Saudi Gazette Asperger, a rare syndrome has gained attention, recognition and led to a series of studies, only, in the past two decades. It was discovered almost half a century back by an Australian pediatrician, Hans Asperger who studied a group of children, who lacked social ethics. It is a condition which is grouped with autistic spectrum disorders or pervasive developmental disorders. Dr. Eman Reyachi, a neurologist at the American University of Lebanon said, “that it is a developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to socialize and communicate effectively with others. Children with this syndrome typically exhibit social awkwardness and an all-absorbing interest in specific topics”. She further explains, “These disorders involve problems with social skills and communication. It's not clear what causes Asperger's syndrome, although changes in certain genes may be involved. The disorder also seems to be linked to changes in the structure of the brain. One factor that isn't associated with the development of Asperger's syndrome or other autism spectrum disorders is childhood immunizations.” Some children with Asperger's syndrome may initially be misdiagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder, possibly because the symptoms of some conditions are similar to those of Asperger's. These conditions may co-exist with the syndrome which can delay the diagnosis. Some common symptoms are not picking up on social cues, dislike changes in routine, advanced and formal style of speaking, avoid eye contact, unusual facial expressions and postures, delayed motor development,extremely sensitive, difficulty in communicating with others, one-sided conversations, shy and being intimidated. “Healthcare providers recognize the condition and other autism spectrum disorders, they estimate that it occurs to one in every 150 children. Boys are twice as likely as girls to be affected with Asperger's syndrome,”said Alia Al Shoaiby, head of the educational department, who has worked at Mother of Faisal Autism Centre in Riyadh. Diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome is difficult as they perform well in most aspects of life. A professionally trained doctor is better able to evaluate the child depending on his/her symptoms. Since most children with Asperger's syndrome fare well in school as such there are no special school for them. However, in grave situations others might need specialized educational interventions, social skills training, language therapy, sensory integration training for younger kids usually performed by an occupational therapist in which they are desensitized to stimuli to which they're overly sensitive, psychotherapy or behavioral/cognitive therapy for older children and medications. Although studies show that their focused and meticulous attention to detail enhances their career options and leads them toward success. Technology fascinates them the most and that remains their obvious career choices though other known historical and famous figures have known to exceed in other fields, too. __
