About Asperger syndrome

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism, which is a lifelong disability that affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes information and relates to other people. Autism is often described as a 'spectrum disorder' because the condition affects people in many different ways and to varying degrees. (For more information about autism, please read our leaflet What is autism?) Asperger syndrome is mostly a 'hidden disability'. This means that you can't tell that someone has the condition from their outward appearance. People with the condition have difficulties in three main areas. They are:

social communication social interaction social imagination. They are often referred to as 'the triad of impairments' and are explained in more detail on page 3. While there are similarities with autism, people with Asperger 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. These may include dyslexia and dyspraxia or other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and epilepsy. With the right support and encouragement, people with Asperger syndrome can lead full and independent lives.

Three main areas of difficulty

The characteristics of Asperger syndrome vary from one person to another but are generally divided into three main groups. Difficulty with social communication If you have Asperger syndrome, understanding conversation is like trying to understand a foreign language. People with Asperger syndrome sometimes find it difficult to express themselves emotionally and socially. For example, they may:

have difficulty understanding gestures, facial expressions or tone of voice

have difficulty knowing when to start or end a conversation and choosing topics to talk about use complex words and phrases but may not fully understand what they mean be very literal in what they say and can have difficulty understanding jokes, metaphor and sarcasm. For example, a person with Asperger syndrome may be confused by the phrase 'That's cool' when people use it to say something is good. In order to help a person with Asperger syndrome understand you, keep your sentences short - be clear and concise. Difficulty with social interaction I have difficulty picking up social cues, and difficulty in knowing what to do when I get things wrong. Many people with Asperger syndrome want to be sociable but have difficulty with initiating and sustaining social relationships, which can make them very anxious. People with the condition may:

struggle to make and maintain friendships not understand the unwritten 'social rules' that most of us pick up without thinking. For example, they may stand too close to another person, or start an inappropriate topic of conversation

find other people unpredictable and confusing become withdrawn and seem uninterested in other people, appearing almost aloof behave in what may seem an inappropriate manner.

Difficulty with social imagination We have trouble working out what other people know. We have more difficulty guessing what other people are thinking. People with Asperger syndrome can be imaginative in the conventional use of the word. For example, many are accomplished writers, artists and musicians. But people with Asperger syndrome can have difficulty with social imagination. This can include:

imagining alternative outcomes to situations and finding it hard to predict what will happen next understanding or interpreting other peoples thoughts, feelings or actions. The subtle messages that are put across by facial expression and body language are often missed

having a limited range of imaginative activities, which can be pursued rigidly and repetitively, eg lining up toys or collecting and organising things related to his or her interest. Some children with Asperger syndrome may find it difficult to play 'let's pretend' games or prefer subjects rooted in logic and systems, such as mathematics.

Characteristics of Asperger syndrome

The characteristics of Asperger syndrome vary from one person to another but as well as the three main areas of difficulty, people with the condition may have:

love of routines special interests sensory difficulties.

Love of routines If I get anxious I get in a tizz. I have a timetable; it helps me to see what I have to do next, otherwise I get confused. To try and make the world less confusing, people with Asperger syndrome may have rules and rituals (ways of doing things) which they insist upon. Young children, for example, may insist on always walking the same way to school. In class, they may get upset if there is a sudden change to the timetable. People with Asperger syndrome often prefer to order their day to a set pattern. For example, if they work set hours, an unexpected delay to their journey to or from work can make them anxious or upset. Special interests I remember Samuel reciting the distances of all the planets from the sun to a baffled classmate in the playground when he was five. Since then he has had many obsessions, which he loves to talk about at length! People with Asperger syndrome may develop an intense, sometimes obsessive, interest in a hobby or collecting. Sometimes these interests are lifelong; in other cases, one interest is replaced by an unconnected interest. For example, a person with Asperger syndrome may focus on learning all there is to know about trains or computers. Some are exceptionally knowledgeable in their chosen

