such children develop fully. They begin to talk and walk early and easily remember new words. Sometimes they show amazing abilities in counting or foreign languages.

The main problem of children with Asperger's disease is communication disorders. Manifestations of social inability begin after six years. Usually this period coincides with the time when Rebecca is sent to school. Among the main symptoms of pathology in young patients are the following:

• reluctance to participate in active games with other children;
• strong passion for a quiet hobby that requires perseverance;
• dislike of funny cartoons due to loud sounds and music;
• lack of contact with new people and children.

A child with Asperger's disease is very attached to home and parents. A change in familiar surroundings can frighten him. Such children feel comfortable only if household items are always in their place. With minor changes in the daily routine, they literally fall into hysterics. For example, if a child is always picked up from school by his mother, but then his father arrives, an attack of uncontrollable hysteria may occur.

Asperger's syndrome in adults

Treatment this disease start with the appearance of the first symptoms. If with early years parents, together with specialists, did not adjust communication skills, pathology can progress. As adults, patients experience acute social isolation. They find it hard to find mutual language in a team, cannot maintain friendly relations, experience problems in personal life.

Among people with Asperger's syndrome one never meets managers or high-level executives. They can know the enterprise thoroughly, have high level intelligence, but give preference to ordinary routine work. They don't care about career success at all. Moreover, such people often become real social outcasts due to their perceived impoliteness. They refuse to follow the rules of etiquette when they do not see the point in them. They often make tactless remarks and interrupt the conversation, immersed in their own thoughts.

How dangerous is Asperger's disease?

Dysfunctions identified at an early stage allow timely treatment psychological correction. The disease poses virtually no threat to human life. Children gradually adapt to the surrounding reality, many of them make progress in science. However, positive dynamics are not observed in all patients. It is difficult for some to find their purpose in adult life, others develop phobias. Therefore, parents should instill in their child communication skills from an early age so that in the future he can fully exist in harmony with the world around him.

Diagnostic methods

An experienced psychologist can confirm Asperger's disease based on observation of the patient's behavior and history. However, it is not always possible to determine the cause of pathology solely by external characteristics. Often clinical picture illness is similar to the character traits of an ordinary introvert. Therefore in modern psychiatry Various tests are used to diagnose the syndrome. They allow us to identify neurological disorders. Tests for adults and children with Asperger's disease differ in the difficulty of the questions. In addition, they are usually divided into groups according to their purpose:

• assessment of intelligence level;
• characteristics of creative imagination;
• determination of sensory sensitivity.

Modern testing techniques through questioning and image interpretation help identify Asperger's disease at an early stage. Based on the results obtained, the doctor prescribes appropriate treatment.

Therapeutic methods

First of all, patients suffering from manifestations of Asperger's syndrome require consultation with a qualified psychiatrist. The basis of treatment is the competent adaptation of children and adults to constantly changing living conditions. To combat nervous disorders sedatives are additionally prescribed. In particularly serious cases, treatment cannot be accomplished without the use of antidepressants. It is impossible to completely change the attitude of patients towards society, but it is possible to correct and adapt their behavior. People diagnosed with Asperger's disease have extraordinary thinking, so everything needs to be explained to them in detail. Only in this case will they strive to overcome difficulties on their own.

The rare disease Asperger's syndrome was named after the pediatrician and psychiatrist Hans Asperger from Vienna, who first described this personality disorder in children as autistic psychopathy.

Although people with Asperger's syndrome also occur among adults, this disease is usually a rather mild variant of childhood autistic disorder in children with intact intelligence. The originality and specificity of this autistic disease among profound developmental disorders is determined by symptoms such as speech impairment.

Autistic developmental disorder

Psychiatry identifies 5 serious disorders child development, which are characterized by great complexity of social interaction, combined with a stereotypical repetitive set of interests, actions, activities. One of these childhood developmental disorders is Asperger's syndrome. And although it's a disorder for a long time called autistic psychopathy, it is distinguished from true autism by the preservation of cognitive and speech abilities. In addition, Asperger's syndrome is characterized by severe clumsiness.

