Asperger syndrome is a neurological disorder that is present from birth. Individuals with Asperger’s disorder often experience marked difficulties with social interaction. They display poor social communication skills. Children usually tend to play alone or with adults and older children.
Their early childhood years are marked by social isolation and eccentric behavior. There are unable to read the expressions and body language of others. They cannot understand the feelings of others. They are unable to form friendships. They cannot understand another person’s point of view. They are often labeled as egoistic and self absorbed due to their poor communication skills and hampered conversational ability. Individuals affected by this disorder often display repetitive or restrictive patterns of thought and behavior. They have narrow interest and are focused on one subject only.
Causes of Asperger Syndrome
The exact cause of Asperger syndrome is still being investigated.
Asperger’s Syndrome may be caused due to abnormalities in the brain
Current research has suggested that Asperger’s syndrome may be caused as a result of abnormalities in the brain that are present since birth. With the help of advanced brain imaging techniques, scientists have pointed out significant structural and functional abnormalities in specific regions of the brains of children affected by Aspergers syndrome. Some theories have claimed that these abnormalities in the brain structure may be influenced by a combination of factors – genetic and environmental. More research is being carried out to investigate if the neurological abnormalities are caused as a result of abnormal migration of embryonic cells during development of the fetus in the mother’s womb.
Asperger Syndrome tends to run in families
Some studies suggest that Asperger’s syndrome may be linked to an abnormal gene as Asperger’s syndrome tends to run in families. Individuals affected by this disorder may have a close relative or a sibling who is affected by aspergers syndrome or other form of autism spectrum disorder. Incidence of Asperger syndrome is found to be higher in families who have a family member with other behavior symptoms.
Asperger Syndrome is not caused due to a person’s social upbringing
However, it has to be understood that Asperger’s syndrome is not caused by a person’s upbringing or is not related in any way to their social circumstances. The individuals affected by this disorder are not responsible for their condition.