Does someone close to you have Asperger's Syndrome? Let's talk about it!

You've probably heard the name 'Asperger's Syndrome'. Maybe you remember a friend, family member, or someone you know having this condition. But did you know, doctors don't use this name much anymore. Instead, they use a different term. Let's talk about it in a little more detail today, very simply, in a way that you can understand.

What is 'Asperger's Syndrome'? What's happening now?

Simply put, before 2013, doctors used the term 'Asperger's Syndrome' as a variant of autism. That is, at the time, it was thought to be a slightly different, perhaps "milder" condition than autism. However, with new information in medical science, both 'Asperger' and 'autism' have now been grouped under the same broad category. It is called 'Autism Spectrum Disorder' ( ASD ). So, 'Asperger' is no longer used as a separate diagnosis. In many cases, people who were previously diagnosed with 'Asperger' are now referred to by doctors as having 'level-one autism'. This means that they need relatively little support to function in their daily lives. However, not everyone is the same. Some people with Asperger's may need more support than others. If you were previously diagnosed with Asperger's, you may still identify as having Asperger's. Some people also use the word "aspie" to describe their identity. There is nothing wrong with that. Doctors changed the name for a reason. There is a wide range of characteristics and abilities within the autism spectrum. So, the diagnosis of ASD is flexible enough to provide support that is best suited to each person on the spectrum.

What are the characteristics seen in 'Asperger's'?

When it was first identified as 'Asperger's', three main groups of symptoms were considered. These are the same symptoms that are now seen in people with ASD, but the severity can vary.

1. Difficulties in social relationships

What happens in this is that small problems arise when dealing with other people and maintaining relationships. Think about it this way,

• Difficulty making eye contact: You may have a slight reluctance or difficulty maintaining eye contact when talking to someone.
• Difficulty using facial expressions and body language: They may be less interested in showing what they are feeling with their face, or expressing their thoughts through gestures and body language.
• Difficulty forming relationships with peers:It can feel a little difficult to make friends, play with them, and talk to them .
• Lack of interest in sharing things they find enjoyable with others: They may not be as interested in telling others about their favorite toy or a cartoon they watched.
• Difficulty engaging in social interactions, such as back-and-forth social interactions : When someone asks a question, you may have difficulty answering it and then asking them another question, and continuing the conversation.

2. Changes in communication

You can see some differences in the way we talk and communicate.

• Difficulty starting and continuing a conversation: Starting a conversation about a topic or continuing a conversation once started can be a bit of a challenge.
• Repetitive use of certain phrases: The same word or phrase may be repeated over and over. It may be a line from a TV show, or it may be a phrase you have made up yourself.
• Lack of age-appropriate make-believe play: There may be a decrease in pretend play, such as "playing doctor" and "playing school," like other children.

3. Restricted, repetitive or stereotyped interests and behaviors

This involves showing a strong interest in certain things, or repeating certain behaviors.

• Unusually strong interest in specific topics: For example, you may be curious about trains, dinosaurs, or numbers, and may be more interested in them than in others.
• Need to follow strict routines: They think everything has to be done the same way, at the same time. Even small changes can be difficult for them to handle.
• Repetitive movements (stimming): You can do things like flapping your hands, wiggling your fingers, rocking back and forth, or making the same noise. These are said to help them calm down.
• Fascination with an object's parts: You may pay more attention to a part of an object than to the whole object, such as looking at the wheels of a toy car or watching a fan spin.

The important thing is that all of these characteristics are present in all `( ASDNot everyone who has it has to have it. Also, the severity of these symptoms varies from person to person.

How was Asperger's diagnosed in the past?

According to the guidebook used at the time, called ``DSM-IV-TR'' (this is an older version of ``DSM-V-TR''), a person had to meet all of the following criteria to be diagnosed with 'Asperger's':

• There must be at least two characteristics from the social interaction category.
• At least one characteristic from the restricted/repetitive/stereotyped interests and behaviors category must be present.
• There may also be some features from the communication category.
• These symptoms should make it difficult to perform daily tasks (such as studying and making friends).
• There cannot be a delay in cognitive development (`cognitive skills`) or adaptive skills (`adaptive skills`).
• There should be no delay in early language development (`early language milestones`). (That is, they should be able to speak single words by age 2 and sentences by age 3).
• Does not meet the criteria for another pervasive developmental disorder or schizophrenia .

Doctors usually diagnose Asperger's in childhood. However, some people have been diagnosed as adults. If you think you may be on the autism spectrum, it's never too late to talk to a doctor about it.

Is there a separate test for 'Asperger's'?

There is no specific test for Asperger's anymore. It's not a diagnosis doctors use anymore. You may be able to find "tests" online that are based on the questionnaires doctors used in the past. However, it's hard to tell how accurate or up-to-date the information they provide. To get the most accurate advice, you should definitely talk to a doctor. Nowadays, pediatricians screen young children for ASD during their well- checks . When you take your baby to the clinic, the doctor or nurse will give you a form to fill out and then talk to you about what's on it. If they see signs of ASD, they will refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and discussion.

What causes Asperger's (now ASD)?

Experts still don't know exactly what causes ASD, but they believe it's caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors.This condition occurs. All conditions like Asperger's that now fall under the umbrella of ASD are called neurodevelopmental disorders. Having a neurodevelopmental disorder means that there are some changes in the way your brain works . These changes may make the way you think, behave, and interact with the world around you a little different from other people.

Is Asperger's genetic?

Yes. Experts believe that gene changes play a major role in the development of ASD. These genetic changes can often be passed down from family to family (i.e., inherited). However, even if no one in the family has ASD, a newborn child can still develop these genetic changes.

What you need to know about treatment for Asperger's (ASD)

ASD is a brain disorder, not a disease. Therefore, doctors do not "cure" it. Instead, they recommend support and therapy to help you manage the challenges you face in your daily life. There are a variety of therapies available, and you and your doctor can work together to determine what is best for you. For example, speech therapy can help improve communication skills. Occupational therapy can help you do everyday tasks, such as getting dressed and eating. Social skills training can help you get along with others and make friends. Sometimes, medications may be prescribed to help manage behavior problems, but they are not for everyone. No matter how different the medical terminology is, you have every right to choose the words that you feel are best to describe who you are. No two people with 'Asperger's' or `(ASD)` are alike. Just as no two of us are alike in general. So, choose the language that works for you. If you know someone with `(ASD)`, respect that person's choice to use language.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

• Asperger's Syndrome is no longer a diagnosis used by doctors. Instead, it is now included in the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Everyone with ASD is different. Their abilities, challenges, and needs are different.
• Although the exact cause of ASD has not yet been discovered, it is believed that genetic and environmental factors play a role.
• ASD is not a "curable" condition. However, with the right support, therapy, and understanding, people with ASD can live successful, happy lives.
• If you or someone you know has symptoms of ASD,It is best to seek medical advice. The earlier it is detected, the more likely it is that the necessary support can be provided.
• The most important thing is to look at people with ASD with understanding and kindness. It is our responsibility to respect their differences and support them.

Don't forget, you are not alone. There are many ways to learn about ASD and get support. Don't be afraid to explore it.

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Asperger's, autism, ASD, neurodevelopmental disorders, social skills, communication difficulties, child development