Why in News?
International Asperger Syndrome Day Celebrated recently.
- International Asperger Syndrome Day – It is celebrated in February 18, is a date dedicated to raising awareness about this condition that is part of the autism spectrum.
- Established in honor of the birth of Hans Asperger, an Austrian doctor who first described the set of characteristics.
- This date seeks to broaden social understanding and promote the inclusion of people with Asperger's in all contexts of life.
- Asperger's Syndrome –It is a neurodevelopmental condition that falls under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Symptoms - Individuals with Asperger's often exhibit specific characteristics, such as
- Intense and specific interests - A deep focus on areas of particular interest.
- Preserved cognitive abilities - Unlike other diagnoses on the spectrum, there is no significant impairment of language or intellectual development.
- Social difficulties - They may find it challenging to interpret facial expressions, body language, or implicit rules in social interactions.
- No two people have the same symptoms.
- Causes - The causes of Asperger’s Syndrome are unknown. Genetics and brain differences may be involved.
- Affecting age - Most diagnoses happen between ages 5 and 9, although some people are adults before they get their diagnosis.
- Although the term “Asperger Syndrome” has been widely used for years, it was integrated into the ASD classification in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) in 2013.
- However, many people still prefer the term because they identify with it.
- People with Asperger's syndrome have average or above average intelligence and usually started talking before age two.
- Treatment - Currently there is no cure for ASD.
- Social skills training, Speech-language therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Applied behavior analysis, Medicine, Parent education and training help managing the condition.
- Outlook - Asperger's syndrome is lifelong, but symptoms tend to improve over time. Adults with Asperger's syndrome can learn to understand their own strengths and weaknesses.
References
- Omaringa | Asperger-Syndrome-Day
- Webmd | Aspergers-syndrome
