1. A Journey Through Asperger’s Syndrome
Ali, Katie, Liza

2. What is Asperger’s? Dr. Hans Asperger Neurological disorder
Asperger’s syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder. 
An autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Mildest form of Autism
Dr. Hans Asperger
1944
Boys with similar traits
Boy studies b/c most cases were found in boys (still today 70-80)%
May be because girls can overcome symptoms based on socialization
Neurological disorder
ASD of a distinct group of neurological conditions
greater or less than average degree of impairment in language and communication skills,
repetitive or restrictive patterns of thought and behavior.

3. Common Traits & Characteristics
socially awkward and clumsy
naive and gullible
unaware of others' feelings
unable to carry on conversation
easily upset by changes
literal in speech and understanding
sensitive to loud sounds, lights, odors
fixated on one subject or object
physically awkward in sports
very accurate memory for details
trouble understanding things they have heard or read
inappropriate body language & expression
repetitive and irrelevant comments
unusually loud, high or monotonous voice
rock, fidget or pace while concentrating

4. Diagnosing the Syndrome
Two main criteria for diagnosis: DSM IV and Gillberg’s criteria:
Impairment in social interactions
Limited all-consuming interests
Burden regarding routines and interests
Speech and communication problems
Non-verbal language difficulties
Difficulty with motor skills

5. Possible Treatment NO CURE! *The earlier the better!
Psychosocial interventions
Social training skills
Cognitive behavior therapy
Any activity to help individual learn to adjust to social situations and act appropriately
Camp, teen tours, group communication
Psychopharmalogical interventions
NO CURE!

6. What Can Cause All this? The debate…
*NOT BAD PARENTING!
Genetics (still a lot of research in Progress)
Family inheritance on father’s side
Studies of brain
Right lobe studies using MRI’s
Research done in 1994 and 1995
Disability with right hemisphere
Right front lobe especially deals with “social rules”
Other Findings
Birth problems, lack of oxygen
central nervous system dysfunction

7. An Interview with Asperger’s
Wendy Lawson & her story
always new she was different
Very difficult to make friends
No flexibility
Obsessions of interests
animals and insects
Tinted glasses
Only cotton
Can’t read body language
Social skills by trial and error
Uncomfortable when not in control
Autism is: being present in this world, But not entirely of it. I am one step removed and curled, The switch just doesn't click.
I perform the role of my perception, And play many parts so well. But minus files for my redemption, My part in life I cannot tell.
Life is like a video, I watch but cannot partake. My uneven skills are but an echo, Of the frustrations which I hate!
However, my focused use of time and space, I would not give away. I know that I am especially placed, For some developed career one day!

8. Fact or Myth?
ALL PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME ARE EXACTLY THE SAME?
False
ASPERGER’S SYNDROME IS HIGH FUNCTION AUTISM
True
ALL PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME CAN HAVE MEANINGFUL JOBS AND LIVE INDEPENDENTLY
IF YOU CAN FIX THE BEHAVIORS OF PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME, YOU CAN CURE THE DISORDER
SOME PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME DESIRE FRIENDSHIP
FROM A CROWD OF PEOPLE I MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO PICK THE PERSON WITH ASPERGER’S OUT
True!

9. Asperger’s In History…Surprised?
Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton

10. Works Cited http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm
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