Aspergers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Aspergers - Essay Example Even though traits and symptoms of Asperger’s may improve over time, Asperger’s is a lifelong condition. Sufferers of Asperger’s can improve their social skills over a long period of time and treatment, but they will always have the disorder. Causes There is no specific known cause of Asperger’s syndrome, though it is known that the organ affected the most is the brain. Since the disorder seems to run in families, where more than child is often diagnosed, scientists and doctors alike believe that the disorder is caused by something involving certain hereditary genes. It is also believed that changes in the structure or the development of the brain, as well as changes to specific genes, can be linked to someone developing the disorder. There is also the assumption that Asperger’s syndrome can be brought on by other mental health disorders, like depression and bipolar disorder; this disorders are thought to be able to trigger the development of Asperg er’s. Contrary to popular belief, Asperger’s is not caused by someone being deprived emotionally. Since many people with Asperger’s appear rude towards others, given their inability to properly respond in public, people have come to the conclusion that Asperger’s can develop due to bad parenting or bad experiences in the childhood. This is incorrect. Though there is very little known about how the disorder is caused, it is known for certain that Asperger’s syndrome is a neurobiological disorder that can have negative effects on the lives of those diagnosed with the disorder if treatment is not sought. Symptoms The most common sign associated with Asperger’s is the inability of the individual to properly acknowledge the existence of others, even if they are having direct contact with them. Someone who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome tends to become involved in long, one-sided conversations without taking notice as to whethe r or not the other person is listening or attempting to change the subject. Their nonverbal communication is unusual, such as not making eye contact or displaying bizarre body posture, facial expressions, or poor coordination. An individual with Asperger’s does not attempt to understand or sympathize with the feelings of others, and they have a hard time in understanding humor. Yet another symptom of a person with Asperger’s is their intense, though severely narrowed, interest in only a few specific complex topics, which can lead to a level of near-obsession. An individual might be able to name all of the stars in the sky or speak of the patterns of music, or they might be able to draw detailed portraits or learn a song on piano simply by listening to it once. Though it is not entirely known as to why people who have Asperger’s have these especially abilities, it is believed to be related to the fact that since the person is unable to be properly social and comm unicative with others, they channel that excess energy into a specific interest (Attwood 177). Treatment Options Since scientists and doctors are unable to find a definite cause for Asperger’s syndrome, there is also no cure for the disorder. If someone is diagnosed with Asperger’s as a child, they will still have Asperger’s as an adult. However, as previously mentioned, individuals are able to improve their social skills through a variety of therapies, specialized interventions, and medications.