Asperger's Syndrome: the keys to understanding this disease

When we tell stories of characters with Asperger's Syndrome, fiction has helped to understand how they act and feel those who live with this disorder. Beyond the characters like Raymond Rain Man, played by Dustin Hoffman or the book taken at the theater The curious incident of the dog at midnight, is currently seeking to reflect everyday life and the importance of healthy integration.

Every February 18th, the International Day of Asperger's Syndrome with the aim of visualizing the needs of people living with this disease. In addition, the date commemorates the birth of Hans Asperger, the Austrian psychiatrist who described this picture for the first time.

Since 2013, American Psychiatric Association, began to include it in the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), as the most gentle expression.

What is Asperger Syndrome?

This condition of neurodevelopment impacts on social functioning and the spectrum of activities and interests of the individuals who present it, directly influencing how they handle information processing, make sense of the world in which they live and interact with others.

"These are patients who want the social acceptance, but they do not know how to get there because they "fail" emotional intelligence, the ability to understand what is happening in the other, that is why the opposite usually occurs and that it causes anxiety and stress, "said Andrea Abadi, psychiatrist for children and adolescents and director of the Department of Children and young people from INECO.

From Argentine Asperger Association They tried to point out that "although its cause is unknown, there is a strong consensus in the scientific community to indicate that it is a neurobiological order." In the same way, it is universally recognized that the problem is not caused by emotional problems or violence. the type of education received, it is more common in men than in women and manifests itself in a more subtle and discreet manner. "

Abadi has listed characteristics (in broad strokes) that identify those who have Asperger's Syndrome:

It must be emphasized that this is manifested differently in each individual, there is a common characteristic in each one of them: significant difficulties of social interaction, especially with people of the same age.

– Difficulties for show empathy with the others.

– behavior emotionally and socially inappropriate

– level of normal or superior intelligence therefore, they generally do not present any difficulties in academic performance.

– Existence of an interest "obsessive" in a single subject or subject, to the exclusion of all others (usually atypical or unusual for individuals of their age).

– presence of movements clumsy and uncoordinated engines.

– High level of vocabulary and formal language models.

– Little understanding of jokes or double meanings.

– Rigid thinking and inconvenience to accept changes in the routine.

The early detection is one of the keys because it allows you to start a Interdisciplinary intervention in a timely mannerWe work together to ensure that children and adolescents with this disease become adults who are able to cope with life in the most autonomous way possible.

"Nothing prevents a person with Asperger's syndrome from develop fullyBut for this, a context that accompanies him day by day is fundamental, and instead of focusing on his deficits, he is constantly working to increase its strengths, "said the specialist.

Interdisciplinary approaches are essential to the development of areas where each child or adolescent presents their specific difficulties. Cognitive-behavioral psychology, language, neuropsychology-psychopedagogy, occupational therapy with sensory integration, free time, reaccrocional therapy, music therapy, child psychiatry, for example, combine to contribute to their progress. in that direction.