Asperger's syndrome is a type of disorder that falls under the autism spectrum disorders. The person with this disorder suffers from some problems in social interactions and learning and practices certain behavioral patterns on a constant and repetitive basis. The infection with this syndrome is indicated by the symptoms that appear on the patient. The Well-Being Center of Al-Mousa Health Hospital also provides complete care for these patients within comprehensive rehabilitation and treatment programs to reduce the symptoms of this disease and learn its causes and method of treatment.

What is Asperger syndrome 

Asperger syndrome is a type of disorder that affects some people. It is a type of autism spectrum disorder and is called high-functioning autism. This syndrome affects males more than females, and it may be difficult to detect in females because of their ability to develop their weaknesses.

Some may confuse Asperger syndrome with autism, but the symptoms of this syndrome are less severe than the problem of autism, as people with this syndrome have some language skills and may not show deterioration in speech, and they may need less support than people with autism.

People with this syndrome are characterized by high intelligence and the ability to pay attention to minute details, which helps them succeed in some fields, in addition to being characterized by extreme determination and perseverance. The person with this syndrome may suffer from anxiety andPsychological depression As a result of not understanding and realizing the true feelings of others and not understanding body language easily.

Symptoms of Asperger syndrome

Asperger syndrome affects both adults and children as well, and there are a group of symptoms that, if they appear, are an indication of this syndrome, including the following:

• Excessive focus and intense interest in one topic.
• Difficulty understanding other people's feelings or understanding their body language and different gestures.
• Difficulty in arguing or discussing with a specific person in a smooth manner and lack of flexibility in the discussion.
• Life is full of routine and not trying to change this routine and being upset about changing it.
• Facial expressions are minimal and there is no eye contact while speaking.
• Making some inconsistent movements.
• Difficulty in forming multiple friendships and social relationships.
• Mockery and failure from others.
• Poor eye contact.
• Inability to pay attention or concentrate well.
• Extreme focus on some specific interests and inability to focus on more than one thing.
• Focus on activities that require individual skills such as writing, drawing, sculpting, etc.

Causes of Asperger syndrome

The reasons that lead to this syndrome vary from one person to another, and these reasons are as follows:

• Genetic factors: They increase the likelihood of developing this syndrome more.
• Physical factors: may be the cause of the injury and the difference in the composition of some areas in the brain, which leads to a defect in the body’s composition and infection.
• Environmental factors, including the mother’s exposure to infections during pregnancy, viral infections, air pollutants, or any complications before birth, and all of these factors cause infection.

Asperger syndrome treatment

 Treatment of the problem varies depending on the severity of the disease, medical history, and genetic factors. The doctor determines the best method of treatment according to the extent of the problem, which is as follows:

• Behavioral or cognitive therapy, which depends on the patient changing the method of treatment and teaching the individual how to control his feelings and reduce the behavioral skills that he performs repeatedly.
• Speech therapy and training the child on some communication skills, such as changing the tone of voice while speaking.
• Training on some different social skills, including how to speak, interact with others, and learn how to express with gestures and understand facial expressions.

How to diagnose Asperger syndrome

The method of diagnosis depends on some medical methods in addition to the physical examination, and the symptoms may overlap with the autism spectrum or hyperactivity, but there are many different methods that help in diagnosing Asperger syndrome, including the following:

• The extent of social interaction and the extent of interest.
• Notice facial expressions while speaking.
• Different language skills.
• Motor skills and coordination.
• Variable reactions.

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How can Asperger syndrome be prevented?

We may not be able to say that this syndrome, or autism in general, can be completely prevented, but the pregnant mother should try not to be exposed to chemicals or pollution in general at the time of pregnancy.

It is also preferable to have a doctor check up and follow up since pregnancy to discover any defects in the child while he is a fetus, in addition to not using any medications from the mother during pregnancy without consulting a specialist doctor.

Methods of coping with Asperger syndrome

Treatment of Asperger syndrome depends on behavioral and cognitive therapy as much as possible, and among the most prominent methods of adapting to this syndrome are the following:

• The mirror exercise, which depends on standing in front of a woman and repeating the training on interacting with others, is one of the exercises that makes you feel psychologically comfortable.
• Practice breathing, relaxation, and deep breathing exercises before going to any social gatherings or interacting with others to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
• Practicing sensory-motor exercises, drawing and coloring, solving mathematical problems, and other various practices.
• Sports and physical therapy because it helps in secreting happiness and relaxation hormones and reduces feelings of tension and physical exhaustion.
• Commitment to a routine and setting programs that help provide a feeling of comfort and relieve stress.
• Find a source of support and positive energy, such as a friend, family member, or psychological counselor.

Frequently asked questions about Asperger Syndrome 

What is the difference between autism and Asperger's?

Asperger syndrome is a type of autism, but the patient shows fewer symptoms and does not need as much support as an autistic patient. People with this syndrome have a higher than normal IQ and therefore they excel academically.

Why was Asperger syndrome given this name?

This syndrome was given this name after the Austrian doctor Hans Asperger, who discovered this disease in 1944 by observing children suffering from symptoms that express this syndrome.

Can an Asperger's patient recover?

A patient with Asperger syndrome cannot fully recover from this problem, but treatment plays a major role in improving the person's social communication skills, living a better life, and the ability to coexist with others better.

How old does an autistic patient live?

Some studies have revealed that autistic patients may die at younger ages, about 69 years for women and 71 years for men, but ages are a mystery that is difficult to predict.

Asperger's Syndrome is among the problems that affect some males and females, and it is easy to get rid of it by following some therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing symptoms and living better, which takes place within the Well-Being Center of Al-Mousa Health Hospital, as one of the best hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that includes an elite group of doctors. 

Sources 

What is Asperger syndrome – autismspeaks

Asperger’s Syndrome – levelandclinic