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L'Encephale Apr 2019Asperger's syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is part of the large family of autism spectrum disorders. People with Asperger's syndrome have difficulties in... (Review)
Review
Asperger's syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is part of the large family of autism spectrum disorders. People with Asperger's syndrome have difficulties in social interactions, verbal and non-verbal communication, and may display behavioural oddities, with stereotypies and limited interests. They show no language delay and their cognitive development is not marked by an overall delay but by specific impairments in certain areas such as the executive functions. The clinical presentations are very heterogeneous, varying according to age and psychiatric comorbidities. Screening, diagnosis and specialized treatment are not made any easier by the diversity of the clinical manifestations. Asperger's syndrome is often diagnosed belatedly, at 11years of age on average and even in adulthood in some cases. This late diagnosis has a significant impact on the risks of depression and a poor quality of life. However, in adulthood or in adolescence, certain situations, personality traits and cognitive profiles or certain comorbidities should suggest the hypothesis of an Asperger-type autism spectrum disorder. We propose here a review of the clinical situations at different ages of life that could help with the screening and the referral of patients to specialized clinicians for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Asperger Syndrome; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child; Cognition; Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological; Executive Function; Humans; Interpersonal Relations
PubMed: 30736970
DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2018.11.005 -
Journal of Autism and Developmental... Jan 2019Since Hans Asperger's first description (Arch Psych Nervenkrankh 117:76-136, 1944), through Lorna Wing's translation and definition (Psychol Med 11:115-129, 1981), to... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Since Hans Asperger's first description (Arch Psych Nervenkrankh 117:76-136, 1944), through Lorna Wing's translation and definition (Psychol Med 11:115-129, 1981), to its introduction in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM, 1994), Asperger Syndrome has always aroused huge interest and debate, until vanishing in the DSM fifth edition (2013). The debate regarded its diagnostic validity and its differentiation from high functioning autism (HFA). The present study aimed to examine whether AS differed from HFA in clinical profiles and to analyze the impact of DSM-5's innovation. Differences in cognitive, language, school functioning and comorbidities, were revealed when 80 AS and 70 HFA patients (3-18 years) were compared. Results suggested that an AS empirical distinction within autism spectrum disorder should be clinically useful.
Topics: Academic Success; Adolescent; Asperger Syndrome; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder; Child; Child, Preschool; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 30043350
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3689-4 -
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Jan 2009Asperger syndrome (AS) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder of social interaction, communication, and a restricted range of behaviors or interests. Although not... (Review)
Review
Asperger syndrome (AS) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder of social interaction, communication, and a restricted range of behaviors or interests. Although not generally associated with intellectual disability, the severe social disability and, in many cases, associated mental health and other medical problems, result in disability throughout life. The diagnosis is often delayed, sometimes into adulthood, which is unfortunate because there are now a range of interventions available, and the current evidence supports intervention starting as early in childhood as possible. The aim of this review is to present a description of AS, an up to date synopsis of the literature pertaining to its etiology, co-morbidity and intervention options, and a discussion of current nosological controversies.
Topics: Asperger Syndrome; Comorbidity; Diagnosis, Differential; Functional Laterality; Humans; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
PubMed: 18563474
DOI: 10.1007/s00787-008-0701-0 -
Reviews in Neurological Diseases 2006Asperger syndrome (AS) is a disorder on the continuum of autistic spectrum disorders characterized by a lack of social reciprocity and empathy, and severe difficulties... (Review)
Review
Asperger syndrome (AS) is a disorder on the continuum of autistic spectrum disorders characterized by a lack of social reciprocity and empathy, and severe difficulties in social integration. Controversy remains as to what constitutes AS and whether it should be declared a separate disease or higher-functioning autism. This review discusses the contributions made by Hans Asperger and Leo Kanner in first delineating the condition, and examines the syndrome's incidence, prevalence, and etiologies. Recent studies using neuroimaging are described, along with current diagnostic and treatment options.
Topics: Affective Symptoms; Asperger Syndrome; Autistic Disorder; History, 20th Century; Humans; Male; Social Perception
PubMed: 16596080
DOI: No ID Found -
Adolescent Medicine Clinics Oct 2006Asperger's syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by social impairments and rigid and repetitive interests or behaviors paired with relatively... (Review)
Review
Asperger's syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by social impairments and rigid and repetitive interests or behaviors paired with relatively preserved cognitive and verbal facilities. This article describes the clinical manifestation of the disorder and guidelines for diagnostic assessment and intervention. Existing research is reviewed within the areas of epidemiology, medical/neurobiologic factors, genetics, and outcome, and future directions for research are recommended.
