Articulo De Repaso Asperger

ASPERGER SYNDROME

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Review
Asperger Syndrome as an Autism Spectrum Disorder ?
María Del R. Colón
University of Turabo at Gurabo

Department of Psychology, University of Turabo at Gurabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico
SOO520599
Prof. Jessica Velázquez
Psychopathology: PSYC 504-401
September 20, 2011

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Asperger Syndrome as an Autism Spectrum Disorder?
We can find adiversity of syndromes and/or disorders between populations around the
world. Some are emotional disorders, physical disorders or both interacting at the same time in
an individual. To have a clear definition of what that means, we can say, according with (Farlex,
2011) that:
A “ syndrome” is a group of symptoms that collectively indicate or characterize a disease,
psychological disorder, orother abnormal condition. A complex of symptoms indicating the
existence of an undesirable condition or quality. A distinctive or characteristic pattern of
behavior. An abnormal condition or disease that is identified by an established group of signs
and symptoms. Any combination of signs and symptoms that are indicative of a particular
disease or disorder. A symptom, characteristic, or setof symptoms or characteristics indicating
the existence of a condition, problem, etc. (p. 1)
Also they expose a fear definition for the concept of disorder, as “a slight but often
persistent illness that affects the function of mind or body. A deviation from the normal system
or order.” (p. 1). An example of a syndrome is the Asperger’s (AS). This syndrome has
characteristics that coincidewith the ones found in the known Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Asperger syndrome characteristics
The AS is a developmental disorder. According to the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) this syndrome characterizes by limited interest or unusual
concern about a particular matter or object, repetitive routines and peculiarities in language.
Inadequate social andemotional behavior also is present , problems with non-verbal
communication and uncoordinated motor skills. The AS is diagnosed in children mainly, but it
also has been diagnosed in adults and t he AS is for life; do not have a discovered cure.

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Autism spectrum disorder
The NINDS establish that the ASD is a neural development complex of disorders. It is
also known as“autism”. Scientifics are not sure of the causes for this disorder, but studies have
found irregularities in some parts of the brain (Yu et al., 2011). It develops prior three years of
age (LeBlanc, J. J. & Fagiolini, M., 2011). ASD varies in symptoms and severity. The main
characteristic of this disorder is the deficient social interaction. Children with ASD may not
respond to their names oravoid visual contact with other people. They do not show social
receptivity and their language skills are limited. As the AS the ASD do not have a cure, is for
life. The management of autism involves educational, behavioral and medical therapies to
promote conversational language and social interactions (Miles et al., 2010).
Some studies developed to catalog Asperger syndrome
Magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) studies
Studies with MRI showed that there are cerebral grey matter differences in people with
autism and Asperger’s syndrome. There is a whole brain hypothesis that the patterns of grey
matter differences in AS and autism can be distinguished (McAlonan et al., 2008). In people
with autism the grey matter volumes were greater in numerous brain regions than AS
participants, eventhough, there were some regions in which both populations came out similar.
The more extensive clustering of grey matter differences in the right hemisp here in the autism
group may be more linked with the pragmatic language difficulties experienced by these
individuals (Yu et al., 2011). Also, in the case of the AS participants that showed up different
grey matter volumes could be deducted...