field of interest. With encouragement, interests and skills can be developed so that people with Asperger syndrome can study or work in their favourite subjects. Sensory difficulties Robert only has problems with touch when he doesn't know what's coming - like jostling in queues and people accidentally brushing into him. Light touch seems to be worse for him than a firm touch. People with Asperger syndrome may have sensory difficulties. These can occur in one or all of the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste). The degree of difficulty varies from one individual to another. Most commonly, an individual's senses are either intensified (over-sensitive) or underdeveloped (under-sensitive). For example, bright lights, loud noises, overpowering smells, particular food textures and the feeling of certain materials can be a cause of anxiety and pain for people with Asperger syndrome. People with sensory sensitivity may also find it harder to use their body awareness system. This system tells us where our bodies are, so for those with reduced body awareness, it can be harder to navigate rooms avoiding obstructions, stand at an appropriate distance from other people and carry out 'fine motor' tasks such as tying shoelaces. Some people with Asperger syndrome may rock or spin to help with balance and posture or to help them deal with stress. Who is affected by Asperger syndrome? There are over half a million people in the UK with an autism spectrum disorder - that's around 1 in 100. People with Asperger syndrome come from all nationalities, cultures, social backgrounds and religions. However, the condition appears to bemore common in males than females; the reason for this is unknown.

Causes and cures

What causes Asperger syndrome? The exact cause of Asperger syndrome is still being investigated. However, research suggests that a combination of factors - genetic and environmental - may account for changes in brain development. Asperger 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 Asperger syndrome become adults with Asperger syndrome. However, as our understanding of the condition

improves and services continue to develop, people with Asperger 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 Asperger 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. The typical route for getting a diagnosis is to visit a GP. He or she can refer an individual to other health professionals who can make a formal diagnosis. Most frequently they will be psychiatrists or clinical psychologists and, in the case of children, paediatricians. Some people see a formal diagnosis as an unhelpful label; however, for many a diagnosis:

helps the individual, families, friends, partners, carers, professionals and colleagues to better understand and manage their needs and behaviour

is the key needed to open the door to specialised support, eg supported living or finding suitable employment. There are diagnostic differences between conditions on the autism spectrum. Sometimes people may receive a diagnosis of autism or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), high-functioning autism (HFA) or atypical autism instead of Asperger syndrome. Alternatively, they may be given a diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) or semantic pragmatic disorder. However, people who have been given these diagnoses will have similar difficulties and similar support needs to those who have Asperger syndrome. You can find more information about diagnosis and how to get one here. If you would like to read more about the different types of autism (including Asperger syndrome) and the diagnoses that people get, see:

High-functioning autism and Asperger syndrome: what's the difference? The use and misuse of diagnostic labels. Quick link to this page: www.autism.org.uk/asperger

Julie's son Richard was diagnosed with autism before he started school. She contacted our Education Rights service for help after her son's school refused to carry out an assessment of his needs. With the help of the NAS, Julie went to tribunal three times over the course of six years. Eventually Richard got his assessment of needs and was placed in a specialist school for children with Asperger syndrome. "I can't tell you how wonderful things are now. He's settled into school and he's making excellent progress. He's got friends now... he has a little book with their telephone numbers in, and from time to time he rings them up. We can go out as a family. He's coping."

Life has been transformed for Richard and his family. Please help us to support more families struggling to cope with autism.

Sindromul Asperger este o form de autism, care este un handicap pe tot parcursul vieii care afecteaz modul n care o persoan are sens al lumii, procesele de informare i se refer la alte persoane. Autismul este adesea descris ca un \ "tulburare de spectru \", deoarece condiia afecteaz oamenii n moduri diferite i n grade diferite. (Pentru mai multe informaii despre autism, v rugm s citii prospectul nostru Ce este autismul?) Sindromul Asperger este cea mai mare parte "handicap ascuns \" o \. Acest lucru nseamn c putei \ 't spune c cineva a condiiei de la aspectul lor exterior. Oamenii cu condiia au dificulti n trei domenii principale. Acestea sunt: comunicare social interaciune social imaginaie sociale. Ele sunt adesea menionat ca \ "triada de deficiente \ 'i sunt explicate n detaliu mai multe la pagina 3. Dei exist similariti cu autism, oameni cu sindromul Asperger au mai putine probleme de vorbire i sunt adesea de medii, sau peste medie, inteligenta. Ei nu au de obicei probleme de nvare asociate cu autismul, dar ele pot avea dificulti specifice de nvare. Acestea pot include dislexie si dispraxie sau alte condiii, cum ar fi deficit de atentie tulburare de hiperactivitate (ADHD) i epilepsie. Cu suportul corect i ncurajare, persoanele cu sindrom Asperger pot duce o via deplin i independent.

