1. UNIT 1 PPRESENTATION ASPERGER DISORDER Presenters: Dr Mala Dr Suzanna Mwanza Moderator: Dr Mpabalwani

2. ASPERGER DISORDER Asperger disorder is one of the pervasive developmental or autism spectrum disorders which are characterised by – impairment in language skills – Impairment in communication skills and – repetitive or restrictive pattern of thought and behaviour

3. PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS Pervasive developmental disorders include – Autism – Asperger disorder – Rett syndrome – Childhood disintegrative disorder – Pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified

4. ASPERGER SYNDROME Prevalence is 11/10,000 ?Sex distribution

5. FEATURES Asperger disorder is characterised by: – Obsessive interest in a single object or topic to the exclusion of any other – Peculiarities in speech and language – Repetitive routines or rituals

6. FEATURES – Cont’d – Socially and emotionally inappropriate behaviour and t he inability to interact successfully with peers – Problems with non-verbal communication eg facial expressions, gestures – Awkward and clumsy and have unusual postures and gait

7. COMPARISON WITH AUTISM Unlike children with autism, children with Asperger disorder – Do not have the severe language impairments that characterises autism – Have a history of normal language milestones, with single words used by age 2 years and communicative phrases used by age 3 years – May represent a form of high functioning autism (children with autism who do not have cognitive impairement)

8. DIAGNOSIS To meet the diagnostic criteria for Asperger syndrome, a child must manifest: – Impairments in social interactions and – show restrictive, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or achievements with other people These disturbances must cause significant impairments in social or occupational functioning

9. INTERVENTION The ideal treatment coordinated therapies that address the 3 core symptoms of the disorder ie poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines and physical clumsiness Group social skill training is the hallmark of intervention

10. ASSOCIATIONS Asperger disorder appear to be at high risk for other psychiatric disorders – Oppositional-defiant disorder – Mood disorders – Obsessive compulsive disorder Intervention: – Cognitive-behavioural therapy in those with associated anxiety – Risperidone may improve negative symptoms similar to those seen in schizophrenia

11. PROGNOSIS With effective treatment, children can learn to cope with their disabilities May still find social situations and personal relationships challenging Many adults with Asperger syndrome are able to work successfully in mainstream jobs, although continue to need encouragement and moral support to maintain an independent life