Asperger Syndrome is characterized as a neurological disorder. This disorder is a condition that is in the family of Austism. In this article we will look at how Asperger Syndrome is diagnosed.
What is Asperger Syndrome?
Asperger Syndrome is characterized as a neurological disorder and it is generally linked to a family of conditions called autism spectrum disorders. This family of disabilities includes autism as well as several other disabilities that have similar behavioral traits and this is why the term autism spectrum is used. This uniformity makes is hard to diagnose Asperger Syndrome. Each disability generally has certain symptom in common that vary in frequency and importance in each individual. Terms such as low-functioning and high functioning autism have been born from these common traits.
Asperger Syndrome and Autism
Asperger Syndrome, just like autism, can be a very difficult disability to pinpoint and accurately diagnose. Asperger Syndrome, unlike autism, is often diagnosed around age 5. Some of the common symptoms are unable to interact or poor interaction or social skills, odd mannerisms or repeating strange behavior. Coordination problems or communication difficulties along with problems with motor skills and no or limited interests are a few other traits that are used to diagnose Asperger Syndrome. They can vary in severity or complexity from one individual to the next and no two cases may be alike and this makes it hard to diagnose Asperger Syndrome.
People who are afflicted with Asperger Syndrome exhibit many of the same traits are those who suffer from autism and the syndrome is many times referred to as a high functioning form of autism which definitely makes it harder to diagnose Asperger Syndrome. However those individuals who are diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome do function better than those who suffer autism on a day to day basis. For a clearer definition, Asperger syndrome is a pervasive development disorder. These types of disorders are known to cause delays in developing the ability to socially interest and communicate with others.
Mysterious Asperger Syndrome
It is very difficult to diagnose Asperger Syndrome because many of the symptoms of Asperger Syndrome, to most people would not be considered disabilities. Some small children do not make friends quickly, have behavioral problems and may be extra clumsy so a doctor would not diagnose Asperger Syndrome right off the back. Many children who have Asperger Syndrome do not exhibit any visible learning disabilities. They often speak fairly well for the most part, have a great vocabulary and are talented at doing many different tasks. They have no problem leading a normal life. They do lack in some areas such as social skills but they are often very well versed in others. They may be obsessive compulsive about certain things such as a pencil or a seat and they may not like certain colors etc. but they are often still viewed as simply eccentric rather than having an actual and documented disability.
Ways to Diagnose Asperger Syndrome
Since many times Asperger Syndrome can go undiagnosed there have been changes over the year implemented to allow for easier detection. If a child is suspected of suffering from Asperger Syndrome in order to properly diagnose them, they must undergo a complete evaluation by a medical professional. Many times the doctor will perform a complete physical examination including obtaining all their medical records.
Tests will also be done to make sure that another physical or genetic disorder such as autism is not causing the problem. Many doctors also give the Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale in order to properly diagnose Asperger Syndrome. It was engineered exactly for that purpose and it a trusted indicator test. The child will also be introduced to child psychologists and other mental health personnel that are familiar with Asperger Syndrome. They will conduct a series of interviews and observations regarding the child’s development in order to make a better diagnose.
Sources