ASPERGERS
Asperger
syndrome is distinguished by a pattern of symptoms rather than a single symptom.
It is characterized by qualitative impairment in social interaction, by stereotyped
and restricted patterns of activities and interests, and by no clinically
significant delay in cognitive development or general delay in language.Intense
preoccupation with a narrow subject, one-sided verbosity, restricted prosody
and intonation, and motor clumsiness are typical of the condition, but are
not required for diagnosis.
Children with AS may require special education services because of their social
and behavioral difficulties although many attend regular education classes.Adolescents
with AS may exhibit ongoing difficulty with self-care, organization and disturbances
in social and romantic relationships; despite high cognitive potential, most
remain at home, although some do marry and work independently.The "different-ness"
adolescents experience can be traumatic.Anxiety may stem from preoccupation
over possible violations of routines and rituals, from being placed in a situation
without a clear schedule or expectations, or from concern with failing in
social encounters;[1] the resulting stress may manifest as inattention, withdrawal,
reliance on obsessions, hyperactivity, or aggressive or oppositional behavior.Depression
is often the result of chronic frustration from repeated failure to engage
others socially, and mood disorders requiring treatment may develop.
Education
of families is critical in developing strategies for understanding strengths
and weaknesses; helping the family to cope improves outcome in children.Prognosis
may be improved by diagnosis at a younger age that allows for early interventions,
while interventions in adulthood are valuable but less beneficial.There are
legal implications for individuals with AS as they run the risk of exploitation
by others and may be unable to comprehend the societal implications of their
actions.(1)
source
(1) wikipedia