It is probably not the first time you hear about Asperger Syndrome, its characteristics and diagnosis. However, in these lines I am going to give you an example that will help you to better understand what it is and how it affects those who suffer from it.
Asperger’s Syndrome is a type of autism, but less known. It is one of the varieties that can be found in the already popular Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
People with Asperger’s Syndrome have a very peculiar behavior and even the way they move differentiates them. By now it is not surprising to say that it has become a syndrome with high presence on television, as in the series Big Bang Theory with the character Sheldon Cooper or in The Good Doctor with Shaun Murphy.
And just a few months ago, activist Greta Thunberg also caught the attention of the media due to her fight against climate change.
Greta Thunberg has Asperger’s Syndrome, how does it affect her?
The most common characteristic of people with Asperger’s Syndrome is an interest and fascination for a certain topic. For the activist it was climate change. Hence her admiration and determination.
In addition, they are uncompromising and at the same time very demanding in situations that do not meet their expectations. In general, they tend to develop very closed behaviors and this is evidenced by the difficulty they have with social conventions.
However, they are very intelligent people with an advanced and particular language.
What are the causes of Asperger Syndrome?
It is a disorder of genetic origin and with a high hereditary component, so it is common that some of the parents have a similar profile to that of their child. It is also common to find relatives with another disorder such as ADHD or OCD.
Is treatment possible?
Because the syndrome is not associated with any dysfunction of brain neurotransmitters, for the moment there is no specific treatment. However, in the necessary cases, support therapies aimed at improving social skills as well as controlling emotions and generating empathy are carried out.
Despite the social difficulties they present, children with Asperger Syndrome usually have a positive evolution over the years and achieve a satisfactory integration in adolescence or young adulthood.