Trei domenii principale de dificultate Caracteristicile sindromului Asperger variaz de la o persoan la alta, dar sunt n general mprite n trei grupe principale. Dificultatea n comunicarea social Dac avei sindrom Asperger, nelegerea conversaie este ca incearca sa inteleaga o limb strin. Persoanele cu sindrom Asperger, uneori, este dificil s se exprime emotional si social. De exemplu, ele pot: au gesturi nelegere dificultate, expresiile feei sau tonul vocii au dificultati in a ti cnd s nceap sau pentru a termina o conversaie i alegnd teme s vorbeasc despre cuvintele utilizare complexe i expresii, dar nu pot nelege pe deplin ce nseamn acestea fi foarte literal n ceea ce spun ei i pot avea dificultati in intelegerea glume, metafora i sarcasm. De exemplu, o persoan cu sindrom Asperger pot fi confundate de ctre expresia \ "Asta \ 's rece \", atunci cnd oamenii le utilizeaz pentru a spune ceva este bun. n scopul de a ajuta o persoan cu sindromul Asperger sa intelegi, sa scrii propozitii scurte - s fie clar i concis.

Dificultate cu interactiunea sociala am avea dificulti la apucarea indiciilor sociale, i dificultate n a ti ce s fac cnd ajung lucruri greite. Multi oameni cu sindromul Asperger doresc s fie sociabile, dar au dificultati cu iniierea i susinerea relaiilor sociale, ceea ce poate s le fac foarte nelinitit.Persoanele cu boala poate: lupta pentru a face si sa intretina prietenii nu neleg nescrise \ 'normelor sociale \' c cei mai muli dintre noi ridica fr s gndeasc. De exemplu, ei pot sta prea aproape de o alt

persoan, sau de a ncepe un subiect de conversaie inadecvat gsi alte persoane imprevizibile i confuze deveni retrase i par a fi interesat de alte persoane, care apar aproape distant se comport n ceea ce poate prea un mod inadecvat. Dificultate cu imaginaie sociale Avem probleme de lucru n ceea ce ali oameni tiu. Am avea mai multe dificulti ghici ce alte persoane sunt de gndire. Persoanele cu sindrom Asperger pot fi imaginativ n utilizarea convenional a cuvntului. De exemplu, muli scriitori sunt realizate, artiti i muzicieni. Dar oamenii cu sindrom Asperger pot avea dificultati cu imaginaie sociale. Aceasta poate include: imaginarea rezultatelor alternativ la situaii i constatare este greu de prezis ce se va ntmpla urmtorul nelegere sau de interpretare alte popoare gnduri, sentimente sau aciuni. Mesajele subtile care sunt puse n ntreaga prin expresia fetei si limbajul corpului sunt adesea pierdute avnd o gam limitat de activiti imaginative, care pot fi urmrite rigid i n mod repetat, de exemplu, alinierea jucrii sau colectarea i organizarea de lucruri legate de interesul su. Unii copii cu sindrom Asperger ar putea gsi c este dificil s joace \ 'sa \' s pretend \ 'jocuri sau prefera subiectele nrdcinate n logica i sisteme, cum ar fi matematica.

