It can be hard to differentiate between Asperger syndrome and a high functioning autistic disorder, because both of these disorders are in the autistic spectrum. However those with AS do not display delays in either cognitive or language development skills. But because this can also be said of those with high functioning autism, it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between the two.
Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician, was the first to pinpoint the disorder in 1944, when he described his patients as failing to demonstrate empathy, as well as lacking nonverbal communication skills. It wasn’t until 50 years later that this syndrome was finally recognized and classified as an actual disorder. Today, there are still many questions about the autistic disorder-like impairment. There has long been doubt about the differences in high functioning autistic individuals and those that have AS.
Treatments for Asperger syndrome attempt to manage the symptoms of the disorder, for both communication and vocational skills, depending on the age of the individual. The interventions that are used for treatment are normally tailored to suit the specific needs of the individual. There have been a lot of progressions made in the last few years and adaptations to the process of treating this disorder; however, there isn’t any complete data to support particular intervening methods. Because AS is in the autism spectrum, some of the same procedures and techniques can be used with patients that have high functioning autism.
asperger syndrome is one of many disorders that fall within the autism spectrum. There have been many studies and much research done to try and find out more about this disorder. While a lot of information has been discovered, there is still much more to learn. Experts understand some of the reasons why individuals may have this disorder but, as with other disorders, such as autism, not all of the answers have been found. Much has been discovered to help those afflicted to increase their social skills and to stop repetitive behavior skills. Helping individuals to increase these skills allows them to live a more prosperous lifestyle and have a more productive future.
The ultimate goal of experts and parents is to find a cure for these disorders. The Autism Research Institute is an organization of experts that share this common goal. The institute was founded in 1967 in order to conduct research aimed at improving the way that this disorder was treated, how it was diagnosed and to hopefully prevent the disorder altogether.
The founder of The Autism Research Institute was recognized internationally as an authority on autistic disorders and who also had a child with autism; Bernard Rimland, Ph.D. Doctor Rimland is the author of a prize winning book named Infantile Autism. It was because of his experiences with this disorder that he was able to help many parents world wide to understand their autistic child on a whole new level. Doctor Rimland also worked on the motion picture Rain Man as the chief technical advisor.
The Institute publishes a quarterly newsletter that covers the different advances in the world of autistic disorders. These advances include those of a biomedical nature and those that refer to education. This Institute is a non-profit organization which relies on chartable contributions from those who understand and are concerned with the needs of individuals who have autism spectrum disorders. The ARI believes that its purpose is to help parents of autistic children who are overwhelmed by fear and grief and to motivate them to find help to cope with the situation.
The goal of the Autism Research Institute is to help those who are dealing with an individual with an autistic disorder and to allow them access to methods of helping their loved one. Dr. Rimland, whose own child was autistic, saw the need for families to be given quality information that could help both them and their afflicted child. While not everything is known about this disorder, research is working to improve upon what is known and to help improve the lifestyles of those who have these disorders. The ultimate goal is to find a cure, but for now increased awareness will help autistic individuals to grow to their full potential.