When the Austrian child psychiatrist Hans Asperger first described the syndrome in 1944, he observed children who differed in a number of ways. specific signs. These children were physically clumsy, unable to communicate nonverbally, and had limited empathy for their peers. The prevalence of this disorder in children with mild mental retardation, approximately 0.5 per 10,000. Children with Asperger's syndrome, with normal intellectual abilities, are noted in 20 cases per ten thousand. Among children suffering from Asperger's syndrome, boys predominate.

A modern description of patients with Asperger's syndrome appeared only in 1981, and 10 years later diagnostic standards were developed. But even today this syndrome raises many unresolved questions among researchers. It is still not known which signs and symptoms uniquely distinguish Asperger's syndrome from childhood autism, and also what is its prevalence. It got to the point that many researchers decided to completely abandon the diagnosis of “Asperger syndrome”, proposing to rename it “an autistic disease of varying degrees.”

Indeed, Asperger's syndrome is a unique form of childhood autism, a unique lifelong dysfunction that manifests itself in a person's worldview and his attitude towards others. Typically, people with Asperger's syndrome have a spectrum of disorders, and in addition, Asperger's syndrome is considered an "implicit dysfunction" (the disorder is not externally defined).

Unlike childhood autism, a child with Asperger's syndrome does not have any pronounced speech problems, and his intelligence is normal or above normal. He does not have the learning disability of childhood autism, but he still has some learning difficulties. Such difficulties include: dyslexia, epilepsy, apraxia, ADHD (hyperactivity, lack of attention).

Psychological state of patients

Patients with Asperger's syndrome are awkward in communications, they are either too silent or overly talkative, and do not at all know how to take into account the reactions and interests of their counterparts in a conversation. This happens because they have nonverbal communication disorders. communication skills and coordination of movements are also impaired. In speech, Asperger's syndrome manifests itself as stereotypical repetitions, strange phrases, inadequate intonation, and incorrect use of pronouns. When tested, patients with this disorder show very high levels of memorization, which is why they often achieve great achievements in narrowly focused interests.

With proper support and stimulation, people with Asperger's syndrome live successfully full life. However, children with Asperger's syndrome may find it difficult to recognize signs that ordinary people perceive subconsciously (intonation, various gestures, facial expressions). Therefore, it can be very difficult for them to interact with peers, in turn, this causes them extreme anxiety, confusion, and anxiety. In addition, children with Asperger's syndrome are very clumsy and also prone to repetitive or compulsive behavior. Despite the relatively positive prognosis, such pathologies accompany the sick child until adulthood.

Although many of these children go to a mainstream school, some children with Asperger's Syndrome, due to their special problems, only have access to special education. Teens and young adults with Asperger's syndrome lack self-care skills and become overly concerned about problems in their relationships and friendships. Despite the relatively high intelligence, most young people with Asperger's do not go to work, although they are quite capable of getting married and working independently.

Adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome experience their own difference from others intensely. The reasons for their anxiety are most often obsession with the rituals they have invented, being in unclear situations, as well as excitement due to misses in significant social interactions. The stress reaction arising from such anxiety manifests itself in the form of withdrawal from communication, general inattention, emerging dependence on obsessions, hyperactivity, as well as in negativistic or aggressive behavior.

In addition, Asperger's syndrome is very often accompanied by depressive states. Such depression arises as a consequence of chronic frustration due to regular failures in attempts to interest others. It is also possible that affective disorders. Suicide rates in adults with Asperger's syndrome are thought to be quite high, but this has not yet been proven.

The exact causes of this disease are still unknown, the treatment is also very variable. Psychotherapeutic support is aimed at improving the functioning of the patient. It is based on the methods of behavioral psychotherapy aimed at eliminating specific deficits and correcting communication skills. Gradually, as you grow older, general state most of these children improve significantly, but a number of communication, personal, social difficulties still remain.

People with Asperger's syndrome live as long as ordinary people, but the risk of major depression and anxiety neurosis is significantly increased. In addition, there is Great chance suicide attempts. But still, most people suffering from Asperger's syndrome positively view their disease as a feature, and not a disability that must be cured.

Causes

Until now, Asperger's syndrome has been little studied. People with Asperger's syndrome come from all nationalities, religions, cultures and social backgrounds, but there is a definite tendency for people from the upper classes to be more likely to have the condition.