Caracteristicile sindromului Asperger Caracteristicile sindromului Asperger variaz de la o persoan la alta, dar, precum i cele trei domenii principale de dificultate, persoane cu boala poate avea: dragostea de rutine de dificulti speciale interesele senzoriale. Iubirea de rutine Dac primesc nerbdtor I a lua ntr-o tizz. Am un calendar; ajut-m s vd ce am s fac n continuare, altfel m confuz. Pentru a ncerca i a face lumea mai puin ncurcat, persoanele cu sindrom Asperger pot avea reguli i ritualuri (moduri de a face lucruri), care insist asupra. Copii mici, de exemplu, se poate insista pe jos ntotdeauna la fel la coal. n clas, ei pot primi suprat dac exist o modificare brusc a calendarului. Persoanele cu sindrom Asperger de multe ori prefer s dispun lor de zi cu un tipar stabilit. De exemplu, dac acetia lucreaz cu ore bine stabilite, o ntrziere neateptat a cltoriei lor spre sau dinspre locul de munc i poate face nelinitii sau suparat. Interese speciale mi amintesc Samuel recitarea distantele din toate planetele de la soare la un coleg de clasa uimit pe terenul de joac, cnd a fost cinci ani. De atunci el a avut multe obsesii, pe care i place s vorbeasc despre la lungime! Persoanele cu sindrom Asperger pot dezvolta o intens, uneori obsesiv, de interes ntr-un hobby sau de colectare. Uneori, aceste interese sunt pe tot parcursul vieii, n alte cazuri, un singur interes este nlocuit de un interes fr legtur. De exemplu, o persoana cu sindrom Asperger se pot concentra pe nvarea toate este s tii despre trenuri sau computere. Unele sunt extrem de cunostinte vaste in domeniul ales de interes. Cu ncurajarea, interese i abiliti pot fi dezvoltate astfel nct persoanele cu sindrom Asperger pot studia sau lucra n subiectele lor preferate. Dificulti senzoriale Robert are numai probleme cu tent atunci cnd el nu \ 'Nu stiu ce \' vine - cum ar fi nghesuit n cozi i oamenii accidental periaj n el. Atingei lumina pare a fi mai ru pentru el dect o not firm. Persoanele cu sindrom Asperger ar putea avea dificulti senzoriale. Acestea pot s apar ntr-una sau toate simturile (vederea, sunet, miros, atingere, sau gust). Gradul de dificultate variaz de la un individ la altul. Cel mai frecvent, simte o \ individ sunt fie intensificate (supra-sensibile) sau subdezvoltate (sub-sensibil). De exemplu, luminile puternice, zgomotele puternice, mirosurile copleitoare, texturi special produse alimentare, precum i sentimentul anumitor materiale poate fi o cauza de anxietate i durere pentru

persoanele cu sindromul Asperger. Persoanele cu sensibilitate senzoriale pot gsi, de asemenea, este greu de a utiliza sistemul lor de contientizare corpului. Acest sistem ne spune n cazul n care trupurile noastre sunt, asa ca pentru cei cu constiinta corpului redus, aceasta poate fi mai greu pentru a naviga camere evita obstacole, stau la o distan corespunztoare de la alte persoane i s efectueze "motorii fine \ '\ sarcini, cum ar fi isi leaga sireturile. Unii oameni cu sindromul Asperger pot roc sau de spin pentru a ajuta cu echilibru i de postur sau de a le ajuta s fac fa stresului. Cine este afectat de sindromul Asperger? Exista peste o jumtate de milion de oameni din Marea Britanie, cu o tulburare din spectrul autismului - care \ 's n jurul valorii de 1 la 100. Persoanele cu sindromul Asperger provin din toate naionalitile, culturile, indiferent de contextul social i religii. Cu toate acestea, condiia pare a fi mai frecvente la barbati decat femei, motiv pentru acest lucru este necunoscut.

