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Revue Neurologique May 2008Although Asperger syndrome is described by international classifications as a category of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), its validity as a specific entity... (Review)
Review
Although Asperger syndrome is described by international classifications as a category of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), its validity as a specific entity distinct from autistic disorders remains controversial. The syndrome, first described by Hans Asperger, could not be distinguished from high functioning autism (onset, symptoms, outcome...). However, international classifications propose a distinction between the two syndromes based on a delayed onset, the absence of speech delay, the presence of motor disorders and a better outcome in Asperger syndrome. This categorical differentiation is not confirmed by current studies and in the absence of biological markers, no clinical, neuropsychological or epidemiological criteria makes it possible to distinguish high functioning autism from Asperger syndrome. From a clinical perspective, it is nevertheless of interest to isolate Asperger syndrome from other autistic disorders to propose specific assessment and therapy.
Topics: Asperger Syndrome; Autistic Disorder; Child; History, 20th Century; Humans
PubMed: 18555872
DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2008.01.009 -
Research in Developmental Disabilities 2010Descriptive and comparative follow-up studies of young adult males with Asperger syndrome (AS) diagnosed in childhood, using both interview, self- and parent assessment... (Review)
Review
Descriptive and comparative follow-up studies of young adult males with Asperger syndrome (AS) diagnosed in childhood, using both interview, self- and parent assessment instruments for the study of aspects of emotional well-being, social functioning, and cognitive-practical skills have not been performed in the past. One-hundred males with AS diagnosed in childhood were approached for the assessment using the Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Interview (ASDI), (personal and parent interview), the Leiter-R-Questionnaires, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX). About 75% of the targeted group participated. The ASDI results came out significantly different at personal vs parent interviews in several key domains. In contrast, the Leiter-R-Questionnaires, showed no significant differences across the individuals with AS and their parents in the scoring of cognitive/social and emotional/adaptive skills. The BDI proved to be an adequate screening instrument for depression in that it correctly identified the vast majority of cases with clinical depression in the AS group. The DEX results suggested an executive function deficit problem profile in males with AS as severe as that reported in groups of individuals with traumatic brain injury and schizophrenia. Interviews (personal and collateral), and self-rating and parent-rating questionnaires all have a role in the comprehensive diagnostic process in AS and other autism spectrum disorders, and could be used as adjuncts when evaluating whether or not individuals meeting diagnostic symptom criteria for the condition have sufficient problems in daily life to warrant a clinical diagnosis of AS.
Topics: Adolescent; Asperger Syndrome; Cognition Disorders; Emotions; Executive Function; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Parents; Social Adjustment; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 19880274
DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2009.09.006 -
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Mar 2003
Topics: Asperger Syndrome; Humans; Interpersonal Relations
PubMed: 12612124
DOI: 10.1177/014107680309600322 -
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine Dec 2012The prevalence of Asperger syndrome, a mild form of autism, appears to be rapidly increasing. This developmental disorder affects children and adults and can present... (Review)
Review
The prevalence of Asperger syndrome, a mild form of autism, appears to be rapidly increasing. This developmental disorder affects children and adults and can present challenges to providing medical care. In this update on Asperger syndrome, we offer guidance on how to interact with adult patients with the disorder. We also address proposed diagnostic changes scheduled to take effect in 2013.
Topics: Adult; Asperger Syndrome; Behavior Therapy; Combined Modality Therapy; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Humans; Physician-Patient Relations; Prevalence; Psychotropic Drugs; Transition to Adult Care; United States
PubMed: 23208993
DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.79a.11161 -
The Harvard Mental Health Letter Feb 2005
Topics: Asperger Syndrome; Humans; Sex Factors
PubMed: 15773014
DOI: No ID Found -
Advance For Nurse Practitioners Apr 2004
Topics: Asperger Syndrome; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Child; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans
PubMed: 15101128
DOI: No ID Found -
Saudi Medical Journal Oct 2000This study presents a 14-year-old Saudi child with poor school achievement, diagnosed by psychiatrists as mentally retardated with a significant social deficit. No...
This study presents a 14-year-old Saudi child with poor school achievement, diagnosed by psychiatrists as mentally retardated with a significant social deficit. No neurological disorder was evident. She has high to very high intellectual abilities on testing her intelligence quotient. Her verbal learning ability was also very high. Her social skills and capacity were impaired. No evidence of poor language was detected. The patient is diagnosed as suffering from Asperger's syndrome, and not mentally retarded. She has the criteria for Asperger's syndrome according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th edition, including the significant social deficit with normal intellectual functioning. The utility of such a diagnosis is briefly discussed.