It is reliably known that this disease is unknown reason much more common in men. However, current research data suggest the neurobiological nature of this autistic disorder. The second version is that Asperger's syndrome is caused by a combination of two factors - a genetic factor and an environmental factor.

In addition, it has been proven that Asperger's syndrome does not depend in any way on the child's upbringing, his individual characteristics or social circumstances.

Symptoms

People with Asperger's syndrome have particular problems in the following social areas: communication, interaction and imagination. These symptoms are the true “triad of autism disorders.”

Children with this syndrome face difficulties in games where they need to be able to pretend or imitate someone. They like to do things that are based on logic and systematicity, such as mathematics.

Additional signs

Pedantry - in an effort to make the world around them less chaotic, people with Asperger's syndrome insist on their own rules and routines. Yes, children school age may strive to always go to school the same way. Unexpected change The class schedule leaves them completely confused. Adults with this syndrome plan their daily routine according to certain patterns. So, if they are used to starting work at a certain time, an unexpected delay in the start of the working day can lead them to severe panic.

Passion. People with Asperger's Syndrome have a strong, obsessive interest in a hobby, collecting. It happens that this interest remains for life, and in another case, one occupation is replaced by another. Thus, a patient with such a disorder can completely focus on the information that needs to be known about machines in order to have an exhaustive knowledge about them. With a strong stimulus, people with this disorder are quite able to study or work, doing their favorite thing.

Sensory problems. Asperger's syndrome causes sensory difficulties in one or all sensory systems at once (difficulties with hearing, touch, sight, taste, smell). The degree of complexity is variable: all the patient's feelings are either excessively enhanced (supersensitive people) or very weakly developed (insensitive people). So, too loud sounds, blinding light, unpleasant odors, specific coating or food may cause painful sensations, as well as anxiety for people with this disorder.

People with impaired sensory sensitivity find it difficult to navigate in space and avoid obstacles. It is difficult for them to stay at a certain distance from strangers, and perform fine motor tasks such as tying shoelaces. A sick person can periodically spin or swing from side to side in order to maintain balance, to be able to cope with sudden stress.

Diagnosis of the disorder

Asperger's syndrome is diagnosed between 3 and 10 years of age. The examination is carried out by a group that includes specialists from different areas. Diagnosis consists of a variety of techniques: neurological and genetic examinations, tests for intellectual characteristics, psychomotor tests, tests for non-verbal and verbal skills, studies of learning style, as well as the patient's ability to live independently.

It is much more difficult to diagnose adults because everything is standardized diagnostic criteria of this disease were designed specifically for children, and the symptoms of the disease themselves change greatly as a person grows older. Therefore, the diagnosis of adults requires a special approach and a detailed history of the disease. The anamnesis is collected on the basis of data received from the patient, as well as from his acquaintances. Doctors are mainly based on information about the behavior of the patient in childhood.

A diagnosis such as “Asperger's Syndrome” is made if the patient has following symptoms and signs:

The motor development of a child with this disorder can be quite slow, and general incoordination is a common (but not fixed) symptom of the diagnosis. Specific skills, often associated with specific interests, are characteristic, but also not at all necessary, for diagnosing Asperger's disorder.

Differentiation

Although this disorder is a fairly specific disease, there are some symptoms that can make the differential diagnosis of this disease very difficult. In differentiating, the psychiatrist must separate the symptoms of Asperger's from other symptoms. autistic disorders and diseases.

Schizophrenia: with differential diagnosis regarding schizophrenia, it is noted that in Asperger's syndrome there are no hallucinations and delusions, there is no progressive deterioration in social skills and hereditary burden of schizophrenia or other psychoses.

Childhood autism: has a range of similar symptoms. Main hallmark The difference between childhood autism and Asperger's syndrome is that the syndrome does not have a general delay in speech development. In addition, patients with Asperger's syndrome can at least somehow understand non-verbal information and can still use intonation for communication.

Comparison of symptoms of childhood autism and Asperger's syndrome:

Treatment

Treatment and rehabilitation of people suffering from Asperger's syndrome should be carried out by a whole group of specialists of various profiles. Such a group must include a medical psychologist, a child psychiatrist, a speech pathologist, a speech therapist, a pediatrician, a neurologist, and even a music worker.

