Detecting the signs of Asperger’s syndrome begins by developing an enhanced understanding of the condition. By definition, Asperger’s syndrome is a form of autism - typically considered a higher-functioning form of the disorder, where those affected often have a high level of intelligence and highly-developed communication skills.
In 2015, it was estimated that as many as 37.2 million people worldwide were affected by Asperger’s syndrome. However, Asperger’s was not formally recognized and classified within the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) until as recently as 2013.
Research suggests that men are more likely to be diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome than women, though the signs of Asperger’s syndrome in women are typically identified and diagnosed at a later stage than with men.
High-functioning Asperger's is not a formally a recognised disorder or diagnosis. Asperger’s syndrome has traditionally been recognised as a “high-functioning” or “mild” form of autism, meaning that all cases of Asperger’s are effectively “high-functioning” with regard to the capacity of those affected to function in their everyday lives.
When a reference is made to high-functioning Asperger’s syndrome, therefore, it is technically incorrect. The term is often used in reference to individuals with Asperger’s syndrome who demonstrate comparatively mild symptoms, though it is not a formally recognized medical term or diagnosis.
Identifying the signs of Asperger's in adults can be difficult for a variety of reasons. In many instances, adults living with Asperger's may have learned to effectively hide their difficulties, making it almost impossible for others to pick up on them.
In most instances, only the individual in question is able to identify their problem habits, behaviours and the issues affecting their lives, in order for an Asperger's syndrome diagnosis to be made.
10 signs of Asperger's in adults that are common in most instances are as follows:
What’s important to remember is that in none of these instances does a sign or symptom of Asperger's (or any combination thereof) form the basis for a formal diagnosis.
However, anyone who has concerns regarding any of the above or any aspect of their wellbeing in general should speak to a suitably qualified professional at the earliest possible stage.
Creating a formal ‘checklist’ for the symptoms of Asperger's in adults is difficult, as no two cases are ever identical. Nevertheless, the vast majority of signs and symptoms fall within three major categories of Asperger's symptoms, as outlined in brief below:
1. Emotional and Behavioural Symptoms
2. Communication Symptoms
Other Symptoms
When discussing autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is not uncommon to hear references to the ‘positive’ symptoms of Asperger's syndrome. This is where a high-functioning individual may have a remarkable talent in one or more areas, such as exceptional attention to detail, adeptness in problem-solving or the ability to master a specific skill at an accelerated pace.
For example, it is not uncommon for individuals with Asperger's to excel in academic pursuits or play musical instruments at a professional level.
As previously mentioned, the fact that the signs of Asperger's in adults differ from one case to the next can make a formal diagnosis difficult to reach.
There is currently no formal test or diagnostic procedure that can reach a formal Asperger's diagnosis, based on any specific set of signs and symptoms.
Instead, it is a case of discussing any symptoms or concerns you have with your healthcare provider, who may refer your case on to a psychiatrist, psychologist or suitably qualified professional. Any course of action deemed appropriate in accordance with your case will be based on considerations such as:
As the root cause of ASD is unknown, there is still no outright cure for Asperger's in adults. However, there are various approaches to the treatment and management of Asperger's that can help those affected cope and improve their wellbeing.
The most common examples of which include the following:
This is another question for which there is currently no accurate explanation. Both in childhood and adulthood, males are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with autism or Asperger's than women.
However, this does not necessarily confirm that Asperger's in women is rarer than Asperger's in men. Many researchers believe it could simply be that Asperger's in women symptoms are either less pronounced than those of men with Asperger's, or that women are naturally better at hiding certain symptoms of Asperger's than men.
This could explain why cases of Asperger's in women are typically identified at a much later stage in life than with men, though again this is a subject of considerable debate.
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