Asperger Syndrome
Original Editors - Brittany Smithson from Bellarmine University's Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project.
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Definition[1][edit | edit source]
DSM-IV-TR definition of Asperger Syndrome (called “Asperger Disorder”) (APA, 1994)
A. Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:
1. marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
2. failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
3. a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people.
4. lack of social or emotional reciprocity
B. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:
1. encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
2. apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
3. stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
4. persistent preoccupation with parts or objects
C. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
D. There is no clinically significant general delay in language (e.g. single words used by age 2 years, communicative phrases used by age 3 years).
E. There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or in the development of age-appropriate self-help skills, adaptive behavior (other than in social interaction), and curiosity about the environment in childhood.
F. Criteria are not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Schizophrenia
Prevalence[edit | edit source]
Asperger Syndrome affects about 1 in 200 people, more commonly in men than women.[2]
2 per 10,000 children with Autism Spectrum Disorders have Asperger Syndrome[3]
Characteristics/Clinical Presentation[4][edit | edit source]
- Childhood onset
- Limited social relationships – social isolation
Few/no sustained relationships; relationships that vary from too distant to too intense
Awkward interaction with peers
Unusual egocentricity, with little concern for others or awareness of their viewpoint; little empathy or
sensitivity
Lack of awareness of social rules; social blunders
- Problems in communication
An odd voice, monotonous, perhaps at an unusual volume
Talking ‘at’ (rather than ‘to’) others, with little concern about their response
Superficially good language but too formal/stilted/pedantic; difficulty in catching any meaning
other than the literal
Lack of non-verbal communicative behaviour: a wooden, impassive appearance with few gestures;
a poorly coordinated gaze that may avoid the other’s eyes or look through them
An awkward or odd posture and body language
- Absorbing and narrow interests
Obsessively pursued interests
Very circumscribed interests that contribute little to a wider life, e.g. collecting facts and figures of
little practical or social value
Unusual routines or rituals; change is often upsetting
Associated Co-morbidities[edit | edit source]
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Medications[edit | edit source]
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Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values[edit | edit source]
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Etiology/Causes[edit | edit source]
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Systemic Involvement[edit | edit source]
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Medical Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Alternative/Holistic Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
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Case Reports/ Case Studies[edit | edit source]
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Resources
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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
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- ↑ OASIS@MAAP. www.aspergesyndrome.org (accessed 26 March 2012.
- ↑ Asperger's Syndrome Foundation. What is Asperger’s Syndrome? http://www.aspergerfoundation.org.uk/what_as.htm (accessed 26 March 2012).
- ↑ Bhat AN, Landa RJ, Galloway JC. Current Perspective on Motor Functioning in Infants, Children, and Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders. PHYS THER 2011; 91: 1116-1129.
- ↑ Berney T. Asperger syndrome from childhood into adulthood. APT 2004; 10:341-351.