The treatment of this disorder is based on a comprehensive assessment of the child's condition, while taking into account his individual characteristics. Therapy includes a variety of healing methods: psychopharmacotherapy, massage, physiotherapy, physical therapy, family and individual psychotherapy, speech therapy and pedagogical correction, and much more.

With age, the symptoms of the disease in children with Asperger's syndrome decrease. Approximately twenty percent of children with this syndrome no longer meet the criteria for the disease when they become adults, although certain social and communication difficulties may persist throughout their lives. Most people with this syndrome have good mathematical abilities, and this disease itself did not prevent some patients, such as Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, from achieving significant success in life.

Asperger's syndrome is a form of autism. But from a developmental disorder nervous system This mental condition characterized by the absence of a delay in the development of speech and mental abilities.

The level of intelligence of a person suffering from this disorder is usually average or above average. The main problem is that he experiences difficulties in social communication. At the same time, it is extremely clumsy.

This disorder can occur in anyone. And more often it affects men than women. This disorder is congenital and remains with a person throughout his life - it is not curable.

The reasons for this phenomenon are not fully understood. What is known is that this disorder has a bad impact on all important areas of life: social, professional and personal.

The Internet site will tell you how to recognize an unusual syndrome in an adult.

Asperger's syndrome: difficulties in communication and interaction with others

It is not by chance that this phenomenon is called that. In 1944, Austrian psychiatrist and pediatrician Hans Asperger discovered that some children were unable to non-verbal communication, while experiencing physical awkwardness.

The doctor called this disorder “autistic psychopathy.” And only in 1981, the English psychiatrist Lorna Wing proposed the term “ Asperger's syndrome».

People with this pathology are primarily experience difficulties in verbal and non-verbal social communication:

They find it difficult to make friends. Aspergers are not antisocial. Many, on the contrary, dream of having strong friendships, but they fail;

They are not interested in other people: their hobbies, interests, experiences;

Difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication - main feature Asperger's syndrome. This often entails severe anxiety, anxiety and confusion.

Asperger's syndrome - serious disorder, which negatively affects all areas of life and health itself.

People suffering from this disorder often suffer from depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Take a closer look at your surroundings. It may include those who have one or more symptoms of the disorder. If you find such people, do not rush to break ties with them.

Better help them. When communicating with them, try to make sure that they understand you: explain everything to them clearly and be easier with them.

You may be interested in: Memory test.

There are many different symptoms of Asperger's syndrome, but the main thing is the clearly visible difficulty in establishing social contacts. Children with Asperger's syndrome may have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms of the disease.

Sometimes very few symptoms appear, but other people with Asperger's syndrome may experience numerous symptoms. Due to the variety of symptoms and the different forms of the disease, Asperger syndrome manifests itself differently in each child.

Symptoms of Asperger's syndrome in children

Parents notice the first symptoms of Asperger's syndrome in their children, usually during preschool age when children begin to interact with other children. Preschool children with Asperger's syndrome have problems communicating with other people. Many children do not understand the body language of the people around them and do not know how to start or maintain a conversation.

Autism is a disease...

Children with Asperger's syndrome cannot tolerate changes in the established order of the day. To strangers they may seem to lack empathy. In addition, children suffering from this syndrome are usually unable to distinguish subtle changes in voice timbre, do not understand jokes, and take sarcastic comments too seriously.

Children with Asperger's syndrome typically speak formally and avoid making eye contact or looking at others. They are only interested in one or a few topics that they study in depth. Drawing detailed pictures, learning about astronomy or animals, the names of stars or dinosaurs are very popular among children with Asperger's syndrome. Children are happy to talk about their interests, and, as a rule, this is more of a monologue than a dialogue. Often these children speak their thoughts out loud.

Some children with Asperger's syndrome are slower to learn to use a knife or spoon, ride a horse, ride a bicycle, or catch a ball. They may have a rather unusual gait and, as a rule, not very aesthetic handwriting. Another symptom of Asperger's syndrome is increased sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, strong light, taste and touch.

It is worth understanding that the presence of one or two of the above symptoms does not necessarily mean the presence of Asperger syndrome. This diagnosis is made when, in addition to these symptoms, the child has obvious problems with socialization. Moreover, despite the fact that Asperger's syndrome A bit like autism, there are many significant differences between the two.

