...Asperger’s Syndrome and Acting “…the only person who stands in the way of your achieving something is you.” Temple Grandin, (Developing Talents). What if I told you one out of every 68 people possesses an incurable disorder? ( CDC) Not to worry, it isn’t contagious. This disorder is Autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) has many different levels of diagnosis, and persons diagnosed with this disease have varying levels of function as far as cognitive and behavioral symptoms. I am going to be focusing on one of the higher functioning diagnostic levels: Asperger’s syndrome and whether persons diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome can be successful in the performing arts. Asperger’s syndrome is a level of diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum disorder....
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...Asperger’s Syndrome is a specific type of Autism that was founded and distinguished from other similar mental health disorders in the 1940’s. Its name origins came from the man who originally discovered it- Hans Asperger. He was a Viennese pediatrician who worked closely with children, specifically males, throughout his practice. He focused on boys who had normal language development and average intelligence, but still had signs of autism. The boys met with other professionals in addition to meeting with Hans, these other professionals categorized them as having a high-functioning form of autism. With testing and written observations, Hans eventually identified these boys as having a type of specified autism called “Asperger Syndrome”. In 1994 it officially became an independent disorder. In 2013, both autism and Asperger’s were placed under the broader category of “Autism Spectrum Disorder”. Autism and Asperger’s are so commonly lumped together because they have many similarities. Children with autism are sometimes perceived as uninterested in others whereas those with Asperger’s have the desire to fit in and interact with peers, they simply don't have the skills. They may be socially awkward, not understand social rules, or show a lack of empathy. They are often unengaged in conversation and don’t make eye contact. Another difference between these two disorders lies in their speech patterns. Children with autism usually have delayed speech or misuse their language while...
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...We were living with them for a couple of months and during our first few days there, I noticed that it was a bit of a struggle for her parents -- waking her up in the morning and feeding her, as she only ate pizza or pizza rolls at that time. Katrina would throw a fit if someone turned on the light while she was sleeping on the couch in the living room. She wouldn’t brush her teeth or take a shower for days. In that same year, her parents sought professional help and Katrina was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. At school she claimed that she doesn't have friends, she wouldn’t participate in school activities, and refused do her homework. She has moved from one school to another because of peer...
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...Along the massive Autism spectrum lies an incredibly peculiar and intriguing disease: Asperger’s Syndrome. This disease was first described and characterized in 1944 by the Austrian scientist, Hans Asperger. He first described it as “autistic psychopathy”. What makes this particular disease so fascinating is that many people may not know they have it. Many people who are affected by this particular disease are labeled as “high functioning” along the spectrum. They may seem relatively normal to untrained persons. They can be highly intelligent and may possess a wide range of vocabulary. Many of the issues involved with Asperger’s is not with cognitive development or language but with social interactions. Many people with Asperger’s have difficulties...
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...Asperger’s syndrome is one of the most popular types of autism among adults and adolescents. The vast majority of the world has heard of Asperger’s but do they know what it is? When a person hears the word Asperger’s they would usually think of a young child but, what happens when that child becomes an adult? The reality of the situation is that Asperger’s is for life. Once the sufferers are adults in there society they have to learn that they need to rely on themselves to take the medicine that they need. Asperger’s syndrome ranges from mild to severe. Some people might be very normal and they just have very mild social problems. On the other hand a person might not be able to look at people without having a panic attack. Asperger’s syndrome...
