Difference between Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome
The development of every child is very important and must not be taken for granted by any parent. They must make sure that they meet their child’s needs for attention and love, on top of providing a proper diet and nutrition. Parents are advised to make sure children meet developmental markers and watch out for hallmarks of developmental problems which can be irreversible like Asperger’s Syndrome and autism. These two conditions have been very common in children and most of the time become permanent when not taken care of properly. Every parent must be aware of the causes and symptoms of these ailments to prepare them and to inform them on how to do battle at this critical stage in their children’s life.
Characteristics
Autism is an extremely erratic neurodevelopment disorder which primarily shows during childhood or infancy stages and usually trails a firm route without remission. The symptoms of autism usually begin during the 7th month of the child’s life and become recognized by the age of two years and manifests through adulthood. Autism cannot be distinguished by merely one symptom but by sets of symptoms and weird characteristics which are mainly impairments with communication and social interaction, repetitive behavior and limited interests. Asperger’s Syndrome carries with it the same characteristics of autism for it is one of the ASDs (autism spectrum disorder) like the PDD-NOS.
Behavior
Children suffering from autism shows a series of repetitive behavior like stereotypy or making unnecessary movements, compulsive behaviors like making everything perfect in his eyes, sameness wherein the child doesn't want any interruptions to what he is doing, ritualistic behavior which becomes a daily routine for the child, restrictive behavior which limits all his interests and self injury. On the other hand, Asperger’s Syndrome also displays a repetitive behavior such as stereotypy and they have the tendency to get preoccupied with a certain object. It has to be noted that these stereotyped behaviors are the main source for identifying autism and Asperger’s Syndrome victims.
Causes
For a very long time now, a lot of studies have different assumptions as to what causes autism to children. Studies have shown that there are strong evidences that autism is hereditary or genetic. But due to the complexities of the ailment, this study has still to be firmed up by the experts who claim it. There are certain evidences which trace the cause of autistic behavior to synaptic dysfunction. Hans Asperger, the person responsible for discovering Asperger’s Syndrome stated that there are some evidences tracing genetics as culprit for the disease. There are also cases where Asperger’s Syndrome is observed with children who were exposed to teratogens or a birth defect causing agent that was taken during conception.
Summary
- Autism carries a series of symptoms and behaviors which can also be traced with Asperger’s Syndrome patients.
- Asperger’s Syndrome is one of the autistic spectrum disorders of autism.
- There are certain studies that pinpoint genetics as the cause of both autism and Asperger’s syndrome.
- Lack of interest is one of the common symptoms of autism and Asperger’s syndrome.
