1. Asperger’s Syndrome in Childhood
PSY 441/541
Janna Baumgartner, Katie Hochsprung, Connie Logeman

2. History
In 1944 an Austrian pediatrician named Hans Asperger observed four children in his practice who appeared normal, but lacked nonverbal communication skills, failed to demonstrate empathy with their peers, and were physically clumsy.
Because his findings were published in German, his findings were not widely known until 1981, when an English doctor named Lorna Wing published a series of case studies of children showing similar symptoms, which she called “Asperger’s” syndrome.
AS became a distinct disease and diagnosis in 1992 when it was included in the World Health Organization’s diagnostic manual

3. Signs and Symptoms
Most distinguishing symptom of AS is a child’s obsessive interest in a single object or topic to the exclusion of any other.
Their speech may be marked by a lack of rhythm, an odd inflection, or a monotone pitch.
Children with AS are often isolated socially because of their poor social skills and narrow interests.
The usually have a history of developmental delays in motor skills – not mentioned in diagnostic criteria.

4. Symptoms used in diagnosis
abnormal eye contact
aloofness
the failure to turn when called by name
the failure to use gestures to point or show
a lack of interactive play
a lack of interest in peers
Some of these behaviors may be apparent in the first few months of a child’s life, or they may appear later. Problems in at least one of the areas of communication and socialization or repetitive, restricted behavior must be present before the age of 3.

5. How is Asperger’s Different from Autism?
AS is one type of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), along with classic autism, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder. AS is on the milder side.
Severe withdrawal from the rest of the world is characteristic of autism. Children with AS are isolated because of their poor social skills and narrow interests.
A child with Asperger’s experiences no clinically significant delay in cognitive development

6. Causes/Suspected Causes
Researchers are still investigating the potential causes of Asperger’s Syndrome. Mental Health Experts support that there can be various factors that may contribute to this disorder…
Possible Causes:
Hereditary—Asperger’s often runs in families.
Linked to depression
Associated with bipolar disorder
Environmental Factors, such as chemicals and pesticides
Suspected Causes:
Emotional Deprivation in infancy
Vaccines *Both of these suspected causes have been refuted by extensive research; however individuals continue to disagree.

7. A specialist performs testing including:
Diagnosis Process
Physician takes a child’s medical history. Referral to a specialist may be necessary.
A specialist performs testing including:
*Psychological Assessment- tests IQ, learning style, and motor skills *Communication Assessment- examines speech, language, non-verbal, and non-literal skills *Psychiatric Examination-evaluates peer relationships and reactions to new situations…also checks for conditions such as anxiety or depression

8. Typically Developing Children Children with Asperger’s Syndrome
Communication Milestones of Typically Developing Children Vs. Children with Asperger’s Syndrome
Typically Developing Children
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome
Children begin to understand forms of irony around the age of four
Eye contact begins in infancy
By one year of age, infants point to and request objects of interest
Impaired ability to use and understand irony
Restricted Eye Contact
Lack of sharing interests and/or enjoyments with others

9. About Aspergers….
Aspergers symptoms are often shown around preschool ages
At risk for other psychiatric problems including depression, ADD, schizophrenia, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
have an average IQ or oftentimes above average.
May become victims of teasing or bullying because of odd behaviors
Approximately 1 in 250 individuals display Asperger’s disorder (80% of them boys)

10. Treatment/Therapy
occupational or physical therapy, for children with sensory integration problems or poor motor coordination
social skills training, a form of group therapy that teaches the skills they need to interact more successfully with other children
cognitive behavioral therapy, “talk” therapy to manage emotions
Medication for co-existing conditions

11. Everyday Routines
Calendars, checklists, and notes to let them stay on schedule- many like routine
Walk through their daily schedule and what they need to do
Giving rewards for accomplishments
Let the child shine in his or her best subjects

12. 1. “Rule” boys/girls- needs a set of rules to govern lives
3 Subtypes
1. “Rule” boys/girls- needs a set of rules to govern lives
2. “Logic” boys/girls-needs reason behind rules; rules alone are not good enough.
3. “Emotional” boys/girls-based upon emotions

13. A Child’s Future with Asperger’s
Many lead normal, successful lives with effective treatment
learn to cope with behavior
personal relationships and social settings will still be a challenge
need encouragement and moral support to live an independent life
Tends to find a detail-oriented job with limited social interactions.

14. Famous People with Asperger’s
Bill Gates
Isaac Newton
Jane Austen
Albert Einstein
Charles Darwin
Dan Aykroyd
Beethoven
Mozart
John Denver
Al Gore
Robin Williams

15. Video

16. References
Healthwise Staff. (2010, April 12). Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved from
KidsHealth. (2011). What Causes Asperger’s Syndrome? Retrieved from
KidsHealth (2011). Diagnosing Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved from
Kutscher, Martin, L. (2006). Asperger’s Syndrome Retrieved from Syndrome
Living With Aspergers. (2008). The Prevalent Theories. Retrieved from
Moore, Matthew. (2010, Sep 15). Children 'can understand irony from age of four’ Retrieved from
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2011). What is Asperger Syndrome? Retrieved from
Owens, Robert, E. (2009). Language development, an introduction. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

17. Multiple Choice Questions
Which of the following is a characteristic of Asperger’s Syndrome?
a. advanced social skills
b. short stature
c. delays in motor development
d. low I.Q. scores

18. Multiple Choice Questions, Continued
Which of the following is NOT a possible cause of Asperger’s Syndrome?
A. Hereditary Link B. Vaccinations C. Environmental Factors D. Association to Depression

19. Multiple Choice Questions, Continued
What is the ratio of boys with Asperger's to girls with Asperger’s:
a. 2:1
b. 4:1
c. 6:1
d. 8:1