Autistic Asperger: what does it mean, what signs?

Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Asperger’s is included in autism spectrum disorder (an ASD)according to DSM-5 published in 2013. It is not an illness. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) result fromneurodevelopmental abnormalities. They appear early in infancy and persist into adulthood. They represent between 0.9% and 1.2% of birthsthat is approximately 7,500 babies each yearemphasizes the ministry of people with disabilities. The High Authority for Health estimates that approximately 100,000 young people under 20 and nearly 600,000 adults are autistic in France. What are the “symptoms” Asperger’s? What does that mean? a “light Asperger” ? How is the diagnosis made? What does the supported ?

Definition: what is Asperger’s Syndrome?

First described in 1944 speak Dr. Hans Asperger, a austrian psychiatristAsperger’s Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome is recognized as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – a complex neurological disorder that affects brain function – associated with very good intellectual development. However, a third of people affected by an ASD have an intellectual disability, of highly variable severity. Autism spectrum disorders are part of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Is Asperger’s Autism part of the DSM-5?

Until 2013, Asperger’s syndrome was part of the “pervasive developmental disorders” according to the DSM-4 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders or the “diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders” established by the American Psychiatric Association and published under the name: DSM) as well as autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), childhood disintegrative disorder and Rett’s syndrome. The arrival of the DSM-5 in 2013 replaced “pervasive developmental disorders” by the name “autism spectrum disorder (ASD)”. From now on, only this diagnostic category exists characterized by two symptomatic dimensions: A (Persistent deficit in communication and social interactions observed in various contexts) and B (Restricted and repetitive nature of behaviours, interests or activities. Asperger’s autism is thus part of the autism spectrum disorders in the DSM-5. He isalso classified in this way in the CIM 11 from the WHO (disease classification)

What are the signs of Asperger’s Autism?

The signs specific to the diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome are no longer distinguished from those relating to autism spectrum disorder. “This disorder begins during the period of development, usually in early childhood, but symptoms may not appear until later when social demands exceed limited capacities” explains the WHO. This disorder brings together a set of conditions characterized by:

• of the alterations in social interactions
• of the communication problems (language and non-verbal communication)
• of the behavioral problemst corresponding to a restricted, stereotyped and repetitive repertoire of interests and activities
• of the unusual sensory reactions
• sometimes, learning and social integration difficulties.

>> Attention, contrary to popular belief, autism is not not systematically associated with intellectual retardation.

What does mild Asperger’s Autism mean?

We can sometimes hear that an Asperger is a “mild” autism, but this term does not appear in the DSM5. In any case, it is difficult to speak of severe autism or mild autism because the “severity” of the disorder and its repercussions on daily life vary from one person to another.

What tests to diagnose Asperger’s Autism?

In case of concerns, go to a health professional (your doctor or your pediatrician). The latter will be able to answer your questions and refer you to a specialist – if he notices abnormal signs – who will carry out an ASD diagnosis. The diagnosis can be confirmed or invalidated through various examinations (verbal IQ tests and non-verbal, speech therapy, psychomotor or child psychiatry…). Through diagnosis,parents will have an explanation of their child’s atypical functioning and will know that it is not due to poor upbringing or childhood trauma“, underlines Francine Stourdzé of the association Action for Asperger’s autism. This will also make it possible to explain to the siblings and the entourage the atypical behaviors of their child. Above all, detecting a sign likely to indicate an autistic disorder is a fundamental step for access to appropriate care and schooling plan. But “unfortunately, today, the diagnosis of autism is unsatisfactory in France, compared to the United States, Canada or even Italy (a country in which almost 100% of autistic people are in an ordinary environment), if we believe the words of 2016 IGAS report (General Inspectorate of Social Affairs)from 2018 Court of Auditors report or the open letter from the president of SOS Autismsent just before the publication of the 4th Autism Plan“, regrets Francine Stourdzé.

What support in case of Autism Asperger?

As with any autism spectrum disorder, the lack of knowledge of these disabilities or the absence of diagnoses do not allow us to offer appropriate support. People with autism are therefore often falsely referred to day or psychiatric hospitals. However, most of them are quite capable of being schooled in an ordinary environment or to be integrated into an ordinary professional environment. It is true that children with autism may experience more difficulty in schoolwork, exhibit clumsy graphics, organizational difficulties and not dare to say when they have not understood, but “with the help of an Auxiliary of School Life (AVS), ideally trained in TSA, the child can follow a completely normal schooling, be integrated and autonomous. She would help him break down the task into stages, teach him to organize himself by visual means that are most effective for him in order to record and integrate information and give him the tools so that he can communicate. with the rest of the class and show their incomprehension“, specifies the co-founder of Actions for Autism Asperger, before adding that “the development of children is only possible in an ordinary environmentprovided they have appropriate support and their family at the heart of care.“

But because ofa big lack of AVS in France, many children (or other children with disabilities) cannot benefit from individual help at school. They will thus be oriented towards CLIS (classes for inclusive education, in primary) or towards ULIS (localized units for inclusive education, in middle school or high school) which are integrated into an ordinary school establishment: in these classes, the children benefit from an AVS, but this is collective to the group. Furthermore, a cognitive-behavioral educational support (such as the ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) method) is necessary for in particular “work on emotions such as sadness, anger or anxiety, on how the person reacts to them, on social rules, on oral expression and on learning by imitation or role-playing“. The ABA method, currently the most recommended in France, is however not scientifically validated. She is not not recommended in England And more and more disputed in the United States because of a risk of suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder in adulthood highlighted in a study published in January 2018. This method supports the child, whatever his age, generally 18 hours per week in an “ABA certified” experimental structure (the number of hours may vary depending on the child), but this can also be a support educational responsibility in the family home. The various specialists (educators, psychologists, speech therapists, etc.) can also give parents tools and behavioral techniques to best support their child on a daily basis.

How to find help through MDPH?

Present in each department of France, the Departmental houses for people with disabilities (MDPH) are places of welcome, information, support and advice for people with disabilities and their families. This is also where families can submit applications for benefits intended for them (disability compensation benefit, education allowance for disabled children, mobility inclusion card, etc.). They can be helped in their request for AVS for their child or placement in CLIS. Contact the MDPH of your department on the website of the National Solidarity Fund for Autonomy. After studying your file, the multidisciplinary team of the MDPH will be able to direct you to the Commission for the Rights and Autonomy of Persons with Disabilities (CDAPH) who can then grant you a disability or priority card, but also direct you to the most suitable schools and medico-social services.

Thanks to Francine Stourdzé from the association Action for Asperger’s Autism.