Have you ever felt that your child is incredibly good at some subjects, especially his favorite subject, but he doesn't like to hang out with friends, talk, or play, and it's hard? Or do you know someone who is incredibly interested in something special (for example, trains, or computers), but has a little difficulty in social relationships? Maybe you've heard the term 'Asperger's'. Today, let's talk about what Asperger's Syndrome really is, what it means now, and what we need to know about it.
Is Asperger's a word that is used now?
Simply put, no . Asperger's syndrome was a diagnosis used by doctors before 2013. At the time, it was seen as a variant, or a milder form, of autism.
But now, with the advancement of medical science, this classification has changed. Now, both Asperger's and autism are brought under one umbrella. It is called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) .
That means Asperger's is no longer a separate diagnosis. Many people who were previously diagnosed with Asperger's are now referred to by doctors as having "level-one autism." This means that they need minimal support to function in everyday life. But it's important to remember that not everyone is the same. Some people may need more support than others.
But, for someone who was previously diagnosed with "Asperger's," that name may be part of their identity. They may prefer to call themselves "aspie." That's their choice. We should respect that.
What are the characteristics of the condition formerly known as Asperger's?
Typically, in the past, Asperger's syndrome was diagnosed based on three main groups of symptoms. These are:
| Characteristics category | Simple explanation and examples |
|---|---|
| Difficulty in social relationships | There may be minor challenges when dealing with others.
|
| Changes in communication | You can see the differences in language and speaking style.
|
| Restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests | A strong interest in specific things and a preference for doing certain things in the same way.
|
Why was this name changed to "autism spectrum"?
This is a very important point. Think about a rainbow. The colors in the rainbow are arranged one after the other, but you can't draw a line exactly where one color ends and the next begins, right? The colors are mixed together.
"A spectrum" is like that. Not everyone on the autism spectrum is the same. Some need a lot of support, some need very little support. Some can't speak, others can speak very well. Because of this diversity, it makes it much easier to recognize that everyone is on the same spectrum, rather than categorizing them as "Asperger's" or "autism," and to provide each person with the support they need.
What are the reasons for this situation?
Experts still can't say exactly what causes this, but they believe it's the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors .
Simply put, this is a neurodevelopmental disorder . Don't worry, this doesn't mean it's a disease. It means that the development and functioning of their brains, or brain wiring, is slightly different from the majority of other people. This brain difference determines how they see the world, how they think, and how they interact with others.
Often, these genetic changes can run in families, meaning they can be passed down through generations. But sometimes, a newborn baby can develop the condition without anyone in the family having it.
What do I do if my child has these symptoms?
First of all, remember, don't rely on online tests to confirm this. We can't trust their accuracy.
If you have such doubts about your child, the best and only thing to do is to see your family doctor or a pediatrician .
Even now in Sri Lanka, at well-child checkups, doctors check for signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They ask you questions and observe your child. If there is any doubt, they refer you to another doctor or therapist who specializes in this area.
If you feel like you have these symptoms as an adult, it's never too late to talk about them. By seeing a doctor and getting advice, you can better understand yourself and get the support you need to face the challenges of everyday life.
Is there a "treatment" for this?
This is a question that many people ask. As we discussed earlier, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not a disease that can be cured . It is a change in the brain. Therefore, doctors do not try to "cure" it.
Instead, it provides support to the person in managing the challenges they face in their daily lives and recommends various therapies .
For example:
- Speech Therapy for Speech Difficulties
- Special training programs to develop social skills
- Behavioral Therapy to Manage Behavioral Patterns
All of this is aimed at helping that person live happily and successfully in society to the best of their abilities.
Ultimately, no matter how different the medical terminology is, each person has the right to choose the best word to describe themselves. Everyone on the autism spectrum is different. Their abilities, challenges, and preferences are different. The most important thing is that we respect their identity and provide them with the support they need.
Take-Home Message
- Asperger's Syndrome is an outdated term that is no longer used in medical science.
- Currently, this condition is considered part of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- ASD is not a disease, it is a difference in brain development and function.
- Challenges are mainly seen in social relationships, communication, and repetitive behaviors.
- Although this cannot be "cured", various therapeutic methods and support can help a person live a successful and happy life.
- If you or your child have any doubts about this, the best thing to do is to see your doctor immediately and discuss it.
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