Topics: Adolescent; Asperger Syndrome; Diagnostic Errors; Educational Status; Female; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Intelligence Tests; Neuropsychological Tests; Saudi Arabia; Social Behavior; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 11369965
DOI: No ID Found -
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica Nov 2000: To provide a clinically useful analysis of the extent to which autism and Asperger syndrome coexist with other disorders. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
: To provide a clinically useful analysis of the extent to which autism and Asperger syndrome coexist with other disorders.
METHOD
Selective review of the literature detailing data pertaining to symptoms and disorders sometimes encountered in connection with autism or Asperger syndrome.
RESULTS
A large number of medical conditions, psychiatric disorders and behavioural and motor dyscontrol symptoms are associated with autism and Asperger syndrome.
CONCLUSION
Comorbidity is to be expected in autism spectrum disorders -directly or indirectly. Comorbid conditions may be markers for underlying pathophysiology and suggest a more varied treatment approach. There is a great need for in-depth research into this area, meaning that the exclusion criteria of current diagnostic manuals, i.e. those that rule out a diagnosis of autism in some disorders, and a diagnosis of certain other disorders in autism may have to be revised.
Topics: Age Factors; Asperger Syndrome; Autistic Disorder; Brain Diseases; Brain Stem; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Comorbidity; Diagnosis, Differential; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Hyperkinesis; Mental Disorders; Motor Skills Disorders
PubMed: 11098802
DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0447.2000.102005321.x -
Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki 2017This article is an overview of the literature on Asperger's syndrome and schizophrenia and aim to discuss their similarities and differences. Eugen Bleuler who...
This article is an overview of the literature on Asperger's syndrome and schizophrenia and aim to discuss their similarities and differences. Eugen Bleuler who associated the terms "schizophrenia" and "autism" a century ago, viewed autism as a form of solitude of schizophrenic patients representing withdrawal from reality. Ever since, there has been confusion as to the boundaries between these conditions. Nowadays recent research, from a variety of perspectives-genomics, neurodevelopment, psychiatry, etc. has given new information on these conditions. It is easier to demarcate these two disorders at the extremes, but it is extremely difficult dissociating milder forms of both disorders. Asperger's syndrome (AS), is considered to be a continuous and lifelong disorder with strong heritability, present from early childhood. It is included within the category of autism spectrum disorders and it is usually diagnosed in childhood. Patients with Asperger syndrome are often diagnosed late or they are considered as having schizophrenia. Misdiagnosing Asperger syndrome creates severe problems by preventing effective therapy. A lot of clinical characteristics of Asperger's syndrome are also present in schizophrenia, such as impaired social interaction, disabilities in communication and restricted interests. On the other side some clinical features may facilitate the differential diagnosis, such as the younger age at onset, family history of pervasive developmental disorders, pragmatic aspects of language use, lack of imagination, ect. It is known that symptoms of Asperger's syndrome have some overlap with those of schizophrenia, but less is known about comorbidity between these two syndromes. It is still a question whether autism spectrum disorders in young children can increase the risk for the development of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, later in life. Both disorders are of neurodevelopmental origin and genetic factors are prominent. In both neurocognitive deficits as well as deficits in social cognition and social functioning are marked. The boundaries between AS and schizophrenia are still not clear even if this distinction is necessary for the appropriate treatment of the patient and his family. For the writing of the literature review, the following electronic databases were used: PubMed, Scopus, Psycinfo, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The key words used were: Asperger's syndrome, schizophrenia, children and adolescents, differential diagnosis, autism spectrum disorders.
Topics: Adolescent; Asperger Syndrome; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Schizophrenia; Schizophrenic Psychology
PubMed: 28686564
DOI: 10.22365/jpsych.2017.282.175 -
Lakartidningen Sep 2014Autism spectrum disorder describes a behaviourally defined impairment in social interaction and communication, along with the presence of restricted interests and... (Review)
Review
Autism spectrum disorder describes a behaviourally defined impairment in social interaction and communication, along with the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. Although the etiology is mostly unknown, it is evident that biological factors affect the brain and result in the autistic clinical presentation. Assessment for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder should be comprehensive in order to cover all sorts of problems related to the disorder. Knowledge and experience from working with neurological and psychiatric disorders are a prerequisite for quality in the examination. Up to now, there is no cure for autism spectrum disorder, but support and adaptations in education are nevertheless important for obtaining sufficient life quality for the patients and the family.
Topics: Asperger Syndrome; Autistic Disorder; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Humans
PubMed: 25253606
DOI: No ID Found