Asperger’s syndrome (AS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) both fall within the category of neurodevelopmental conditions that can affect a persons relationships, social interactions and behaviors.
Prior to 2013, The American Psychiatric Association ( who publishes the diagnostic manual practitioners use to determine certain mental health conditions), the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) did NOT include Asperger’s ( AS) into the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnostic criteria. Different and separate criteria were always needed to be met for an Asperger’s diagnosis.
But as of today, Asperger’s syndrome is now included into the more broader criteria of an ASD diagnosis.
ASD
ASD affects approximately 1 in 68 children in the US. Most of the diagnosis take place early in life.
Each individuals experience with ASD can be very different in terms of severity and conditions presented. ASD has a broad spectrum of characteristics that have personalized challenges that can be experienced by someone within this category.
Some of the most common ASD characteristics include:
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lacking speech and language skills
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difficulty understanding and developing relationships
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understanding social cues and responding appropriately
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having intense interest in a narrow scope of topics
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having a strict and predictable need for structure and order
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showing frustration and anger when dealing with a new situation
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awkward in daily conversation
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difficulty interpreting facial expressions and emotions in others
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showing less interest or emotions than others
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being sensitive to loud sounds, bright lights and having a general heightened sensual perspective
Asperger’s Syndrome
Prior to 1994 AS had a separate diagnosis from ASD. Many individuals experiencing AS show no trouble with cognitive skills or language. But do have difficulty with social interaction and communication.
An Asperger’s DSM diagnostic criteria include :
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intense interest in particular subject matter
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repetitive patterns of behavior
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social interaction difficulties
AS people often demonstrate less observational difficulties than most characteristics of ASD. So, when AS was then brought within the same broader scope of ASD in 2013, concerns arose because of this fact.
AS and ASD Differences
AS is now under the broader umbrella of ASD. In that AS is no longer considered a separate condition but more viewed as a subset of ASD, but with particular specific characteristics.
People with AS may feel like they want their own identity to avoid a stigma that goes along with being within the ASD diagnosis criteria. For many AS people the symptoms presented are not as severe as someone can be with ASD.
AS and ASD people may have very similar intelligence and language skills as “neurotypicals”. But, ASD people may experience slight to significant cognitive disturbances that AS individuals typically don’t.
Because of this fact, an AS individual may need less intervention than an ASD person depending on the scope and severity of characteristics of their condition.
AS individuals can now qualify for special services that were limited to only autistic people in the past because AS is now viewed as an ASD diagnosis by most doctors and health professionals.
A change in outlook is also common in the direction of treatment options available to ASD patients. There is a growing consensus that ASD as a condition is not to be treated or cured. But, more of a series of broader social and intellectual behaviors that society simply needs time to grow into to better understand and ultimately expand to generational acceptance.
ASD Support
In terms of support for ASD people; providing structure, organization, direction and family participation is encouraged by the CDC.
Applied Behavioral Therapies
Other forms of support and management for ASD people which aim to encourage good behaviors and reduce more problematic behaviors include:
Early childhood intense intervention which focuses on rewarding positive behaviors and reducing negative behaviors in very young autistic children.
Pivotal response training is an approach that utilizes techniques to help motivate a child to better communicate and learn through creative means.
One on One trial teaching is a method of instruction that uses step by step approach of encouraging behaviors with positive feedback through confidence building.
Positive behavior and support looks to first identify where the problem exists then comes up with creative solutions to make good behaviors more appealing.
Technology
Communication difficulties are at the crux of the problem with an autistic person. Implementing technology with the use of monitors and electrical devices that have software uploaded to help autistic children to communicate better. As well as just a communication board that one can write on with words or pictures to help with communication.
Occupational therapy
This form of therapy has been helping in the autistic community for years with living an independent life, through guidance in meal preparation, cleanliness, daily living tasks and improving communication techniques.
Neurofeedback therapy
This form of therapy works to assist the brain to self correct it’s neuronal patterns through an EEG technology that stimulates maladaptive brainwaves to adjust to optimize to perform better. By improving brainwave activity, behaviors improve.
ASD Diet
For this population of people this topic has huge consequences for improving ones lifestyle. Having their own food goals by identifying and reducing bad food choices and replacing them with good nutrient dense foods will help support every other therapy that an ASD person can be involved in.
The role food plays in an autistic persons life can prove to be fundamental in “setting the stage” for real growth and development to take place. Speak with a nutritionist or health professional to know where to start.
Autism has been on the rise in recent years and Asperger’s syndrome is now a part of its diagnosis criteria. ASD is seen as a condition not to be cured but to be better understood. The hope and goal is that the good therapies that do exist can best reflect this shift in how we treat AS and ASD in the future and erase our blurred past while we explore new ways to embrace our differences.
-A Balanced Brain is a Better Brain-