Children with Asperger's syndrome are usually unable to communicate and develop socially, but tend to show a greater willingness to connect with their environment.

Asperger's Syndrome in Teens

Most of the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome persist in adolescence. Although teenagers suffering from this syndrome may begin to learn missing social skills, maintaining contact may still be a challenge for them.

Many teenagers have difficulty understanding other people's behavior. Teens with Asperger syndrome are usually able to form friendships, but may feel insecure and lack confidence when interacting with peers.

Teens with Asperger's syndrome may not be mature enough for their age, naive and too trusting, which can cause unflattering comments from peers and even bullying. As a result, teens may become even more isolated. Sometimes they experience depression and anxiety disorders.

It should be remembered, however, that some teenagers with Asperger's syndrome are able to form and maintain friendships throughout their school years. Some children with Asperger syndrome show unconventional thinking, creativity and the ability to study original topics, a desire to adhere to principles and sincerity, which can be useful not only at school, but also in later life.

Symptoms of Asperger's syndrome in adults

Asperger's syndrome does not go away with age, but its symptoms tend to stabilize. Adults are usually able to better understand their weaknesses and strengths, and they are also able to learn to function in society.

Many people with Asperger's syndrome marry and have children. Some characteristics of people with Asperger's syndrome, such as attention to detail and specific interests, increase the chances of a successful career and professional success.

Among the world-famous people who had symptoms of Asperger's syndrome are: Thomas Jefferson, Albert Einstein, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Marie Curie-Sklodowska, etc.

Many adults with Asperger's syndrome are passionate about technology, so popular destination among them is engineering. Acquisition Opportunities vocational education However, they are not limited to science.

IN modern psychotherapy Asperger syndrome (Aspie) is considered one of the most curious and unstudied conditions human psyche. It is often said about Asperger's syndrome that it is a manifestation of autism. Indeed, this disorder belongs to the autism spectrum.

But, unlike autism, Aspie pathology is not accompanied by a mental disorder (with autism, such deviations are observed in 90% of cases). Modern doctors are inclined to believe that Asperger's syndrome is not a disease, but a peculiar feature of brain function. More often it develops in men (85% of cases).

People with Asperger's syndrome cannot feel the emotions of others

The disorder owes its name to the Austrian psychiatrist Hans Asperger. The scientist devoted a lot of time to studying and observing children aged 6-18 years suffering from this disorder. The psychiatrist himself called this condition “autistic psychopathy.” According to statistics, Aspie affects 4-5% of the world's population.

There are no intellectual impairments associated with Asperger's syndrome. On the contrary, even intellectual abilities children are much higher than the average of their peers.

If you manage to interest a child with an Aspie in suitable activities, he will achieve excellent success and may even join the ranks of geniuses. This syndrome has been observed in:

• Dan Ackroyd (talented comic actor);
• Steven Spielberg (brilliant film director);
• Mary Temple Grandin (female professor of animal husbandry, biologist);
• Vernon Smith (Nobel Prize winner in economics);
• Bob Dylan (film actor, writer, poet, performer of his own songs).

Some researchers, studying the biographies of outstanding individuals, concluded that Newton, Van Gogh, Socrates, Einstein, Carol Lewis were also Aspers.

The essence of pathology

Asperger's disease is a congenital disorder characterized by specific problems in social relationships with others. Aspies don't have empathy.. Simply put, in the minds of aspers, the place where assumptions about the thoughts and feelings of others are formed is closed by a “white impenetrable spot.”

Patients with Asperger's syndrome do not understand emotions; for them, such manifestations of feelings are a by-product and unnecessary product of thinking. For such individuals, everything is extremely simple: you need to strive to get what is pleasant, and what is unpleasant should be avoided.

But life mercilessly makes its own adjustments to this perception, and the life of aspers takes on painful anxiety. Such people have huge communication problems (are unable to establish, develop and maintain friendly relationships).

The essence of pathology comes down to vivid manifestations of a lack of relationships, problems of normal adaptation and perception of the surrounding reality. This syndrome is manifested by a sharp restriction of social acceptance. Asperger's disease is classified as a "hidden" disorder. By appearance It is almost impossible for a person to determine the problem.

