OVERVIEW

What is Asperger's Syndrome?

Asperger's Syndrome is the common name for Asperger Syndrome, also known as Asperger's Disorder or other translated terms.

The cause of the condition remains unclear, influenced by polygenic inheritance and minor environmental factors. Patients exhibit lifelong symptoms from birth, primarily characterized by social impairments, stereotyped or repetitive behaviors/movements/interests, but with IQ within or above the normal range.

Other common accompanying symptoms include language difficulties, motor coordination issues, and sensory hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity (detailed later).

It can affect social communication and emotional interaction with neurotypical individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The condition was first described in the 1940s by Dr. Hans Asperger, after whom it is named.

Is Asperger's Syndrome the Same as Autism?

Yes, but not entirely.

Autism is a broad term rather than a specific diagnosis, often used colloquially to describe children with communication difficulties and limited social engagement, frequently accompanied by intellectual disabilities.

Current diagnostic guidelines no longer assess IQ or language impairments. Individuals exhibiting both "social impairments" and "stereotyped or repetitive behaviors/movements/interests" are classified under Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Asperger's Syndrome falls under this category, though the term is no longer officially used.

Is Asperger's Syndrome Common?

Statistics suggest 1 in 59 people may have ASD. Asperger's Syndrome is relatively less prevalent, affecting 1.6 to 2.9 per 1,000 individuals.

SYMPTOMS

What are the specific manifestations of Asperger's Syndrome in daily life?

Common characteristics include the following aspects:

Social difficulties:

• Individuals struggle to understand the meaning conveyed by facial expressions and gestures, often ignoring implied cues in communication and requiring explicit verbal expression to comprehend the message;

• They may take jokes, sarcasm, or other implicit information literally, missing the underlying meaning;

• In group conversations, they may fail to grasp appropriate timing for speaking or suddenly say something unsuitable for the context or atmosphere;

• Some individuals avoid eye contact during interactions, either looking away or focusing on areas other than the other person's eyes.

Repetitive or restricted behaviors/movements/interests:

• Meaningless repetitive movements such as rocking, clapping, jumping, or pacing, or mechanically repeating certain words, mimicking lines, or sounds;

• Intense focus on a narrow field of interest—for example, an individual fascinated by dinosaurs may memorize hundreds of Latin names, colors, and average sizes of dinosaurs, talking endlessly about the topic while being immersed in their own world, making it difficult for others to interrupt;

• Preference for following routines, becoming anxious when plans are disrupted;

• Insistence on arranging objects in specific ways or positions, reacting strongly if they are moved.

Sensory hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity:

• Agitation in noisy environments (e.g., intersections, nightclubs, crowded gatherings, subway stations, thunderstorms, or during firecracker celebrations);

• Ability to hear high-frequency sounds from old TVs or low-frequency noise in KTVs, leading to avoidance of such places;

• Discomfort in brightly lit or flashing environments like shopping malls or clubs;

• Extreme pickiness with food, eating only a few types; gagging from toothbrush stimulation, reluctance to bathe, sensitivity to clothing textures, or insistence on cutting off clothing tags;

• Reduced sensitivity to temperature, such as wearing winter coats in summer or short sleeves in winter.

Language difficulties:

• Delayed speech development, speaking unclearly or struggling to convey thoughts coherently when nervous;

• Some individuals with Asperger's may have normal language development.

Motor difficulties:

• Prone to tripping while walking;

• Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as learning to tie shoelaces or fasten buttons only in adulthood;

• Easily knocking over glassware;

• Poor coordination, struggling with tasks like jumping rope or riding a bicycle.

Do individuals with Asperger's Syndrome possess exceptional talents?

There is no definitive scientific data on the percentage of individuals with Asperger's who have "exceptional abilities," and the extent of these abilities varies. Some may only slightly exceed average levels, so it is important not to overstate their "superpowers."

Individuals with Asperger's may excel in one or more of the following areas:

• Rote memory: Reciting lines from TV shows or book passages verbatim, often excelling in memorizing topics of interest.

• Visual thinking: Remembering scenes, artworks, or even book pages as "images," enabling some to draw cityscapes or subway maps in detail. However, this visual recall may involuntarily replay before sleep, sometimes causing insomnia if disturbing images were seen during the day.

