Asperger’s syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication and socialization skills. Obsessive interests, formal speech, rituals, social isolation, delay in motor skills, lack of imagination, and sensory difficulties characterize the condition. Asperger’s syndrome is considered a high-functioning form of autism that results in impaired social and communication skills and repetitive or restrictive thinking and behavior. This article will understand the syndrome’s signs and symptoms, causes, and treatment plans.

Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome (or AS) vary from child to child. For example, early signs of autism spectrum disorder can be diagnosed as early as the child is three years old.

Individuals with AS are known to show the following signs and symptoms:

• Repetitive routines or rituals
• Peculiarities in speech and language
• Poor social interactions
• Difficulty in social interactions
• Difficulty in non-verbal communication
• Awkwardness or clumsiness and lack of coordination
• Obsessing over a single interest or topic
• Missing social cues in play and conversation
• Avoid making eye contact with peers and adults
• Need help with abstract thinking

Some other children with AS may show symptoms like:

• The trouble with pretend play
• Uncomfortable when held or touched
• Hypersensitivity to certain sounds, smells, or tastes.

These are some of the early signs of Asperger’s syndrome that may be noticeable to the child’s doctor, teacher, and parent. Under such circumstances, one must consult a development specialist.

There are also cases where children with Asperger’s syndrome exhibit some fantastic abilities, such as:

• Ability to recognize patterns easily
• Strong ability to focus and pay attention to detail
• Strong persistence

Causes
Studies haven’t been able to diagnose any single known cause of Asperger’s or autism spectrum disorder. However, it is believed that the interaction of many factors, including genetics and environment, results in this condition.

Genetic causes of Asperger’s syndrome
Research shows that mutations in many genes, ones that are responsible for brain development and brain cell communication, could cause this autism spectrum disorder. Although autism is found to be hereditary, estimates for exact rates vary widely. For example, having an autistic sibling may increase the chances of receiving an autism diagnosis.
A study found that around 20% of females and half of the males with FXS (Fragile X Syndrome) met the criteria for autism. It can be observed that genetic disorders affecting single genes, like fragile X syndrome (FXS) and tuberous sclerosis, can be contributing factors to this developmental disorder. However, in the remaining cases of AS, the underlying cause can be attributed to a combination of more than one gene.

Environmental causes of Asperger’s syndrome
A pregnant woman suffering from a specific medical condition is also at a greater risk of having a child with Asperger’s. These medical conditions include

• Gestational diabetes
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Viral and bacterial infections

Taking antidepressants while pregnant may be associated with Asperger’s; however, the study lacks a significant conclusion.
Some studies suggest that pregnant women exposed to certain chemicals during the early stages of pregnancy are more likely to give birth to an autistic child. Potentially harmful chemicals include:

• Heavy metals
• Phthalates
• Pesticides

Premature birth and other complications during pregnancy or birth can also increase the chances of AS in children.

Overall, many environmental factors are connected to autism. However, the area still needs to be researched before it can be considered. Some of these include:

• Season of conception/birth
• Exposure to air pollutants
• Unbalanced vitamin levels

Prescribed treatment options
Therapies for treating children with AS primarily focus on improving communication skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an intervention that aims at helping children and young people to identify and change thought patterns that adversely impact behavior. The therapy focuses on improving stress management, reducing anxiety or episodes of sudden emotional outbursts, and reducing obsessive interests and repetitive actions.
• Speech and language therapy helps an individual with Asperger’s to communicate more effectively with people around. The therapy helps with language and communication.
• Social skills programs prepare the individual to cope with social and interpersonal expectations. These may include accepting “no” for an answer, accepting praise from others, and accepting responsibility for one’s behavior.
• Physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) include exercises to build motor skills and improve strength, posture, and balance.

Other potentially helpful approaches include:

• Sleep disturbances are quite common in children with Asperger’s. Such interference with the sleep cycle can worsen anxiety, depression, and irritability. Hence, melatonin could benefit in such cases.
• Music and art therapy can help with communication, emotional, and social challenges associated with Asperger’s.
• Individuals with Asperger’s and their families sometimes struggle to cope with agony. Under this circumstance, a support group helps families and individuals to share their experiences—guidance, and learning about valuable resources.