Finally, an article, that tells you, in simple words, All You Need to Know about Asperger's Syndrome Symptoms.

Named after Austrian paediatrician Hans Asperger, Asperger's Syndrome was first diagnosed in the year 1944. It is one of the distinct groups of complex neurodevelopment disorder, an ASD (autism spectrum disorder) that affects an individual's ability to communicate and socialize effectively with others.

To understand the Asperger's Syndrome in a better way, read on.

What is Asperger's syndrome?

Here’s the simple question, what do we do when we meet someone while walking on the road? Indubitably, we will have certain kind of body language, facial expressions and tone of voice which will give out information to other person, regarding whether we are happy, sad, angry or in a hurry. How we respond depends on how we process these signals. But unfortunately, when it comes to a person with Asperger's syndrome symptoms, they will find it extremely difficult reading these signals instinctively. Their delayed motor coordination and eye contact often misinterprets the entire social interaction, thus making them baffled and anxious incessantly.

What causes Asperger’s Syndrome?

Though the mental health experts are still investigating for the exact cause of Asperger’s syndrome, some researches suggests that genetic and environmental factors may account for changes in brain development.

Some Asperger's syndrome symptoms to watch out for –

Since every individual exhibits a different set of symptoms, there is no precise checklist of behaviours that must all be present for a diagnosis. Instead, there are list of behaviours that may be signs of Asperger's Syndrome. Here we have rounded up a few of the common behaviours to look out for –

• - Awkward Body Language: which includes displaying unusual facial expressions, gestures or postures such as staring a lot at others or avoiding eye contact altogether.
• - Lack of Empathy: Engaging in the one-sided, nonverbal and rambling conversations, without recognising if the other person is paying attention or making an effort to change the subject.
• - Delayed Motor Development: such as having hard time expressing their own feelings, understanding other’s humour or difficulty in noticing others sentiments. Moreover, they also have trouble in pedalling a bike, running and catching a ball because of their poor and clumsy coordination. You can mark this as among one of the most vital and perceptible Asperger's syndrome symptoms.
• - Sensory Sensitivities: People with AS are always worried about the strong sensory stimuli, like loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells or tastes.
• Routine Structure: An individual with Asperger's syndrome always likes rigid routines and hates if someone tries to change that because it makes them confused and apprehensive.

Treating Asperger Syndrome –

Asperger Syndrome (AS) is no way life threatening but sadly there are no treatments which will cure its core signs. However, good news is that there are therapies and strategies available to alleviate symptoms, improve behaviours and build new skills. They may include the following:

• - Acquiring more apt social skills – Yes people, it is possible to learn how to improve one's empathy! In this training, an individual with the Asperger Syndrome symptoms learns how to interact more effectively in a get together. It also helps them understand how to read and respond appropriately to any social cues.
• - Communication skills training – Now this is one of the most essential training which helps develop the ability to start conversations.
• - Cognitive behavioural therapy – This therapy focuses on learning to control emotions and decrease obsessive interests and repetitive routines.
• - Medication – There are no medications to treat specifically Asperger's syndrome but certain drugs like Aripiprazole (Abilify), Guanfacine (Intuniv), Risperidone (Risperdal), Olanzapine (Zyprexa) and Naltrexone (Revia)  are used to treat particular symptoms and co-existing conditions (depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, obsessive-compulsive behaviour).

 Coping and Support –

Individuals with AS usually needs support from their parents, caregivers and other household members. They believe that their life is going to be largely isolated from the society but by providing them proper guidance and training this syndrome can be well treated.

If you ever feel that you or your kid is suffering from this disorder, do find a local group, get informed and visit a therapist, neurologist or any autism center without making any delay.