Topics: Asperger Syndrome; Humans
PubMed: 17030291
DOI: 10.1016/j.admecli.2006.06.010 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Aug 2005To review Asperger syndrome characteristics, assessment tools, interventions, outcomes, and the role of the nurse practitioner in diagnosing and caring for children with... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To review Asperger syndrome characteristics, assessment tools, interventions, outcomes, and the role of the nurse practitioner in diagnosing and caring for children with Asperger syndrome.
DATA SOURCES
Review of published literature on and diagnostic criteria of the condition.
CONCLUSIONS
Asperger syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder or an autism spectrum disorder that is thought to have an incidence higher than that of autism. Asperger syndrome is different from autism, with a lack of delayed language as the most distinct difference between Asperger syndrome and autism.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Because of the importance of early diagnosis of Asperger syndrome for outcome improvement, screening at all well-child visits from infancy on is of utmost importance to primary care pediatric nurse practitioners. With early diagnosis, timely intervention is possible, which is proven to show improvement in outcomes.
Topics: Asperger Syndrome; Autistic Disorder; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Mass Screening; Nurse Practitioners; Nurse's Role; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 16045590
DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7599.2005.0053.x -
Fortschritte Der Neurologie-Psychiatrie Apr 2010
Review
Topics: Asperger Syndrome; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Autistic Disorder; Child; Diagnosis, Differential; History, 20th Century; Humans; Personality Disorders; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Schizotypal Personality Disorder
PubMed: 19644786
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1109588 -
Deutsches Arzteblatt International Jan 2009Asperger's syndrome is one of the autism spectrum disorders. Affected individuals display considerably impaired capacity for social interaction, unusual special... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Asperger's syndrome is one of the autism spectrum disorders. Affected individuals display considerably impaired capacity for social interaction, unusual special interests, and a tendency towards ritualized behavior.
METHODS
The etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Asperger's syndrome in adulthood are outlined on the basis of a selective literature review via Medline and information in relevant reference books. Furthermore, the authors report their personal experience at a special clinic for adults.
RESULTS
Asperger's syndrome in adulthood can be diagnosed by thorough anamnesis, heteroanamnesis-with emphasis on childhood-and painstaking clinical examination. The considerable psychosocial impairments affect the patients' professional, social, and private lives. The precise etiology is still unknown, but a multifactorial origin with genetic, neurobiological, and psychosocial components appears probable. Although no specific, empirically tested treatment concepts have yet been established, psychotherapeutic elements (structuring and directive interventions) seem to be helpful, together with pharmacotherapy-if indicated-in the presence of comorbidity.
CONCLUSIONS
Asperger's syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis of adults who display the corresponding symptoms. The etiopathogenesis and treatment of Asperger's syndrome in adulthood should be further investigated.
Topics: Adult; Asperger Syndrome; Humans
PubMed: 19562011
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2009.0059 -
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics Mar 2015Asperger's syndrome (AS), a behavioral disorder that is related to autism, is associated with abnormal social functioning and repetitive behaviors but not with a... (Review)
Review
Asperger's syndrome (AS), a behavioral disorder that is related to autism, is associated with abnormal social functioning and repetitive behaviors but not with a decrease in intelligence or linguistic functionality. This article reviews the clinical diagnosis of AS and discusses the comorbid disorders that may be present with AS, as well as the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of pharmacotherapies given to AS patients, as reported in preclinical and clinical studies. AS may be present with several comorbid disorders including: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and Tourette's syndrome. The difficulty in distinguishing AS from autism results in treating the comorbid disorder symptoms, rather than treating the symptoms of AS. Accordingly, there is a great need to further understand the psychobiology of AS and its association with other disorders, which should expand the pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic options and improve the quality of life for AS patients.
Topics: Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; Antipsychotic Agents; Anxiety; Asperger Syndrome; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Depression; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Quality of Life
PubMed: 25655905
DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2015.1009898 -
Pediatric Research Feb 2024
Topics: Humans; Asperger Syndrome
PubMed: 37957241
DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02885-8