Cauze si remedii Care sunt cauzele sindromului Asperger? Cauza exacta a sindromului Asperger este nc n curs de investigat. Cu toate acestea, cercetarile sugereaza ca o combinatie de factori - genetici si de mediu - pot reprezenta pentru modificri n dezvoltarea creierului. Sindromul Asperger nu este cauzat de o persoan \ 's educaia, situaia lor social i nu este vina individuale cu condiia. Exist o cura? n prezent nu exist nici o \ 'leac \ "i nici un tratament specific pentru sindromul Asperger. Copiii cu sindrom Asperger s devin aduli cu sindromul Asperger. Cu toate acestea, ca intelegerea noastra a condiiei mbuntete i servicii continu s se dezvolte, persoanele cu sindromul Asperger au posibilitatea de mai mult dect oricnd de a ajunge la potenialul lor maxim. Exist mai multe abordri, terapii i intervenii, care pot mbunti calitatea unui \ individului de via. Acestea pot include de comunicare pe baz de intervenii, terapie comportamentala si schimbarile de dieta. Informaii despre multe dintre acestea pot fi gsite la: Diagnosticul www.autism.org.uk / abordri Deoarece sindromul Asperger variaz de la persoan la persoan, stabilirea unui diagnostic poate fi dificil. Acesta este adesea diagnosticat mai trziu la copii dect autism i, uneori, dificultile nu pot fi recunoscute i diagnosticat pana la varsta adulta. Traseul tipic pentru obtinerea unui diagnostic este de a vizita un GP. El sau ea se poate referi un individ ctre alte cadre medicale, care pot face un diagnostic formal. Cel mai frecvent acestea vor fi psihiatri sau psihologi clinice i, n cazul copiilor, medicii pediatri. Unii oameni se vedea un diagnostic formal ca o etichet nefolositoare, totui, pentru muli un diagnostic: ajut individuale, familii, prieteni, parteneri, personalul de ngrijire, profesionisti si colegii sai pentru a nelege mai bine i s gestioneze nevoile i comportamentul lor este cheia necesar pentru a deschide ua pentru sprijin specializat, de exemplu, sprijinit de via sau de a gsi loc de munc adecvat. Exist diferene ntre condiiile de diagnostic din spectrul autist. Uneori, oamenii pot primi un diagnostic de autism sau de tulburare de spectru autist (ASD), de nalt funcionarea autism (HFA) sau autism atipic n loc de sindromul Asperger. Alternativ, ele pot fi dat un diagnostic de tulburare de dezvoltare omniprezenta - nu se specific altfel (PDD-NOS) sau tulburri semantice pragmatice. Cu toate acestea, oamenii care s-au dat aceste diagnostice vor avea dificulti similare i are nevoie de sprijin similare celor care au sindrom Asperger. Putei gsi mai multe informaii despre diagnostic i cum s obinei unul aici. Dac dorii s citii mai multe despre diferitele tipuri de autism (inclusiv sindromul

Asperger) i diagnostice care oamenii se, a se vedea: High-funcionarea autism i de sindromul Asperger: ce \ 'i diferena? Utilizarea abuziv i a etichetelor de diagnostic.

Julie \ 's fiul lui Richard a fost diagnosticat cu autism nainte de el a nceput coala. Ea a contactat serviciul nostru de educaie pentru drepturile de ajutor dup ce fiul ei coal \ 's a refuzat s efectueze o evaluare a nevoilor sale. Cu ajutorul NAS, Julie a mers la tribunal de trei ori pe parcursul a ase ani. n cele din urm Richard primit evaluare a necesitilor lui i a fost plasat ntr-o coal de specialitate pentru copiii cu sindromul Asperger. \ "Nu pot \ 'nu v spun cum stau lucrurile minunate sunt acum El \.' E stabilit in scoala si el \ 's face progrese excelente. A \' s are prieteni ... acum el are o crticic cu numere de telefon lor n, i din cnd n cnd leinele de sus. Putem merge ca o familie. El a \ 's face fa \ ".

Sarah este de 35 i a fost diagnosticat cu sindromul Asperger un an n urm. Ea locuieste impreuna cu parintii ei si are un loc de munc part-time la un hotel, dar se lupt cu fiecare zi situatii sociale.Mama Sarah spune: interaciunea social cu oamenii a fost ntotdeauna dificil pentru Sarah. Din moment ce ea a nceput s lucreze n buctriile la hotel au existat probleme de relaie. Oamenii cred c e doar un pic ciudat. Ei nu neleg comportamentul ei, de ce e antisocial n anumite situaii i de ce ea a imita comportamentul social. Sarah a avut o befriender de la Societatea Nationala pentru Autism de aproximativ ase luni acum si se merge foarte bine. Ea ntr-adevr se va bucura.Befriender ei este foarte consistent, foarte punctual i are ntradevr luate pe responsabilitate.Befrienders nostru de ajutor de peste 500 de persoane cu autism in fiecare an pentru a depi izolarea social a acestora -, dar exist o list de ateptare semnificativ. Cu sprijinul dumneavoastr, v putem ajuta mai multe persoane cu autism de a face lucrurile pe care le bucura de toate - cota de un hobby, du-te la bar, sau pur i simplu de chat cu cineva care vrea s asculte.Doar 15 pentru un befriender pltete pentru a primi prima etap a formrii lor.