Aspergers Syndrome Rev 1

Asperger’s Syndrome : 

Asperger’s Syndrome Megan Jimison IEC/EDS 522- 201

History of Asperger’s Syndrome : 

History of Asperger’s Syndrome Hans Asperger described autistic personality disorder in the 1940s at the same time that Leo Kanner described another part of what we now call the autism Spectrum It wasn’t until Lorna Wing’s research article was published in 1980 that the two became separate . Lorna Wing described 34 cases of children and adults with autism ranging from ages 5-35 years, that all resembled Hans Asperger’s description of autism more than Leo Kanner's description. This led to a new syndrome named after Hans Asperger. What we now know as Asperger's Syndrome.

What Causes Asperger’s syndrome? : 

What Causes Asperger’s syndrome? Asperger’s syndrome is believed to be caused by a dysfunction of the “social brain” , which comprises components of the frontal and temporal regions of the cortex, as well as dysfunction in the Amygdala , the basal ganglia and cerebellum. Studies suggest there is weak connectivity between these components There is also some evidence to suggest right hemisphere cortical dysfunction.

Diagnostic Criteria : 

Diagnostic Criteria Qualitative impairment in social interaction ,as manifested by at least 2 of the following: A.

Diagnostic Criteria : 

Diagnostic Criteria Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior , interests and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following: B.

Diagnostic Criteria : 

Diagnostic Criteria Criteria are not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Schizophrenia F.

Characteristics of Children with Asperger’s Syndrome : 

Characteristics of Children with Asperger’s Syndrome Delayed social maturity and social reasoning Immature empathy Difficulty making friends and often teased by other children Unusual language abilities that include advanced vocabulary and syntax but delayed conversation skills , unusual prosody and a tendency to be pedantic A fascination with a topic that is unusual in intensity or focus Difficulty maintaining attention in class An unusual profile of learning abilities A need for assistance with some self-help and organizational skills Clumsiness in terms of gait and coordination Sensitivity to specific sounds, aromas, textures or touch During early childhood , children with Asperger's may have macrocephaly. There are 2 subgroups of Asperger’s children who have macrocephalus: Children who had a large head at birth Children who showed a rapid increase in brain size during early infancy Typically the head circumference is not as conspicuous by the time the child reaches age 5.

Incidence and Prevalence : 

Incidence and Prevalence 20% of fathers and 5% of mothers of a child with Asperger’s have the syndrome themselves Pregnancy complications have been identified in 31% of children with Asperger’s syndrome Peri-natal or birth complications in about 60% Some studies indicate that 2 out of every 10,000 children in the US have Asperger’s syndrome. Runs in the family: The Chestermans all suffer from Asperger's Syndrome

How to obtain resources? : 

How to obtain resources? The simplest way for families to find resources is to speak with the school psychologist and/or special education teacher. These professionals are trained in assisting parents in finding resources outside of school and can provide help in visiting programs as well. Fayette county public schools has a parent resource center located in Central Office which can also provide information

Kentucky Resources for families : 

Kentucky Resources for families Asperger syndrome Center webpage: http://www.medicinenet.com/asperger_syndrome/lexington-ky_city.htm Asperger Parents Support Group at Christ Church Cathedral, 421 South Second Street (2nd floor) in Louisville, KY  Frankfort Asperger's Support Group at Collins Lane Elementary School Library, 1 Cougar Lane Frankfort, KY 40601 Bowling Green Asperger's and Autism Resource Group Bluegrass Technology Center helps families obtain assistive technology Fayette County Parent Resource Center-It's About Kids Support Services

References : 

References http://jmg.bmj.com/content/42/4/318.full http://www.radiology.healthcommunities.com/aspergers-syndrome/index.shtml http://www.fcps.net/news/features/2008-09/parent-resource-center http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1216773/We-thought-just-family-eccentrics-Now-know-weve-ALL-got-Aspergers-.html Atwood, T. (2007). The complete guide to Asperger's syndrome. London, England and Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers