Asperger's and Autism: A Guide
In May 2021, entrepreneur Elon Musk
revealed that he has Asperger's syndrome, prompting many people to
wonder what this condition is and whether it is related in some way to
autism. These two terms are not new to us; for years, there has been
awareness that there are quite a few people around us who are diagnosed
on the broad autism spectrum. Some can be easily identified, while
others cannot. To shed more light on this important and extensive topic,
we have prepared a concise guide that will provide you with the
necessary information about the autism spectrum. In the following
article, you will understand what it is, get to know the main syndromes
on the broad spectrum of autism and related terms, and learn whether
there is a difference between autism and Asperger's syndrome. This
information is particularly important for parents of young children, who
may realize the need for an in-depth examination of certain issues
through targeted professional diagnosis.
What is the Autism Spectrum?
The autism spectrum, or in its shortened form – autism, is a range of
syndromes with a clear common denominator with classic autism, which we
will elaborate on later. It is a neurological developmental disorder
caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors, affecting a
child or adult's abilities in areas such as social communication with
their environment, repetitive behavior, and restricted interests. Today,
one in every 100 people is diagnosed on the autism spectrum, appearing
four times more frequently in boys than in girls.
Syndromes on the Autism Spectrum
As we wrote above, the autism spectrum includes a wide range of
syndromes classified based on behavioral symptoms. The differences
between them can be significant, but at the same time, the boundaries
are not always clear and definitive. According to the DSM, the American
psychiatric diagnostic manual, there are five syndromes on the autism
spectrum, and today we will present the main and most common ones, along
with other terms you may have heard but not fully understood.
Classic Autism
This type of autism is characterized by developmental delay or
functional impairment that appears before a child reaches the age of 3
and manifests in several areas. The first is social interaction, often
expressed through poor or absent use of non-verbal communication,
difficulty connecting with peers, expressing emotions, or interpreting
others' feelings, and a lack of enjoyment in shared activities. The
second is restricted interests and repetitive behavior, which may
include a preference for strict order, a clear routine, and repeated
performance of certain movements such as hand-flapping. The third area
relates to communication impairment, typically manifested as a delay in
language development, automatic repetition of things said by others, and
difficulty maintaining a conversation. People with classic autism also
experience heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not
Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
This type is diagnosed by exclusion and is generally characterized by
the presence of one or more symptoms of spectrum syndromes at a level
that almost crosses the threshold set for other syndromes. Among its
many signs, you can find those listed in the link we provided above,
such as communication difficulties, including understanding language,
understanding and performing social behavior, processing changes in
routine or social settings, skill gaps, and repetitive movements or
behavioral patterns. Additionally, other signs may include unusual play
with toys and other objects and significant engagement in fantasy and an
imaginary world. There are several treatments that may alleviate the
symptoms of the disorder, such as medications for anxiety and attention
difficulties, occupational therapy, art therapy, speech therapy,
physiotherapy, special education, and more. Multiple treatments can be
conducted simultaneously – all, of course, after consultation with a
professional team and experts.
Rett Syndrome
This syndrome is characterized by a process of skill loss or slow or
partial development compared to societal norms. 92% of those affected
have a mutation in the MECP2 gene, and until 2013, it was defined in the
DSM as part of the autism spectrum syndrome, but it is no longer
included there – though it is found in other psychiatric diagnostic
manuals. Its signs include impaired functioning of the nervous and
orthopedic systems, small body structure, hand-flapping, difficulty
controlling hand movements for functional purposes, breathing disorders,
and sometimes epilepsy and developmental intellectual disability.
Additionally, those affected suffer from severe deficits in verbal
communication, while their non-verbal communication is better than in
cases of classic autism.
High-Functioning / Low-Functioning Autism
This term, which many of you have likely heard, is not one of the
syndromes defined in manuals like the DSM but rather a phrase commonly
used within the autism treatment community. It describes the ability of
individuals diagnosed as autistic to integrate into society in an almost
normal way. A person described as high-functioning autistic is one who
manages better compared to other autistic individuals, not compared to
the general population. In terms of social functioning, they are capable
of maintaining stable and good social relationships, studying in
general education institutions, earning a living, and raising children.
Experts define the level of functioning based on various factors, such
as IQ, the severity of autism symptoms, or the ability to manage in
life. High-functioning autistic individuals tend to overlook unwritten
social rules, fail to adhere to basic etiquette, and may appear detached
or dreamy in crowded and busy places.
Asperger's Syndrome
Many of you have probably heard about Asperger's syndrome in recent
years without knowing exactly what it entails. Well, it is another
syndrome on the autism spectrum, where those affected are defined as
high-functioning and may have above-average intelligence and language
skills. This syndrome has been classified as part of the autism spectrum
since 2013, although those diagnosed before then are still defined as
having Asperger's syndrome rather than autism. Within this framework,
the syndrome has several signs associated with the autism spectrum:
Difficulty managing long-term relationships and expressing emotions
in social settings
Restricted interests
Difficulties with non-verbal communication, including maintaining
eye contact and understanding sarcasm
Adherence to routine and fixed, repetitive behavioral patterns
Is There a Difference Between Autism and
Asperger's Syndrome and the Treatments Provided for Them?
As you have understood, there is no substantial difference between the
two – Asperger's syndrome is, in fact, part of the autism spectrum,
commonly referred to as "autism." The only difference in reality is that
people with Asperger's are generally more easily perceived in society
as having no developmental disabilities and exhibit only mild autism
symptoms. We want to emphasize that many experts argue that autism and
what was previously defined as Asperger's are not medical conditions
requiring treatment. For them, the best way to assist someone affected
is to provide love and support and make them feel accepted. In contrast,
others believe these conditions do require treatment – whether medical
or anchored in disability rights, such as fair employment conditions or
healthcare coverage.
Regarding Asperger's specifically, there are several options that can
help alleviate the syndrome, such as cognitive behavioral therapy,
taking medications for anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder, speech
or language therapy, dietary adjustments or taking supplements, and
complementary therapies like massage therapy. Of course, in any case,
whether it is Asperger's or any other syndrome on the autism spectrum,
it is important to provide the child or adult affected with love and
support.
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