Asperger's Syndrome: Real or Rude?

The public has been aware of Autism for decades, either through medical data, publicity, or movies like "Rain Man". Few people are actually aware of an associated disorder known as Asperger's Syndrome, or AS. Until recently, I personally had not given it much thought.

I love my husband. I know that everyone has flaws, (myself included), but occasionally I have to wonder if there is an underlying medical or psychological reason for his behaviors.

You see, my husband can be described as socially awkward, often saying "the wrong thing", or making off-color comments on a continuous basis. When any kind of emotional topic surfaces, he appears to be completely without empathy. My husband has difficulty making and maintaining eye contact, but can spend hours reading on-line or working on mechanical objects. One evening, as I was reading "Second Opinion", (a novel by Robert Palmer), it hit me: Asperger's Syndrome.

According to Dania Jekel, Executive Director of the Asperger's Association of New England, there has been a rise in the number of people diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.

No two patients with Asperger's Syndrome exhibit the same symptoms. They may share some components of the disorder, but can also differ vastly in others. Some patients may have been misdiagnosed with emotional, behavioral, or even psychiatric disorders early in life. Such misdiagnosis can lead to a delay in the treatment of AS, and result in more severe social difficulties.

People with Asperger's Syndrome are not impaired in any intellectual way. On the contrary, they may have extraordinary intellectual abilities, often scoring on the higher end of the I.Q. scale. AS is characterized by social and emotional abnormalities. A person diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome may have difficulty expressing thoughts or opinions in social situations. Social conversations are often made difficult and uncomfortable, and the patient may experience anxiety or depression over these social interactions. Some people with AS avoid these situations, withdrawing into the safety of their own environments. To most people, a patient with Asperger's Syndrome can appear rude, distant, preoccupied, or stand offish.

Testing for Asperger's Syndrome involves the inclusion or exclusion of certain diagnostic criteria as dictated by the DSM-IV-TR. A patient must display a certain number and combination of these criteria to be diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.

There is no cure for AS, but treatment is available and effective. Treatment plans include psychotherapy and behavior modification. Support groups can help both the patient and their family to cope with Asperger's Syndrome and the difficulties that it can cause.

If you suspect that your child is displaying behaviors consistent with AS, it is important that you seek professional medical advice. Early diagnosis can make a big difference in later social interactions and anxiety disorders.

For more information:
www.aspergerssyndrome.org
www.aspergers.org
www.webmd.com
www.mayoclinic.com