What Is Asperger Syndrome?

'Asperger's Syndrome is a mild form of Autism. It affects mostly males and is believed to occur in between 0.36% and 0.71% of the population. Many who have Asperger's lead very successful lives in fields as diverse as music and higher education'

Asperger's syndrome (AS), is a neurobiological disorder affecting several areas of one’s development in contrast with Autism. Asperger Syndrome is commonly referred to as a form of "high-functioning" autism. Individuals with Asperger's are considered to have a higher intellectual capacity while suffering from a lower social capacity.

Asperger syndrome is mostly a 'hidden disability'. This means that you can't tell that someone has the condition from their outward appearance

Asperger Syndrome Disorder is a milder variant of Autistic Disorder. Both Asperger Syndrome Disorder and Autistic Disorder are in fact subgroups of a larger diagnostic category, This larger category is called either Autistic Spectrum Disorder (in most European countries) or Pervasive Developmental Disorders “PDD” (in the USA).

Asperger syndrome is a condition on the autistic spectrum. It manifests in individual ways and can have both positive and negative effects on a person's life. Like other autistic spectrum disorders, Asperger's includes repetitive behaviour patterns and impairment in social interaction. So a person with Asperger’s are more likely to desire social acceptance, but may be unable to mediate social interactions due to not being able to read social cues, or body language from people around them.

Asperger Syndrome is a life long condition which is most commonly found in men rather than woman but With the right support and encouragement, people with Asperger syndrome can lead full and independent lives.

What Causes Asperger Syndrome

Researchers and mental health experts are still investigating the causes of autism and AS. Many believe that the pattern of behaviour that characterizes AS may have many causes. There seems to be a hereditary component to AS, and research indicates that in some cases AS may be associated, however it has been observed that AS is often found in children with pre-,peri-,or post natal problems and nearly half of those diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome have suffered lack of oxygen at birth.

Scientists have pinpointed a rogue genes that could unlock the riddle to Asperger Syndrome. Three major Studies have identified specific genetic links to autism, related to the development and 'wiring' of the brain.

The findings suggest that flaws in proteins called cell adhesion molecules are present in more then two-thirds of cases and are central to some 15 per cent. the proteins play a vital role in shaping brainconnections and the way nerve cells communicate.

Overall, more than 130 genes may be linked to the condition, acting together to predispose a child to Aspergers, BUT now the controversial research linking the MMR jab to autism has now been widely discredited.