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...Comparison and Contrast of Asperger’s and Autism Years ago Autism was a disorder that was rarely talked about or diagnosed and if one had heard of it there were common misconceptions as to what exactly it is. In the present time, with the help of extensive research and people speaking out about Autism, we have come to realize that Autism is more common and it also has different spectrums and levels that vary tremendously. For instance, one of the well-known spectrums of Autism is Asperger’s Disorder, which is sometimes misdiagnosed as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hypertension Disorder) due to the similarities in the behavioral problems that are displayed. Some may think that Asperger’s and Autism go hand in hand and they are both the same in every way, but you would be very much mistaken to believe that. Even though Asperger’s is one autism spectrum disorder it are disorders that share similarities, they are characteristically different in terms of their symptoms, causes, diagnoses, and treatment/coping techniques. Asperger’s and Autism are two disorders who shares similarities and differences in terms of their symptoms. “Autism is a spectrum of complex brain disorders. The disorders result in social, behavioral, and communication problems”. Both disorders aren’t well known and sometimes misdiagnosed as more common disorders, due to the fact that the symptoms from both can often mimic other regressive behavioral and developmental disorders. “Asperger syndrome is a pervasive developmental...
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...Virginia Berry June 15, 2011 PS380 Professor Husk Kaplan University Aspergers Syndrome is one of the most common autism spectrum disorders, (Hunt & Marshall, 2006). There are many symptoms that are common with children with Aspergers syndrome. One symptom may be showing intense obsession with specific subject like cars, bugs or the weather. Speaking in a monotone voice or speaking fast is another symptom of Asperger’s (MayoClinic, 2011). There are approximately 26 to 36 out of 10,000 school-age children that are diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome (Ehlers & Gillberg, 1993). Like classic autism, there is no known factor that causes Asperger’s Syndrome. Though many parents believe there is link autism by childhood vaccinations, there is no documented proof that the two are related (Downs, 2011). Treatment for Asperger’s Syndrome can be reviewed with the four major schools of psychotherapy; structuralism, behaviorism, Gestalt psychology and psychoanalysis. Structuralism is to analyze the mind in simple components and find how the components fit into a complex form, (Britannica, 2011). Behaviorism is a theory that all behaviors are learned through conditioning. Gestalt psychology theory is based off perception, (Britannica, 2011). Psychoanalysis is based on observation of individuals that are unaware of their behavior and emotions, (APSAA, 2011). Individuals living with Asperger’s Syndrome may not benefit from all four major schools of psychotherapy. Behaviorism and psychoanalysis...
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...Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder in which an individual “maintains adequate cognitive and language development but becomes severely impaired in social interaction”. Individuals with Asperger syndrome also develop “restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities” (Halgin & Whitbourne, 2010, p. 347). The most common misconception that many people seem to have about Asperger Syndrome is that all individuals with Asperger syndrome are exceptionally talented. One reason might be that Asperger Syndrome is not yet widely recognized by the people. Meanwhile, popular media, such as TV, movies, and magazines often portray characters that are diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome as wacky geniuses. Also, there have been a lot of speculations about many historical figures having Asperger syndrome; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Albert Einstein, and Vincent Van Gogh are some of the most well-known historical figures who may have had Asperger Syndrome. Despite all these, it is important for people to understand that not all people with Asperger Syndrome are gifted and not all people who are extremely talented have Asperger syndrome. Asperger syndrome is categorized into a disorder called Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Other diagnostic categories include autistic disorder, Rett’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (Mastropieri & Scruggs, 2010, p. 86). Individuals with...
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...Asperger syndrome also known as Asperger’s spectrum disorder is a development disorder related to autism, and characterized by higher than average intellectual ability coupled with impaired social skills and restrictive repetitive patterns of interest and activities. (Autsim Society, 2018) Asperger’s isn’t a learning disability, it has features of autism, nonverbal disabilities, and ADHD. Asperger’s is different from autism because there is no speech delay for someone who has Asperger’s versus someone who has autism. A person who has Asperger’s has a normal or better than expected intelligence however simply struggle with social interaction primarily. A person who has Asperger’s is considered high functioning on the autism spectrum, people...
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...psychologist, published the first official definition of what is now named after his namesake, Asperger’s Syndrome. Similar descriptions fitting those of the disorder existed well before Asperger’s, such as the “Schizoid Personality of Childhood,” which was termed in 1926 by Eva Sucharewa, a Russian neurological assistant. Regardless of its name, the disorder encompasses a part of the autism spectrum, which affects such key aspects of an individual’s life, such as their social interactions, thought processes and minor physical movements. Asperger’s research, despite being conducted and documented during a time of great medical discoveries, did not become widely known...
