Asperger Syndrome Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Asperger Syndrome - Essay Example Treatment approaches are primarily for improvement, rehabilitation and education on appropriate social, vocational, and communication skills (Attwood, 2003). In this paper, the literature on Asperger syndrome will be reviewed and contributing factors will be highlighted. Treatment and management will also be discussed. Asperger Syndrome was initially recognized in the early 1940s by Austrian pediatrician, Hans Asperger. In his practice, he observed four of his young male patients with typical intellect and verbal communication development but demonstrating autistic traits. Abnormalities in social interaction and communication, together with restrictive and repetitive behavioral patterns were noted. It was 1944 when the disorder was officially named Asperger Syndrome. Having parallel characteristics, both high-functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome fall under â€Å"Pervasive Developmental Disorders,† as stated in Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) of the American Psychiatric Association (1994) (Myles et al, 2005). the medical world’s improved understanding of the disorder or the actuality of more children exhibiting Asperger Syndrome characteristics, resulting to incorrect statistics on the prevalence of the disorder. However, some studies approximated that in 10,000 children, there are 48 who may have Asperger Syndrome (Myles et al, 2005). Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder that falls under the umbrella of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). AS individuals generally have normal or superior intellect. The disorder is typified by qualitative impairment in communication, social interaction and cognition; peculiarities in sensory input; restrictive number of extreme and highly focused interests; and difficulties in organization and motor movements (Attwood, 2003). extent. AS individuals may have a tendency to experience exclusion and isolation and may have difficulty understanding the world around them, eventually