Approaching the Asperger world

In 1944, the Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger came across the case of four children whose behavior showed difficulties to integrate socially.

They were children with a level of intelligence that was within statistical normality, but who presented deficits important in certain capacities of a more specific character, such as the facility to put oneself in the shoes of others, the ability to use the resources of non-verbal communication, or the ability to coordinate several precise movements more or less neat. This made them clumsy both in certain activities that required movement, and in interpersonal relationships..

• Related article: "How to help a child with Asperger Syndrome?"

The "autistic psychopathy"

At first, Dr. Hans coined the term "autistic psychopathy" to refer to that phenomenon yet to be explored, and the She described it as a disorder, emphasizing its implications for the social life of those who developed this disorder: they tended to isolate themselves and deal little with others

, perhaps because of the frustrating situations caused by misunderstandings and communication incompatibilities in general with other children.

It took a few years before this clinical entity was called Asperger's syndrome.; Dr. Lorna Wing did it in 1981 after having studied the case of another group of children who presented the symptoms described by the previous researcher under the name of autistic psychopathy.

Then, in 1992, Asperger's syndrome was added to the 10th edition of the International Classification Manual of Diseases (ICD-10) and two years later, in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV). Since then, this term has become popular and known at the popular level.

What is Asperger syndrome?

Asperger syndrome is a neurobiological disorder that is part of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a concept that groups together a set of chronic psychological disorders whose causes are unknown, although they share similar symptoms.

From what has been observed through various investigations in neuroscience, the brain of a person with Asperger's Syndrome works differently than most of the people, especially with regard to communication and social interactions in general, as well as in the performance of typical daily tasks in those who have a life autonomous. and in adequate adaptation to daily demands. Thought patterns are rigid, based on clear rules, and they stop working well if something in the environment starts to change a lot or introduces an element of chaos.

On the other hand, these symptoms begin to become evident at a very young age, around the second or third year of life. Normally, the first warning signs appear when parents observe abnormal clumsiness and low control of motor skills in their son or daughter. Unlike cases of autism that do not fall into the category of Asperger syndrome, the language is not affected, although the use made of it is taking into account the context, as we will see.

On the other hand, experts in the field estimate that approximately two out of 10,000 children have developed Asperger's syndrome, and it has also been seen to arise much more in men than in women.

Symptoms

The specific symptoms of Asperger's syndrome are the following, although keep in mind that they do not have to occur all, and This disorder can only be diagnosed by a certified mental health specialist.

• Repetitive rituals
• Peculiarities in the language (formal speech, monotonous ...)
• Difficulty with non-verbal communication (limited expressions, rigidity ...)
• Poor and uncoordinated motor skills
• Inappropriate social-emotional behavior

Young people with Asperger syndrome tend to take an approach to language characterized by literalism: the sentences mean what the set of technical definitions of the words used explicitly shows.

For this reason, people with symptoms associated with Asperger's syndrome have it more difficult to capture hints, when it comes to detect moments when a friend or family member needs emotional support, when it comes to recognizing what is a joke and what is not, etc.

How is it diagnosed?

In most cases the diagnosis is made around 7 years, although as we have seen the symptoms appear much earlier. In addition, there is the added difficulty that the diagnostic criteria for Asperger syndrome have children are the main reference, so it is not known so much how it affects adults or people higher.

In the diagnostic manuals used by psychiatrists and psychologists, Asperger syndrome ranks between developmental disorders in general and on the autism spectrum in particular. This syndrome was officially recognized in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) and It is in the fifth edition of this manual (DSM-V) where the diagnostic category of Asperger syndrome disappears, referring now to autism spectrum disorders (TORCH). It will be the level of affectation and the aid required that will determine the severity of the disorder (level 1, level 2 or level 3).

The ICD-10 describes Asperger syndrome showing its repercussions on social interaction typical reciprocal in ASD, and is also associated with a phenomenon of another type: people with syndrome of Asperger they tend to develop very specific and defined areas of interest, and it is not frequent that they have an intelligence level much below the average, reaching the intellectual disability.

Psychotherapeutic contributions in Asperger

It is crucial to know how to make a diagnosis that fits adequately with reality and that allows psychologically assist the person with Asperger's syndrome, taking into account their needs specials. In addition, psychological intervention should be carried out as soon as possible, taking into account that the degree of psychological vulnerability of children is greater than that of adults.

On the other hand, the psychological intervention designed so that the person can better manage their problems must be designed and carried out by accredited specialists. In addition, if possible, attempts are made to involve family members in this process, since collaborative work in therapy and in the home is more effective (Both contexts work to reach the same result: have a positive impact on the patient).

In this way, many people can contribute to the improvement process, learning about the way of thinking, expectations, stressful or uncomfortable situations and the needs of that particular person who has developed syndrome Asperger. Here come friends, teachers, doctors, monitors, etc.

Treatment

As Asperger syndrome affects several areas of life, it does not consist of a single method and strategy, but in several adapted to each specific objective. Fundamentally, the following forms of psychological intervention are used.

1. Basic social skills training

In these sessions, the person is helped to become familiar with language codes that do not respond to the way of speak formally, and they are helped to know what to do in moments when they cannot interpret what others they say.

2. Psychotherapy

In psychotherapy, it is created a context in which the patient questions his dysfunctional beliefs and habits that cause discomfort, especially if this discomfort has to do with the disorder with which the person has been diagnosed.

In the case of Asperger's syndrome, it is especially important to learn to manage anxiety, since this is something that affects this type of patient a lot.

3. Occupational or physical therapy

This intervention makes a lot of sense if the person has problems living autonomously performing coordinated movements that are part of everyday life: getting dressed, using a computer, etc.

What progress can be made in therapy?

According to Isabel Sánchez Montero, an expert psychologist in contextual therapies and part of the Psychologists Málaga PsicoAbreuOne of the most important steps at the time of knowing the diagnosis and during the time of treatment is the “acceptance” by the family. A child with Asperger Syndrome needs, like another, guidance and help to develop in the world, and our work involves changing the perspective and our interpretation of what has been lived, rather than forcing its times and developments to become ours.

Pay attention to small advances, no matter how small, and ignore those things that are not very important; use language and rules in a flexible and moderate way, teach them to listen through our patience and repetition, use information appropriately in a clear and concise way, all this will be very useful so that the day-to-day life of these families is not full of impotence, complaints and frustration. Sometimes the biggest challenge is changing the eyes with which to see the world.

Although people with Asperger's may need support and care throughout their life cycle, the truth is that these people can learn to deal with social situations and personal relationships successfully. Proof of this are those adults who carry out their professional and family work effectively.