Asperger syndrome or Asperger’s syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. It differs from other autism spectrum disorders by its relative preservation of linguistic and cognitive development. Although not required for diagnosis, physical clumsiness and atypical use of language are frequently reported.
Asperger syndrome is named after the Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger who, in 1944, studied and described children in his practice who lacked nonverbal communication skills, demonstrated limited empathy with their peers, and were physically clumsy. Fifty years later, it was standardized as a diagnosis, but many questions remain about aspects of the disorder. For example, there is doubt about whether it is distinct from high-functioning autism (HFA); partly because of this, its prevalence is not firmly established. It has been proposed that the diagnosis of Asperger’s be eliminated, to be replaced by a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder on a severity scale.
The exact cause is unknown, although research supports the likelihood of a genetic basis; brain imaging techniques have not identified a clear common pathology. There is no single treatment, and the effectiveness of particular interventions is supported by only limited data. Intervention is aimed at improving symptoms and function. The mainstay of management is behavioral therapy, focusing on specific deficits to address poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness.
Most children improve as they mature to adulthood, but social and communication difficulties may persist. Some researchers and people with Asperger’s have advocated a shift in attitudes toward the view that it is a difference, rather than a disability that must be treated or cured.
– Source via Wikipedia.com.
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List of people with Asperger Syndrome:
- Phillipa “Pip” Brown (aka Ladyhawke), indie rock musician.
- Michael Burry, US investment fund manager.
- Lizzy Clark, actress and campaigner.
- William Cottrell, student sentenced for fire-bombing SUV dealerships.
- Robert Durst, American real estate developer accused of murder
- Tim Ellis, Australian magician and author.
- Peter Howson, Scottish painter.
- Luke Jackson, author.
- Heather Kuzmich, fashion model and reality show contestant on America’s Next Top Model.
- Adrian Lamo, American computer hacker.
- Clay Marzo, American professional surfer.
- Gary McKinnon, British computer hacker.
- Robert Napper, British murderer.
- Jerry Newport, American author and mathematical savant, basis of the film Mozart and the Whale.
- Craig Nicholls, frontman of the Australian garage rock band, The Vines.
- Gary Numan, British singer and songwriter.
- Tim Page, Pulitzer Prize-winning critic and author.
- Dawn Prince-Hughes, Ph.D., primate anthropologist, ethologist, and author.
- Nicky Reilly, Failed suicide bomber from Britain
- John Elder Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye.
- Vernon L. Smith, Nobel Laureate in economics.
- Carl Söderholm, speaker in neuropsychiatric disorders
- Satoshi Tajiri, creator and designer of Pokémon.
- Raymond Thompson, New Zealand scriptwriter and TV producer.
- Liane Holliday Willey, author.
– Source via Wikipedia.com.