Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to write about Asperger Syndrome. Initially this paper explains what is Asperger Syndrome and its statistics. Then the paper explains the diagnostic criteria for Asperger Syndrome. Thirdly this paper explains the differences between Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism. Further illustrated in the paper are the psychological problems that can co-exist with Asperger's Syndrome concluding with the biology of this disorder.
What is Asperger Syndrome?
According to Asperger “Asperger syndrome is described as developmental disability characterized by a lack of social skills; a limited ability to have a reciprocal conversation; and restrictive or repetitive patterns of behavior that can include rituals, routines, and an intense interest in a single subject. AS is not an emotional disturbance, it is not caused by bad parenting (researchers believe that biological and genetic factors are involved), and it is often considered to be on the highfunctioning end of the autism spectrum.” (Asperger, 1991)
Some researches claim that men have the greater probablity to suffer from Asperger syndrome making up approximately 75–80 percent of diagnoses. Well-known Asperger syndrome expert Tony Attwood suggests that females learn to better compensate for their impairments because of differences in socialization (Attwood, 1997). Some preliminary evidence for this is found in the Ehlers & Gillberg study, which found a 4:1 male to female ratio in the people they thought definitely had Asperger's but a much less lopsided 2.3 to 1 ratio when merely suspected or otherwise borderline cases were included. (Ehlers & Gillberg, 1993)
Diagnositic Criteria for Asperger Syndrome
There are many diagnostic criteria’s that are given of the Asperger Syndrome for example that given in the section 299.80 of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) and criticized by Christopher Gillberg for being vague and subjective.....................
