UNIT 1 PPRESENTATION

ASPERGER DISORDER

Presenters: Dr Mala

Dr Suzanna Mwanza

Moderator:Dr Mpabalwani

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

PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

• Pervasive developmental disorders include– Autism– Asperger disorder– Rett syndrome– Childhood disintegrative disorder– Pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise

specified

ASPERGER SYNDROME

• Prevalence is 11/10,000• ?Sex distribution

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

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

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)

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

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

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

PROGNOSISWith 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