ASPERGERS SYNDROME Amber Lucas Dakodah Proteau Anatomy 6

ASPERGER’S SYNDROME Amber Lucas & Dakodah Proteau Anatomy 6 th Hour

What is Asperger’s Syndrome v Asperger’s Syndrome is categorized in the autistic spectrum in disorders. It is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests v Asperger’s Syndrome was described and named after the Austrian doctor Hans Asperger in 1944. Even though Dr. Asperger was given credit for the discovery, this disease was not fully recognized until much later.

Famous People With Asperger’s � � � Marilyn Monroe Ludwig Van Beethoven Henry Ford

What Causes Asperger’s? Rejection has proven to be a cause � Asperger’s has also been linked as a hereditary disorder �

What Are The Symptoms? v Problems with social skills Children with Asperger’s have trouble with interacting with others and are usually looked at as socially awkward. Ø They typically do not make friends easily Ø Have problems holding a conversation. They tend to lose the initiative to carry the conversation on. Ø

What Are The Symptoms? v Repetitive Behaviors Ø v Most children with this disorder develop odd gestures. It is found that most people wring their hands and twist their fingers. Unusual ‘rituals’ Ø People that suffer from Asperger’s Syndrome create ‘rituals’ that they will not part from. An example of this would be getting dressed in a certain order.

What Are The Symptoms? v Difficulties with Communication Ø Asperger’s Syndrome tends to win the best of the person. When they are interacting in a conversation they will not make a tremendous amount of eye contact. It is also said that people with Asperger’s Syndrome have problems using facial expressions, gestures, and understanding body language.

What Are The Symptoms? v Limited Interests Ø v Coordination Problems Ø v Children with Asperger’s develop intest, almost obsessive interests. Most have interests in areas such as sports schedules or weather. Most people with Asperger’s generally seem clumsy or awkward. Skilled or talented Ø Most cases of Asperger’s show exceptional talent or skill in a certain area, like math or music/art.

General view of kids with Asperger’s Syndrome Drawing made by a boy with Asperger’s 17% of Children live with Asperger’s Syndrome

Some Brain Images… The top image shows the brain imaging of a person with Asperger’s when they see an emotion of love. The bottom shows the same brain activity for a person without Asperger’s.

What Medications Are Available? v There are no medications to specifically treat Asperger’s Syndrome. Although, you may be able to get medication to treat certain things affiliated with the disorder. Ø Aripiprazole (Abilify). This drug can be effective for treating irritability related to Asperger‘s. Side effects: weight gain and an increase in blood sugar levels. Ø Guanfacine (Intuniv). This medication can be helpful for the problems of hyperactivity and inattention in children with Asperger‘s. Side effects: drowsiness, irritability, headache, constipation and bedwetting.

What Medications Are Available? Ø Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Drugs like fluvoxamine (Luvox) can be used to treat depression or to help control repetitive behaviors. Side effects: restlessness and agitation. Ø Risperidone (Risperdal). This medication can be prescribed for agitation and irritability. Side effects: Can cause trouble sleeping, a runny nose and an increased appetite. This drug has also been associated with an increase in cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

What Medications Are Available? Ø Olanzapine (Zyprexa). Olanzapine is sometimes prescribed to reduce repetitive behaviors. Side effects: increased appetite, drowsiness, weight gain, and increased blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Ø Naltrexone (Revia). This medication, which is sometimes used to help alcoholics stop drinking, can help reduce some of the repetitive behaviors associated with Asperger's syndrome. The use of low -dose naltrexone – usually used in doses of 2 - 4 mg. has been becoming more popular recently. But, there's no good evidence that such low doses have any effect on Asperger's syndrome.