General Info:
Asperger syndrome (AS). Also known AS ASPERGER'S syndrome or asperger disorder is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction. Alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. It differs from other autism spectrum disorders by its relative preservation of linguistic and cognitive development. Although NOT required for diagnosis. Physical clumsiness and atypical (peculiar. ODD) USE of language are frequently REPORTED. [1][2] the syndrome is named after the austrian pediatrician hans asperger WHO. In 1944. Studied and described children in HIS practice WHO lacked nonverbal communication skills. Demonstrated limited empathy with their peers. And were physically CLUMSY. [3] the modern conception of asperger syndrome came into existence in 1981[4] and went through a period of popularization. [5][6] becoming standardized AS a diagnosis in the early 1990S. Many questions remain about aspects of the DISORDER. [7] there is doubt about whether it is distinct from high functioning autism (HFA);[8] partly because of this. Its prevalence is NOT firmly established. [1] and it has been proposed that the diagnosis of ASPERGER'S BE eliminated. To BE replaced by a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder on a severity SCALE. [9] the exact cause is unknown. Although research suggests the likelihood of a genetic basis. [1] there is NO known genetic ETIOLOGY[10][11] and brain imaging techniques have NOT identified a clear common PATHOLOGY. [1] there is NO single treatment. And the effectiveness of particular interventions is supported by only limited DATA. [1] intervention is aimed AT improving symptoms and function. The mainstay of management is behavioral therapy. Focusing on specific deficits to address poor communication skills. Obsessive or repetitive routines. And physical CLUMSINESS. [12] most children improve AS they mature to adulthood. But social and communication difficulties MAY PERSIST. [7] some researchers and people with ASPERGER'S have advocated a shift in attitudes toward the view that it is a difference. Rather than a disability that must BE treated or cured asperger syndrome is NOT mental retardation and CAN BE treated by cognitive behavioral therapy S where structure and routine is everything. Subjects with ASPERGERS are sweet in their basic disposition but are Also extremely intelligent with patterns or structures that reinforce continuity in their lives. They CAN BE Also MANUPLATIVE emotionally and require allot of attention and are most stable in an environment that provides such structures and addresses such issues. They often will hold on to emotional issues in a stubborn pattern and will ACT OUT AT times physically when extremely frustrated or felt misunderstood that often defines their whole social INTERACTION. WE have found that a specialty boarding school such AS a boot camp or Wilderness therapy program or even better YET a ranch type program works very well with such students because they seem to react very well with animals and make good CAREGIVERS of farm animals and they progress well with such things like horse therapies or the like.