How to identify Asperger's syndrome

Modern luminaries of psychiatry describe disorders by viewing them through a triad of main symptoms:

Social and communication difficulties

People with Aspies have a very difficult time expressing and expressing themselves as individuals socially and emotionally. To understand what Asperger's syndrome is in simple terms, get to know the most common manifestations of such patients. They:

• do not understand the gestures, tone of voice, facial expressions of the interlocutors;
• cannot determine when to start and end communication/conversation;
• are not able to determine which topic of conversation is suitable and interesting;
• use overly complex phrases, but do not fully understand their meaning;
• They are too “literal”, have difficulty accepting jokes, and are inaccessible to sarcasm and complex metaphors.

Difficulties in perceiving the world (spatial and sensory)

Aspers strive to be sociable, to establish some kind of social relations, but when faced with a lack of understanding of the behavior of others, they become withdrawn. They have the following features:

• misunderstanding of “personal space”;
• coldness in relationships of any kind;
• incorrect behavior and conversation;
• indifference, alienation, detachment from others;
• inability to maintain accepted distance and decorum.

Inability to socially imagine (emotional deficits)

Patients with Asperger's syndrome can boast of a developed imagination. But they don’t know how to “connect” it to everyday life. It is easier for them to listen and obey the rules of logic. Aspers are characterized by:

• absolutely not aware of the point of view of others;
• find it difficult to predict any future events;
• engage more in logical actions without the participation of creative ideas;
• do not perceive the emotional background that pushes people to certain actions;
• misunderstanding of what the interlocutor wants to tell if he uses facial expressions and gestures in communication.

Other signs characterizing Asperger syndrome

In addition to the three main categories characteristic of people with Aspie, other signs also indicate the presence of pathology. They are observed to one degree or another in every such person:

Creating a Specific Order. When an asper encounters an incomprehensible, confusing world, he, on a subconscious level, tries to bring the environment into order that is peculiar to him. The creation of template rules helps in this. If something or someone violates the routine, people with Aspies become extremely anxious..

For example, changes in opening hours, train or bus delays. Aspers prefer to go to the store or to work along only one route; if something changes, this leads them to great frustration.

Special hobbies. People with Asperger's syndrome are more likely to enjoy hoarding or collecting. These individuals will enthusiastically find information and study everything related to their favorite hobby.

Aspers are distinguished by their exceptional, very deep and extensive knowledge of what truly fascinates and interests them.

Sensory difficulties. Sensory difficulties in aspers manifest themselves in some kind of sensation. May suffer:

• taste;
• hearing;
• vision;
• touch;
• sense of smell.

One of these senses is either undersensitive (underdeveloped) or oversensitive. Patients may be irritated by nonspecific lighting, loud sounds, strong aroma, and certain surfaces. To relieve stress, patients with Asperger's syndrome can spin or sway evenly in one place for a long time.

Increased sensory sensitivity creates difficulties for such individuals in perception own body. Some aspers find it very problematic to move from room to another room and avoid obstacles. Activities that require fine motor skills (tying shoelaces, fastening buttons) also cause difficulties.

Signs of Asperger's Syndrome in Children

The distinctive symptoms of Asperger's syndrome in children begin to appear after 4-5 years of age. Even in kindergarten, such individuals are noticeably different from their peers. Children with Aspies often become outcasts in kindergarten society. The inability to make friends and establish friendly relationships “pushes” such children to the margins of a noisy childhood life.

Little outcasts have nothing against them; they willingly settle into their own world. They are difficult to understand, because poor facial expressions and stingy emotions do not show the child’s inner state. Asper babies tend to show the same type of behavior and expression of their feelings. Such children:

1. Irritated by loud music and songs.
2. They do not want to participate in noisy group games.
3. They are strongly attached to their family and familiar home environment.
4. They react sharply (even to the point of hysteria) to the appearance of strangers.
5. They do not like funny, funny cartoons due to their inability to appreciate jokes.

Children with Asperger's syndrome love to play with construction sets, put together puzzles, and enjoy quiet, logical system games.

Attention moms. Though clear signs Asperger's syndrome manifests itself at the age of kindergarten, it is worth paying attention to unusual symptoms that are visible at an earlier age. The following signs may be warning signs:

• sudden tears caused by sounds, light, smell;
• clumsy gait compared to other peers, there is a certain unsteadiness, swaying, awkwardness;
• unpleasant sensations from smooth objects, the baby explains that they are prickly, rough and unpleasant.

