Frequently Asked Questions
What is Asperger's?
Asperger's syndrome falls on the autism spectrum of disorders and is characterized by social impairment, communication difficulties, and limited patterns of behavior. This syndrome is sometimes referred to as "high-functioning autism" and students are generally placed in a conventional classroom. Children with Asperger's syndrome may have varying degrees of symptoms.
What does "limited patterns of behavior" mean?
People with Asperger's syndrome tend to have very focused interests, and often seem to be obsessed with one or two subjects. These interests are often related to things with moving parts, like trains or automobiles, or how things are built, or fact-based things like history or numbers, but not always. Many younger children develop interests in scientific things like dinosaurs or space. These interests may be life-long, or may change every few months or years.
How is Asperger's Syndrome diagnosed?
There is no definitive test for Asperger's (such as a blood test). However, the process is very rigorous, so as not to misdiagnose. Once physical factors are ruled out, a child must still undergo many tests and observations before they are diagnosed.
What causes Asperger's?
There is still much to be discovered about what causes Asperger's Syndrome, but some scientists believe that the causes may be genetic based on studies (although they have not narrowed down a specific gene). Advances have been made in the field, but there is still much research to be done.
Is there a cure for Asperger's?
So far, there is no known cure for Asperger's.
What can be done to help alleviate the symptoms of AS?
A lot can be done to help a person with Asperger's, although the symptoms cannot be treated. Making sure the person has plenty of advance warning for changes in schedule, joining a social skills group, or a Occupational Therapy technique called body brushing can all help a child with Asperger's.
Are there any celebrities with AS?
In fact, there are! Click here to learn more.
Asperger's syndrome falls on the autism spectrum of disorders and is characterized by social impairment, communication difficulties, and limited patterns of behavior. This syndrome is sometimes referred to as "high-functioning autism" and students are generally placed in a conventional classroom. Children with Asperger's syndrome may have varying degrees of symptoms.
What does "limited patterns of behavior" mean?
People with Asperger's syndrome tend to have very focused interests, and often seem to be obsessed with one or two subjects. These interests are often related to things with moving parts, like trains or automobiles, or how things are built, or fact-based things like history or numbers, but not always. Many younger children develop interests in scientific things like dinosaurs or space. These interests may be life-long, or may change every few months or years.
How is Asperger's Syndrome diagnosed?
There is no definitive test for Asperger's (such as a blood test). However, the process is very rigorous, so as not to misdiagnose. Once physical factors are ruled out, a child must still undergo many tests and observations before they are diagnosed.
What causes Asperger's?
There is still much to be discovered about what causes Asperger's Syndrome, but some scientists believe that the causes may be genetic based on studies (although they have not narrowed down a specific gene). Advances have been made in the field, but there is still much research to be done.
Is there a cure for Asperger's?
So far, there is no known cure for Asperger's.
What can be done to help alleviate the symptoms of AS?
A lot can be done to help a person with Asperger's, although the symptoms cannot be treated. Making sure the person has plenty of advance warning for changes in schedule, joining a social skills group, or a Occupational Therapy technique called body brushing can all help a child with Asperger's.
Are there any celebrities with AS?
In fact, there are! Click here to learn more.