Page 1

Understanding Asperger Syndrome

What is Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger Syndrome is a high-functioning form of autism characterized by executive function challenges, sensory/motor integration dysfunction, and social-cognitive deficits.

Asperger Syndrome is not mild autism.

• First discovered by Hans Asperger in 1940's


• Differentiated from Kanner's "classic" autism by:

> lack of language delay
> presentation of motor difficulty
> unique cognitive ability (22% in superior to gifted I.Q.range)

• Affects as many as 1 in 250 to 500 people


• 2000 U.S. Census indicates that Oregon has four times the national average of children eligible for services under the category of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Lane County represents nearly double that, at 7.8 times the national average.


• Co-morbid psychiatric conditions common. Diagnostic intervention of Asperger Syndrome often occurs during the differential diagnosis of Axis I disorders; e.g., Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Bi-polar, etc.


• Genetic research is a dominant force in the study of Asperger Syndrome.


• Revised and clarified in 1994 for DSM-IV


• Revision and expansion of the diagnosis in the pending publication of the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders much anticipated by field specialists.
  

Asperger Syndrome is Distinguished from
High-functioning Autism (HFA) by...

• No significant language delay


• Above average I.Q. (22% in superior range)


• Marked impairment of motor function

Co-Morbid Psychiatric Disorders and Asperger Syndrome

• Highly prevalent in Asperger Syndrome
• Often mask primary diagnosis as Asperger Syndrome
• Increase autistic features, especially anxiety
• Complicate pharmaceutical options

Page 1