These early signs do not indicate the presence of Asperger's disorder, but should prompt additional consultation with a neurologist.

Growing up, children with Asperger syndrome show a certain arrogance, even arrogance, and are indifferent to the people around them. But that's just defensive reaction, an attempt to hide and protect oneself from a chaotic, unpleasant world.

Emotions, tightly driven and hidden inside, give rise to a high level of anxiety, which requires release and release. This manifests itself as attacks of aggression and many somatic manifestations:

• temperature;
• pressure surges;
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• spasms of the esophagus;
• cardiovascular diseases.

Timely diagnosis (when working with children, psychologists resort to specific testing of patients) and diagnosing Asperger's syndrome at an early stage, allow for competent correction and significantly improve the perception of reality in such children.

Signs of the disorder in adults

If the pathology is not identified at an early age and the necessary psychological correction is not carried out, the disease provokes the appearance of persistent, acute social self-isolation. Symptoms of Asperger's syndrome in adults are expressed as follows:

1. Aspers have absolutely no idea what humor is.
2. Patients are not able to understand where the lie is and where the truth is.
3. Friends and acquaintances are missing. Asper cannot find the same interests as those around him.
4. Problems arise in your personal life. The person does not know how to maintain close relationships.

People with Aspies are not able to occupy leadership positions where the ability to manage and organize subordinates is valued. Even if they have a thorough knowledge of their own company and are well versed in calculations and accounting, such individuals prefer to engage in routine, monotonous duties. They don't care about their career at all.

People with Asperger's syndrome are not particularly liked by their colleagues because of their strange behavior and perceived impoliteness. After all, aspers:

• do not understand how the interlocutor feels;
• say everything to your face, what is necessary and what is not necessary;
• make insensitive public remarks;
• they don’t see the point in maintaining office etiquette;
• do not think about making a good impression;
• They can cut off the conversation and leave because of their own sudden thoughts.

As they get older, aspers develop increased suspicion, even to the point of phobia. Because of this, such individuals are considered by others to be tactless, arrogant and petty, unpleasant bores.

Reasons for the development of the syndrome

Doctors have not identified the exact culprit that triggers the development of Asperger's disorder. The provoking factors of pathology are the subject of noisy debates and discussions among psychiatrists. Most scientists are inclined to believe that the leading factors provoking the disease are:

• intrauterine infection;
• brain injuries during childbirth;
• traumatic brain injuries;
• hereditary factor (genetic);
• intoxication of the developing fetus during pregnancy;
• toxic effects on the fetus in the first trimester (smoking, drugs, alcohol);
• congenital hormonal imbalance(excess testosterone, unstable cortisol levels);
• maternal autoimmune reaction of the body (this provokes an abnormality in brain development in the child);
• consequences of unsuccessful vaccination ( increased content mercury, preservatives), creating an unbearable burden on children's immunity.

Advanced computer diagnostics and specific medical and psychological testing help to more accurately identify the cause of the pathology.

Is the syndrome dangerous?

Asperger's disorder is not a health risk. If pathology is identified at an early age, with the help of psychologists such a child can be adapted and helped to painlessly integrate into the surrounding society. The disease can cause harm to adults due to antisocialization, namely:

1. It prevents a person from finding his own place and purpose.
2. Calls severe depression due to loneliness and constant anxiety.
3. May provoke the development of fears and phobias. Such disorders are persistent and difficult to correct.

Treatment for Asperger's Syndrome

The main task of parents is to try to instill social and communication skills in their child.. Learn to adapt and accept the variability of everyday life.

The main methods of treatment for Asperger's syndrome come down to psychological training and courses aimed at increasing people's adaptive qualities to society. Treatment takes place under constant supervision of a psychiatrist.

In addition to psychological treatment, patients are prescribed a course of medication consisting of sedatives. In some cases, taking antidepressants is appropriate. It is impossible to completely get rid of such a problem. But with proper therapy, a person with Aspie can be adapted by adjusting his perception of reality.

Then a person with Asperger syndrome will independently strive to overcome communication difficulties, trying to work with social problems on one's own.