While the exact cause of Asperger's isn't known, many experts believe the disorder is probably triggered by a variety of factors. A combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental issues might work together to cause the syndrome.
The cause of Asperger syndrome, like most ASDs, is not fully understood, but there is a strong genetic basis, which means it does tend to run in families. Multiple environmental factors are also thought to play an important role in the development of all ASDs.
Genetics and brain abnormalities may be involved. We do know that Asperger's Syndrome is NOT the result of a child's upbringing or poor parenting. Asperger's Syndrome is a neurobiological disorder, meaning it is just a part of the child's brain development, whose causes are not fully understood.
About Asperger Syndrome
Many kids are diagnosed after age 3, with most diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 9. AS is characterized by poor social interactions, obsessions, odd speech patterns, few facial expressions, and other peculiar mannerisms. Often, kids with AS have trouble reading the body language of others.
No one thing causes Asperger's syndrome. However, research suggests that certain factors during pregnancy and after birth may put a child at higher risk of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Those factors include: A chromosomal abnormality (such as fragile X syndrome).
It's entirely possible that someone with Asperger syndrome would not present noticeable symptoms until later on in their lives.
People with ASD typically crave routine and respond negatively to change. They may engage in repetitive behaviors as part of their routine. People with ASD may also behave differently in response to sensory stimuli. They may display under sensitivity or over sensitivity to sensations such as light, sound, or touch.
Asperger syndrome is often considered a high functioning form of autism. It can lead to difficulty interacting socially, repeat behaviors, and clumsiness. Asperger syndrome is a part of the larger developmental disorder category of autism spectrum disorder.
Although the exact cause of autism is still unknown, there is evidence to suggest that genetics play a significant role. Since autism is less prevalent in females, autism was always thought to be passed down from the mother. However, research suggests that autism genes are usually inherited from the father.
When it comes to Asperger's vs. autism, Asperger's generally features less severe symptoms and more higher functioning. Despite no longer being a separate diagnosis, Asperger's remains an accurate description of the symptoms and characteristics of some people on the Autism Spectrum.
Asperger Syndrome (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder that is widely described as a mild form of autism. People with ASD tend to have many of the social and sensory issues of those with more severe forms of autistic disorder but have average to above average IQs and vocabularies.
When Autism (or Aspergers) runs in families it is clear that they are at least partially inherited from the parents and/or the extended family. The parents or other family members may not necessarily have a diagnosis, but are carriers of genetic anomalies which in combination may cause autism in their offspring.
The life expectancy for Level 2 ASD ranges from 50-60 years old. This is slightly lower than Level 1 and the national average. In some studies, the life expectancy is even lower. The factors that can contribute to a shorter life are injuries to self, injuries stemming from unawareness, trauma, and suicide.
Some risk factors involved with the formation of Asperger's Syndrome include being male, having a family history of autism, and being born prematurely. Also, research has found a possible link between a mother experiencing childhood abuse and her children having an autism spectrum disorder.
Aspies tend to express love through practical actions, whereas NTs are more likely to express love through words or symbolic actions.
Some of the effects of unaddressed or untreated Asperger's syndrome may include: Social isolation. Difficulty making and keeping friends. Challenges in finding and maintaining steady employment.
The following disorders share many of the same symptoms as autism, which may result in a misdiagnosis: ADHD. ASD shares several symptoms with ADHD, including difficulties with impulsivity, executive functioning, and hyperactivity. They also frequently co-occur.
The Asperger's mind enjoys and focuses on details, while the normal mind is more skilled at assembling whole concepts from details. Some people with Asperger's are visual thinkers and others are math, music, or number thinkers, but all think in specifics.
Individuals with ASDs commonly have a low frustration tolerance and significant irritability. They may report that they alternate from calm to extreme anger very quickly. There have been several studies that suggest individuals with ASDs have difficulty understanding and interpreting their own emotions.
Autism Corner: Personality Types in Asperger's: Fixated, Disruptive, Approach and Avoidant.
Research has identified mutations in many genes, some that control brain development and brain cell communication, that could be associated with autism spectrum disorder. Many studies have shown that autism is hereditary, though estimates for exact rates vary widely.
A broader top face, a shorter middle face, wider eyes, a wider mouth, and a philtrum are some of the common facial features seen in children with ASD [16,17].