In 1944, the Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger came across the case of four children whose behavior showed difficulties in integrating socially.
These were children with a level of intelligence that was within statistical normality, but who presented important deficits in certain more specific capacities, such as the ease of putting themselves in the shoes of others, the ability to use the resources of the non-verbal communication, or the ability to coordinate several precise movements in a more or less orderly manner. This made them clumsy both in certain activities that required movement and in interpersonal relationships
At first, Dr. Hans coined the term “autistic psychopathy” to refer to that phenomenon yet to be explored, and described it as a disorder, emphasizing its implications for the social life of those who developed this alteration: They tended to isolate themselves and have little contact with others perhaps because of the frustrating situations that caused misunderstandings and general communication incompatibilities with the rest of the children.
A few years passed before this clinical entity received the name Asperger syndrome ; Dr. Lorna Wing did it in 1981 after having studied the case of another group of children who presented the symptoms described by the previous researcher under the name of autistic psychopathy.
Then, in 1992, Asperger syndrome was added to the tenth edition of the Manual of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and two years later, to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV). Since then this term has become popular and is known at a popular level.
What is Asperger syndrome?
Asperger syndrome is a neurobiological disorder that is part of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) a concept that groups together a set of chronic psychological alterations whose causes are unknown, although they share similar symptoms.
From what has been observed through various neuroscience research, the brain of a person with Asperger Syndrome functions differently than that of most people, especially with regard to communication and social interactions. in general., as well as in the performance of daily tasks typical of those who have an autonomous life. and in adequate adaptation to daily demands. Thought patterns are rigid, based on clear rules and they stop working well if something in the environment starts to change a lot or introduces an element of chaos.
On the other hand, these symptoms begin to become evident at a very early age, around the second or third year of life. Normally, the first warning signs appear when parents observe abnormal clumsiness and poor psychomotor control in their son or daughter. Unlike what happens with cases of autism that do not fall into the category of Asperger syndrome, The language is not affected, although the use made of it is, taking into account the context as we will see.
On the other hand, experts in the field estimate that approximately two in every 10,000 children have developed Asperger syndrome, and it has also been seen to arise much more in men than in women.
Symptoms
The specific symptoms of Asperger syndrome are the following, although keep in mind that not all of them have to occur, and This disorder can only be diagnosed by an accredited mental health specialist
Young people with Asperger syndrome tend to adopt an approach to language characterized by literality: the phrases mean what is shown by the set of technical definitions of the words used explicitly.
For this reason, people with symptoms associated with Asperger’s syndrome have a harder time taking hints, when it comes to detecting moments when a friend or family member needs emotional support, when recognizing what is a joke and what is not. is, etc.
How is it diagnosed?
In most cases the diagnosis is made around 7 years of age, although as we have seen the symptoms appear much earlier. Furthermore, there is the added difficulty that the diagnostic criteria for Asperger’s syndrome are mainly based on children, so not much is known about how it affects adults or older people.
In the diagnostic manuals used by psychiatrists and psychologists, Asperger syndrome It is located among developmental disorders in general and in the autism spectrum in particular This syndrome was officially recognized in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) and it is in the fifth edition of this manual (DSM-V) where the diagnostic category of Asperger syndrome disappears, now referring to disorders of the autism spectrum (ASD). It will be the level of impairment and the aid required that will determine the severity of the disorder (level 1, level 2 or level 3).
The ICD-10 describes Asperger syndrome, showing its repercussions on the reciprocal social interaction typical in ASD, and also associates it with a phenomenon of another type: people with Asperger syndrome. They tend to develop very specific and defined areas of interest and it is not common for them to have a level of intelligence well below average, reaching intellectual disability.
Psychotherapeutic contributions in Asperger’s
It is crucial to know how to make a diagnosis that adequately fits with reality and that allows psychological assistance to the person with Asperger syndrome, taking into account their special needs. Furthermore, psychological intervention should be carried out as soon as possible, taking into account that The degree of psychological vulnerability of children is greater than that of adults
On the other hand, the psychological intervention designed so that the person can better manage their problems must be designed and executed by accredited specialists. Furthermore, if possible, we try to involve family members in this process, given that Collaborative work in therapy and in the home environment is more effective (both contexts work to reach the same result: having a positive impact on the patient).
In this way, many people can contribute to the improvement process, informing themselves about the way of thinking, expectations, stressful or uncomfortable situations and the needs of that specific person who has developed Asperger syndrome. This is where friends, teachers, doctors, instructors, etc. come in.
Treatment
As Asperger syndrome affects several areas of life, it does not consist of a single method and strategy, but in several adapted to each specific objective. Fundamentally, the following forms of psychological intervention are used.
1. Training in basic social skills
In these sessions, the person is helped to become familiar with the language codes that do not respond to the formal way of speaking, and they are helped to know what to do in moments when they cannot interpret what others say.
In psychotherapy, it is created a context in which the patient questions his dysfunctional beliefs and habits that cause him discomfort especially if this discomfort has to do with the disorder with which the person has been diagnosed.
In the case of Asperger’s syndrome, learning to manage anxiety is especially important, since this is something that greatly affects this type of patient.
3. Occupational or physical therapy
This intervention makes a lot of sense. if the person has problems living autonomously making coordinated movements that are part of everyday life: getting dressed, using a computer, etc.
What progress can be made in therapy?
According to Isabel Sánchez Montero, an expert psychologist in contextual therapies and part of the Málaga PsicoAbreu Psychologists team, one of the most important steps at the time of knowing the diagnosis and during the treatment time is “acceptance” by the family. A child with Asperger Syndrome needs, like others, guidance and help to be able to develop in the world and our work involves changing the perspective and our interpretation of what we experienced, rather than forcing its times and developments until they become ours.
Pay attention to small advances, no matter how small, and ignore those things that are not very important; use language and rules in a flexible and moderate way, teach them to listen through our patience and repetition, use appropriate information in a clear and concise way, all of this will be very useful so that the daily lives of these families are not full of helplessness, complaints and frustration. Sometimes the biggest challenge is changing the eyes with which you see the world.
Although people with Asperger’s may need support and care throughout their life cycle, the truth is that these people They can learn to deal with social situations and personal relationships successfully Proof of this are those adults who carry out their professional and family work effectively.
