Asperger Syndrome

Current research on the causes of autism and related pervasive developmental disorders is uncovering some possible genetic predisposition to the syndromes. There seems to be a connection with other psychological conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PDD syndromes.

Environmental factors affect pervasive developmental disorders?

Some research is investigating the possibility of environmental factors in the development of conditions, such as Asperger syndrome.

  • Heavy metals are being investigated as possible contributors to autism.
  • MMR vaccines that contained a mercury-based preservative are to blame.
  • Environmental factors also include pollutants.

Does diet play a part in the autism spectrum of disorders?

  • Speculations are that Asperger syndrome is caused by a reaction to certain foods.
  • This food allergy results in the symptoms of autism and related pervasive developmental disorders -  main culprits are thought to be casein and gluten.

Asperger syndrome Diagnostics

(I) Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:
  • marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body posture, and gestures to regulate social interaction
  • failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
  • a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, achievements with other people,
  • lack of social or emotional reciprocity

(II) Restricted repetitive & stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities, as
      manifested by at least one of the following:

  • encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest
  • apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
  • stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms
  • persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

(III) The disturbance causes clinically significant impairments in social, occupational, or other
        important areas of functioning.

(IV) There is no clinically significant general delay in language (E.G. single words used by age 2
        years, communicative phrases used by age 3 years)

(V) There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or in the development of
       age-appropriate self-help skills, adaptive behavior (other than in social interaction) and
       curiosity about the environment in childhood.

(VI) Criteria are not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or
         Schizophrenia."

                                                                             (http://www.autreat.com/dsm4-aspergers.html)

Test Click on link below:

http://www.livingwithaspergers.com/aspergers-cast-test-for-children.html