• Numerical ability: Rapid mental calculations or calendar date recall, sometimes paired with visual thinking.

• Musical ability: Identifying pitch accurately after minimal training, or memorizing and humming entire songs after one listen—sometimes unconsciously.

• Logical reasoning: Some individuals are highly rational, adept at problem-solving through logic, quickly identifying flaws or patterns in complex systems.

Is Asperger's Syndrome hereditary?

The exact cause remains unclear, likely involving a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some studies suggest links to prenatal folate deficiency, infections, or toxin exposure.

While no definitive genetic mechanism has been identified, researchers, intellectuals, individuals with Asperger's, or those exhibiting some traits may have a slightly higher likelihood of having children with the condition compared to the general population.

CAUSES

What causes Asperger's syndrome?

The exact cause of Asperger's syndrome is currently unknown, but it is believed to be related to genetic factors, biochemistry, viral infections, and issues during pregnancy and childbirth.

DIAGNOSIS

How is Asperger's Syndrome Diagnosed?

Currently, the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome in China is not yet fully developed. If a child is suspected of having Asperger's, they can be taken to the pediatric psychology or psychiatric outpatient clinic at a mental health specialty hospital. Doctors will evaluate the child using scales and interviews.

Scales generally include self-assessment for the child and a parent questionnaire. For younger patients, the parent questionnaire is the primary tool. The questions cover the child's social interactions, eye contact, responses to stimuli, and repetitive behaviors. Intelligence tests and attention tests are often conducted to rule out other possible conditions.

For adults with Asperger's, if symptoms are mild, language impairment is not obvious, and the condition has little impact on daily life, there are currently few hospitals or departments in China that offer diagnosis.

Adult patients can use to further understand their condition through scales. Although these scales are for reference only and cannot replace a formal diagnosis, adults can adjust their social strategies and lifestyle based on the test results to mitigate the disorder's impact on their lives.

TREATMENT

Can Asperger's Syndrome be cured?

Asperger's Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning the brain is wired differently from birth—just with slightly more pronounced differences compared to typical variations among people. Therefore, the concept of a "cure" doesn't apply.

However, the behavior and social skills of individuals with Asperger's can be improved through intervention. Optimistically, with proper support, they may not only overcome social challenges but also leverage their unique traits to achieve exceptional accomplishments. Thus, pursuing a "cure" is unnecessary.

Current interventions include social skills training, interactive games to improve social interaction, sensory integration therapy to address hypersensitivity, and cutting-edge VR-based programs designed to help individuals with Asperger's navigate their relationship with the real world. Parents can choose appropriate interventions based on their child's needs.

Be cautious of organizations claiming to "cure autism" or offer "complete recovery"—these are often scams. Autism spectrum conditions cannot be "cured." Always seek interventions or research programs affiliated with reputable psychiatric hospitals.

DIET & LIFESTYLE

What should individuals with Asperger's syndrome pay attention to in daily life?

• People with Asperger's syndrome are more prone to depression, anxiety, and social or life challenges compared to neurotypical individuals. Therefore, it's important for them to find healthy ways to release negative emotions, such as shifting moods, immersing in interests, meditation, or appropriate venting. Repetitive behaviors like clapping or jumping, if they help relieve stress, can also be beneficial.

• If experiencing prolonged low mood, tension, unexplained unease, physical stiffness, lack of energy, or even suicidal thoughts, it's crucial to seek psychiatric consultation for potential depression or anxiety and receive appropriate treatment.

• For those with heightened sensory sensitivity, some practical tips can help:

  • Keep sunglasses and earplugs/earmuffs handy to block excessive light or noise.

  • Identify essential nutrients in preferred foods and supplement deficiencies (e.g., vitamins) to avoid malnutrition.

  • Many with Asperger's dislike brushing teeth or showering, but hygiene is vital. Using mild-flavored mouthwash instead of a toothbrush can prevent gag reflex, while gentle personal care routines should be maintained.

  • For showering, identify specific sensory triggers (e.g., smells, textures). Opt for unscented products, soft towels, comfortable water temperature, and a warm bathroom environment.

PREVENTION

Can Asperger's Syndrome be prevented?

Since the causative factors of this condition are not well understood, there are currently no effective preventive measures.