What is Asperger syndrome?

Asperger syndrome is a mild form of autism spectrum disorder or sometimes called high-functioning autism, meaning that people with Asperger syndrome usually only have some mild symptoms of autistic disorder, compared to the classic autism.  They may have social challenges and unusual behaviors and interests, but typically they have normal language skills and intellectual capability.

How many people are believed to have Asperger syndrome?

A study in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that the prevalence of Asperger syndrome was anywhere between 4.1 to 7.1 per 1,000 children aged 7 to 16 years depending upon the study method being used . The study was conducted in Sweden by Stephan Ehlers and Christopher Gillberg Child at  Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Annedals Clinics in Sweden.  The rate can vary from country to country.

In the United States, the rate of autism has been on the rise from 1 in 150 in 1992 (birth year) to 1 in 88 in 2000 (birth year), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  It is believed that Asperger syndrome has been on the rise as well.   The autism rate in Asia, Europe and North America may be about 1% compared to 2.6% in South Korea, the CDC cites studies as reporting.

What are the signs of Asperger syndrome?

"People with Asperger syndrome have problems with social, emotional and communication skills, as well as unusual behaviors and interests," the CDC states.

Children and adults with Asperger may have the following behaviours, according to the CDC.

Have trouble understanding feelings of other people or talking about their own feelings, and body language,

Want to be alone, or desire to interact, but don't know how, have a hard time making friends, look nervous or feel uneasy in large social groups, be clumsy or  awkward,

Have narrow sometimes obsessive interests, only talk about themselves and their own interests,

Speak in unusual ways or with an odd tone,

Follow strict rituals that they refuse to change such as when it comes to when they should go to sleep,

Have odd or repetitive movements and unusual sensory reactions.

What causes Asperger syndrome?

Doctors do not know what causes Asperger syndrome.

How would a person's nutrition status affect his Asperger syndrome?

It is unknown how a person's nutrition status would affect his condition.   But a healthy diet is always good for all people with or without any disease.   People with autism, but not those with Asperger syndrome are more likely to have iron deficiency, which makes sense because iron deficiency, with or without anaemia, can impair cognition and affect development in infants and mood changes and poor concentration in children.

How can Asperger syndrome get treated?

The CDC urges parents who suspect that their child may have Asperger syndrome to talk to doctors for diagnosis and treatment.

(Edited by Jimmy Downs)