Contents:
- Medical Video: Autism & Asperger's: What's The Difference?
- The difference is Asperger's syndrome and autism
- The characteristics and symptoms of Asperger's syndrome
- Communication disorders
- Disruption of social interaction
- Repetitive routine
- Very intense interest in certain things
- Sensitive senses
- Treatment of Asperger's syndrome
Medical Video: Autism & Asperger's: What's The Difference?
If you have ever met someone who is very smart and talented but is shy and has a very difficult time interacting with others, he may have Asperger's syndrome. This syndrome was first discovered by Hans Asperger in 1941. After that the syndrome officially became a medical diagnosis in the autistic spectrum disorder group (GSA) in 1981. In Indonesia alone there is no definite data that can show the prevalence of Asperger's syndrome. However, on average in the whole world there are 4 out of 1,000 people who suffer from this syndrome and most sufferers are men. To find out more about what Asperger's syndrome looks like, consider the following explanation.
The difference is Asperger's syndrome and autism
Asperger's Syndrome is in the autism spectrum. The characteristics shown by people with Asperger and autism are very similar, but Asperger is considered a form of mild autism. Asperger sufferers have no difficulty in learning, speaking, or processing information. They usually show above-average intelligence, quickly master new languages and vocabulary, and are able to memorize things in detail. Unlike most cases of people with autism, those who suffer from Asperger's syndrome can generally perform their daily functions and activities well, even though they require certain adjustments.
These symptoms can be detected since the child is 3 years old. However, some new people will show symptoms when entering school age, adolescence, even adults. Those with Asperger's syndrome experience mental development disorders. This results in different perceptions and mindsets than most people. The exact cause has not been found to date, but experts believe that the triggers include environmental and genetic factors.
The characteristics and symptoms of Asperger's syndrome
The diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome can be made after a doctor or specialist has carried out a series of tests with certain instruments. However, generally those who suffer from Asperger will show the following characteristics.
Communication disorders
People or children who have Asperger's disorder will show difficulty communicating. Even though their language skills are very good, they usually interpret everything literally or in real meaning. The problem is, in communicating you certainly don't just depend on vocabulary. You will also use various facial expressions, tone of voice, body gestures, gestures, imagery, jokes, and certain codes. This is a problem for people with Asperger. They have difficulty interpreting and expressing things that are abstract or double-meaning. People who suffer from Asperger also tend to cut the talk of other people who he thinks are circling or rambling. He himself will usually speak in a straightforward and honest manner, sometimes even too honest for people who do not understand his condition.
Therefore, they are often labeled as insensitive people. Their facial expressions remain flat even though they actually want to express emotions such as sadness, excitement, or anger. So it is sometimes difficult to capture feelings or understand what people mean by Asperger's syndrome.
Disruption of social interaction
In addition to communication problems, people with Asperger also have problems in social interaction. Because they often feel different from others and have difficulty understanding or being understood in society, they tend to withdraw from association. When they were children, they often got reprimand for being rude. In fact, they don't mean to offend other people. They are only having difficulty understanding social norms or common sense which usually cannot be explained by reason.
As a result, people who suffer from this syndrome find it difficult to build stable relationships with others, even though it does not mean it is impossible. Sometimes other people feel impatient or offended by honesty and the way of thinking of an Asperger person is too scientific or logical.
Repetitive routine
Like people in the autism spectrum, people with Asperger also don't like surprises or things that cannot be predicted. Therefore, usually people with Asperger's syndrome have a routine that is certain and cannot be changed. For example, every day they will have breakfast with the exact same menu and dosage. For matters of dress, they also have a schedule when to wear certain clothes. Departing for school and office must also pass the same route every day. If there are unexpected changes in the daily schedule of an Asperger sufferer, he will immediately be anxious, nervous, and panic.
Very intense interest in certain things
People who suffer from Asperger's syndrome usually have interests and hobbies that they are so passionate about. For example, a hobby of collecting and caring for various types of miniature cars. Asperger sufferers not only like to collect miniature cars, but make miniatures as passion. He memorized all kinds of specifications and knew a lot of facts about cars. There is also a hobby of unpacking and fiddling with electronic devices or hobbies of collecting and memorizing various series of maps.
Sensitive senses
Similar to the case of people with autism, people with Asperger's syndrome have very sensitive senses. They easily feel disturbed when they see certain colors, hear noise, eat foods or drinks that taste strong, or touch a strange texture. In some cases they will even feel dizziness, pain, and pain in the eyelids, ears, skin, or head. Everyone will show different levels of sensitivity so it is sometimes difficult to determine what is safe for a person with Asperger's syndrome.
Treatment of Asperger's syndrome
This condition is not a disease or a disability which will definitely affect the quality of life of the sufferer negatively. It does not mean that if someone is diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, he will not be able to develop and live fully as someone else. Many people with Asperger grow up, build careers, and live in families like people in general. However, this syndrome will indeed continue to stick for the rest of his life.
There is no medicine that can cure this disorder. Usually people with Asperger's syndrome will be advised to undergo therapy to train social sensitivity and emotional management. If the person has an anxiety disorder or depression, the doctor will prescribe sedatives or antidepressants.
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