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...specifically used in America. Autism is a diagnosis within the DSM, and was in the DSM IV and DSM V. Autism, currently, is described as a developmental disability which can cause a person to have difficulties in socialization, communication, and challenges with behavior. The DSM IV took a categorical approach which meant that the clinician had to figure out whether the client had the disorder or not; whereas the DSM V has a more dimensional approach which means that severity of the condition is taken into hand instead of just whether a person has the condition or not. The DSM V also is more oriented on considering...
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...Living with Asperger's Syndrome Albert Einstein, Bela Bartok, Alan Turing, Bill Gates, Thomas Jefferson and I. Is this a list of Geniuses? People who have changed history? Or are these people who display the symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome? Dr. Tony Attwood, the world-renowned Australian psychologist who is an expert on Asperger's Syndrome, cited them as examples of people with Asperger's during a Conference held at the Palisades Center in Rockland, New York, in October of 1999. Dr. Attwood is a practicing clinical psychologist at MacGregor Specialist Center in Australia, with twenty-five years of experience in the field of Asperger's Syndrome. I had the opportunity to join over 200 other participants at the day-long Asperger's Conference. Participants came from as far away as Africa to assist with organizational tasks and to listen to Dr. Attwood's presentation, as well as his answers to questions from the audience. Dr. Attwood, who has worked with Asperger's patients and lectured around the world, commented, "I have always been impressed by their patience and ingenuity in achieving abilities others acquire without a second thought." Where does the name Asperger's Syndrome come from? Over fifty years ago, a Viennese pediatrician, Hans Asperger, published the first study of youngsters, mostly boys, with a common pattern of abilities and behaviors: lack of empathy, little ability to form friendships, one-sided conversations, intense absorption in a...
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...consist of special courses like creative writing, painting, and even dancing. The important consideration however, is to ascertain the particular inclination of the child. Since the knowledge about multiple intelligencers as espoused by Gardner, has come into practical application, more schools have begun to offer programs that are designed to harness the special talents of intellectually gifted. CHILDERNE WITH INTELLECTUAL DEFICITS Down syndrome is characterized by a district physical appearance, and physical and mental retardation. The most common physical characteristics are almond shaped eyes, folded eyelids, and short stature. Children with Down Syndrome are susceptible to respiratorial infections, heart disorders, leukemia, and pneumonia. Mental retardation can be moderate to severe. They are also at risk to develop Alzheimer’s disease later in life however, with the advancement of the treatment for physical disorders afflicting these children, their life span has greatly increase some are able to reach age 60. Infants with Down Syndrome may develop fairly...
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...Question 1 Autistic spectrum condition is a lifelong disability which affects how an individual communicates and relates to, other people. The understanding of autism has greatly improved since the 1940s when it was identified and one thing that we are aware of is that there is no cure however, there are many things that can be done to support people with autism. There are a large number of symptoms that are in relation to autism, such as a delay in speech development, not responding when their name is called and despite being able to hear, being intolerant of others entering their personal space. In addition to these, there are behavioural symptoms such as insisting on a familiar routine and becoming very anxious or upset if this is disrupted or changed, they will sometime talk at people rather than having a two-way conversation and a failure to understand or implement social rules. Another social and communication disorder is Asperger syndrome, this is characterised by the following; the individual may have...
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...the past decade or so, people have become more aware of autism, yet we still don’t talk about it like we should. Autism Spectrum Disorder, better known as autism, is a complex disorder of the brain that affects development and impairs the ability to socialize and communicate. It’s a disorder that affects about 76 million people across the globe, and 1 in 68 children born in the US are affected (“Autism Facts and Statistics”). People across the world suffer from this disorder, and yet half the population doesn’t know what autism really is. Autism is unique to every person affected by it, and the universe as a whole should be more educated on Autism and how this disorder works. Usually when people hear the word ‘autism’, they think of one...
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