Asperger syndrome in adults: symptoms and treatment

Asperger syndrome is a disorder that is included within the disorders of the autism spectrum and is usually diagnosed between 5 and 9 years of age. These children are characterized by presenting particularities in speech and language, inappropriate social and emotional behaviors, inability to successful social interaction, performance of repetitive routines, problems with non-verbal communication and difficulties in coordination motorboat. But what is this disorder like in adulthood? What impact do all these symptoms have when you reach adulthood? Although this condition is not a definitive obstacle to not enjoying a full and successful life, it is true that adults with Asperger's tend to have specific manifestations in certain areas of their life (social, professional, couple), which can limit them, affect their personal relationships and make it very difficult to have an independent life for full. In this Psychology-Online article, we will explain what are the symptoms and treatment of Asperger syndrome in adults detail.

Index

1. What is Asperger's Syndrome
2. Asperger syndrome in adults: symptoms
3. Asperger syndrome in adults: treatment

The Asperger syndrome is part of the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and it is an alteration that affects neurodevelopment of the child and that influences how they see, feel and experience the world. These children usually have a particular cognition and a series of specialized skills in restricted subjects or areas. In addition to this, they are characterized by presenting two essential symptoms that are the persistent alteration in the social interaction and in the development of repetitive, inappropriate and inappropriate behaviors, activities and interests restrictive. All this can have a series of very negative consequences both for them and for their environment.

Although the exact cause of Asperger syndrome is unknown, specialists have indicated that it is It is a multicasual brain development disorder, in which genetic factors and environmental It is becoming increasingly clear that there are abnormalities in the brain of affected children and that maturation and brain structure are altered, occur irregularly and at out of time. On the other hand, it has also been pointed out that there may be genetic mutations that are decisive in the subsequent manifestation of specific patterns in Asperger's syndrome. And what has been shown is that there is a relevant hereditary nature, so those with a family history of this disorder have a higher risk of developing it.

Although normally when we talk about people with Asperger syndrome, we refer to children, since this is a disorder that is usually detected at an early age, we must also bear in mind that these minors grow and reach the stage adult. On many occasions, these minors manage to have a full life, a good professional career, start a family, etc., but, inevitably, they can continue to have a series of problems in their daily life mainly due to misunderstanding and persistent alteration in social interaction that present.

Next, we detail what are the Characteristics and symptoms of Asperger syndrome in adults:

• Permanent alteration in social interaction: presents difficulties relating to relationships with other people having significant difficulties in social communication. For example, it is common for you to have difficulty starting a conversation with someone, initiating interpersonal interaction, meeting new people, or making friends. This can cause others to think that you have no interest in socializing.
• Although they may have a more or less independent personal and professional life, they present an important social disability, which can lead them to have severe difficulties when looking for work, being able to adapt to the work environment, finding a partner and starting a family or making friends.
• Although most adults with Asperger's develop proper formal language, they have a hard time using it effectively and efficiently to communicate with others. It is important to bear in mind that at the neurocognitive level, do not have the capacity to get to understand the mental state of others nor to correctly understand the non-verbal behaviors of other people, especially facial expressions. This at the same time makes them have a greater social vulnerability, since they also cannot adequately decipher the intentions of others.
• They understand verbal language literally. This means that they do not have the ability to locate and understand language in context. in which it is used, as well as they cannot understand well the colloquial phrases, the irony or the sarcasm.
• Restrictive or repetitive pattern of behavior. People with Asperger syndrome tend to be very interested in a very specific topic or topics that they end up becoming experts, but they do it in a very repetitive way and showing that interest in whatever situation or context in which they find themselves.
• Difficulty or intolerance to modify habits and routines. It is difficult for them to change their daily activities or routine and, in some cases, they develop a kind of "ritual" that it is not part of what you are doing at the moment, but that if you do not do it you feel anxiety or feel held down. An example of this may be the need to place the objects that you are using at that time in a certain way and with great care, whether when eating, working, studying, etc.
• Regarding the Couple relationships, another of the characteristics of Asperger's syndrome in adults can be the lack of empathy and the difficulties that this causes to be able to resolve the conflicts that arise, because although they want to resolve the situation and satisfy the needs of their partner, they do not know how to do it. And sexually, she likely shows little need for frequent intimate contact.

Now that we know what are the symptoms of Asperger syndrome in adults and the difficulties they present, especially, to interact with their environment, let's see what is the most appropriate treatment to be adopted in these cases.

There is no specific treatment for Asperger's syndrome, but it must be based on the specific characteristics of each patient, taking into account her strengths and weaknesses in terms of social and communication skills. communication. exist different therapies that can be carried out according to the individual needs of each person, such as:

• Cognitive therapy to learn to manage emotions, control obsessive and repetitive behaviors.
• Therapy aimed at improving social and communication skills through different activities.
• Occupational or sensory therapy in case of sensory integration problems or poor motor coordination.
• Specialized language therapy to help people who have trouble using or understanding language when having a conversation.
• Psychotherapy combined with drugs if there are coexisting illnesses, such as anxiety or depression.

As we have commented previously, many of the adults with Asperger syndrome come to have a full life, to work in places successfully fixed, etc., although it is true that they may continue to need therapy and a lot of moral support to maintain a life Independent.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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