"Asperger's" is an outdated diagnostic term now encompassed within Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The inner mind of an autistic individual is highly diverse, but common characteristics include different social processing, strong systemizing abilities, sensory sensitivities, and a preference for routine.
They are more “self-centered than selfish,"4 with an attitude towards others that may range from indifference to deep concern, but is rarely malicious. Because people with Asperger's are intelligent but “lack empathy," fears have sometimes been raised that they may be sociopathic.
Be patient. People with Asperger's have difficulty communicating, so it's important to be patient with them. Give them time to process the information and respond. Be clear and direct in your communication and avoid using sarcasm or figurative language.
Clumsy, uncoordinated movements, including difficulty with handwriting. Difficulty managing emotions, sometimes leading to verbal or behavioral outbursts, self-injurious behaviors, or tantrums. Not understanding other peoples' feelings or perspectives. Hypersensitivity to lights, sounds, and textures.
There aren't any drugs approved by the FDA to specifically treat Asperger's or autism spectrum disorder. But some medications can help with related symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Your doctor may prescribe some of these: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Autistic strengths
The "6-second rule" for autism is a communication strategy where a speaker pauses for about six seconds after asking a question or giving information, giving the autistic person extra time to process it without feeling rushed, which helps reduce anxiety and allows for a more thoughtful response, reducing frustration for both parties. Instead of repeating or rephrasing, which can be confusing, you wait, and if needed, repeat the exact same words after the pause.
The biggest signs of Asperger's (now part of Autism Spectrum Disorder) involve significant challenges with social interaction (difficulty with eye contact, understanding cues, making friends), intense, narrow interests (often leading to deep knowledge but one-sided conversations), repetitive behaviors or routines, and sensory sensitivities (over- or under-reacting to sounds, lights, textures). Other common traits include literal thinking, difficulty with emotional expression, clumsiness, and a strong need for strict routines.
Computer science is a good choice because it is very likely that many of the best programmers have either Asperger's syndrome or some of its traits. Other good majors are: accounting, engineering, library science, and art with an emphasis on commercial art and drafting.
Despite normal or above normal intellectual abilities, individuals with AS have styles of thinking that often limit them and cause them to "get stuck" in how they see the world.
Behavioral approaches have the most evidence for treating symptoms of ASD. They have become widely accepted among educators and healthcare professionals and are used in many schools and treatment clinics. A notable behavioral treatment for people with ASD is called applied behavior analysis (ABA).
People with Asperger's Syndrome have a hard time under- standing and responding to social cues. They may make blunt or inap- propriate comments, alienate col- leagues with quirky behavior, or dominate conversations talking about areas of personal interest.
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Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
Restricted and repetitive interests and behavior
People with Asperger syndrome can display behavior, interests, and activities that are restricted and repetitive and are sometimes abnormally intense or focused.
Synaptic connections, which are crucial for transmitting information between neurons, may be affected in individuals with autism. Changes in these connections can lead to difficulties in processing and integrating sensory information, resulting in sensory sensitivities or differences.
In some cases, medications are prescribed to manage certain symptoms of Asperger's. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), anti-psychotics, and attention deficit medications.
The partner with Asperger's syndrome may also not know what to do, or may choose to do nothing, because of a fear of doing something that could make the situation worse. Partners have reported problems with sexual knowledge and intimacy.
People with Asperger's syndrome (Aspies) tend to be above average in intelligence and have very focused interests. We also have a repetitive type of behavior. This means that in a job where we are problem-solving, this type of behavior is very helpful. It also enhances the ability to solve problems.
Individuals with ASDs commonly have a low frustration tolerance and significant irritability. They may report that they alternate from calm to extreme anger very quickly. There have been several studies that suggest individuals with ASDs have difficulty understanding and interpreting their own emotions.
Very much so. Anxiety disorders are common among autistic adults and children with autism, and anxiety and depression can both amplify excessive thinking. Stressful social situations or unregulated sensory processing can trigger overthinking loops, especially without clear coping mechanisms in place.
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Chinning is a form of repetitive self-stimulatory behavior (stimming) that you may notice in children or adults with autism. It involves pressing, rubbing, or holding the chin against objects, surfaces, or even hands to gain sensory input or comfort.
Children with autism may exhibit rigidity, inflexibility and certain types of repetitive behavior such as: Insistence on following a specific routine. Having difficulty accepting changes in the schedule. A strong preoccupation with a particular interest.
In general, people who have an active lifestyle are much more emotionally resilient and focused. There also seems to be some evidence that physical exercise helps people with depression and ADHD, which are commonly co-occurring conditions with autism.