A Journey Through

Aspergers Syndrome

Ali, Katie, Liza

What is Aspergers?
Aspergers syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder.
An autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Mildest form of Autism

Dr. Hans Asperger

1944
Boys with similar traits
Boy studies b/c most cases were found in boys (still today 70-80)%
May be because girls can overcome symptoms based on socialization

Neurological disorder
ASD of a distinct group of neurological conditions
greater or less than average degree of impairment in language and communication skills,
repetitive or restrictive patterns of thought and behavior.
 Common Traits & Characteristics
socially awkward and clumsy

naive and gullible

unaware of others' feelings

unable to carry on conversation

easily upset by changes

literal in speech and understanding

sensitive to loud sounds, lights, odors

fixated on one subject or object

physically awkward in sports

very accurate memory for details

trouble understanding things they have heard or

read

inappropriate body language & expression

repetitive and irrelevant comments

unusually loud, high or monotonous voice

rock, fidget or pace while concentrating

Diagnosing the Syndrome
Two main criteria for
diagnosis: DSM IV and
Gillbergs criteria:
Impairment in social
interactions
Limited all-consuming
interests
Burden regarding routines
and interests
Speech and
communication problems
Non-verbal language
difficulties
Difficulty with motor skills
 Possible Treatment
*The earlier the better!
Psychosocial interventions
Social training skills
Cognitive behavior therapy
Any activity to help individual learn to adjust to social situations
and act appropriately
Camp, teen tours, group communication

Psychopharmalogical interventions

NO CURE!
 What Can Cause All this?
The debate
*NOT BAD PARENTING!
Genetics (still a lot of research in Progress)
Family inheritance on fathers side

Studies of brain
Right lobe studies using MRIs
Research done in 1994 and 1995
Disability with right hemisphere
Right front lobe especially deals with social rules

Other Findings
Birth problems, lack of oxygen
central nervous system dysfunction
An Interview with
Aspergers
Wendy Lawson & her story
always new she was different
Very difficult to make friends
No flexibility
Obsessions of interests
animals and insects
Autism is: being present in this world,
But not entirely of it.
Tinted glasses
I am one step removed and curled,
The switch just doesn't click. Only cotton
Cant read body language
I perform the role of my perception,
And play many parts so well.
But minus files for my redemption,
Social skills by trial and error
My part in life I cannot tell. Uncomfortable when not in control
Life is like a video,
I watch but cannot partake.
My uneven skills are but an echo,
Of the frustrations which I hate!

However, my focused use of time and space,

I would not give away.
I know that I am especially placed,
For some developed career one day!
 Fact or Myth?
ALL PEOPLE WITH ASPERGERS SYNDROME ARE EXACTLY THE SAME?

False

ASPERGERS SYNDROME IS HIGH FUNCTION AUTISM

True

ALL PEOPLE WITH ASPERGERS SYNDROME CAN HAVE MEANINGFUL JOBS AND LIVE
INDEPENDENTLY

False

IF YOU CAN FIX THE BEHAVIORS OF PEOPLE WITH ASPERGERS SYNDROME, YOU CAN
CURE THE DISORDER

False

SOME PEOPLE WITH ASPERGERS SYNDROME DESIRE FRIENDSHIP

True

FROM A CROWD OF PEOPLE I MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO PICK THE PERSON WITH
ASPERGERS OUT

True!
Aspergers In History
Surprised?
Albert Einstein and Isaac
Newton
 Works Cited
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm
http://img.nesteklikk.no/2005-14/medium/56555.jpg
http://img.pathfinder.gr/CMAN/i/61/0/26-5.jpg
http://www.learningdiscoveries.org/Aspergers.htm
www.scarfuk.co.uk/ images/image2.gif
http://mugsy.org/wendy/wendy13.jpg
http://www.aspergers.com/
http://info.med.yale.edu/chldstdy/autism/aspergers.html
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Troy/1807/criteria.html