swiss medicaAsperger syndrome is a developmental disorder. It is a type of ASD (autism spectrum disorder) usually detected in children, although the condition may persist even during adulthood.
There are several theories explaining what causes Asperger syndrome. This condition is believed to be caused primarily by genetic factors. The environment can also play a role, though this is still being debated. Exploring the risk causes and pathogenesis of this condition is expected to provide a better understanding of prevention strategies. It might also help find more effective treatment options for children diagnosed with this condition.
This article discusses what causes Asperger syndrome and provides information on the symptoms of this condition.
Overview of Genetic Influence
Asperger syndrome is a developmental condition related to autism spectrum disorder. Genetic influence is believed to be the main cause of Asperger, as it plays a vital role in the development of this condition.
Patients diagnosed with this form of ASD experience difficulty in learning social skills and maintaining social interactions. They also have a tendency to stick to a specific routine and have a very narrow set of interests. Making repetitive actions, such as flapping hands, is another characteristic sign of Asperger syndrome.
A significantly higher incidence of Asperger’s syndrome in children having a family history of ASD or other developmental disorders makes it crucial to explore the genetic predisposition associated with this condition.
Explanation of Genetic Predisposition
Scientific research suggests that Asperger’s syndrome has a strong genetic component. This condition is estimated to have a high heritability, implying that a large percentage of patients diagnosed with it have specific genes involved in the development of Asperger’s syndrome.
The impact of the genetic component may be compounded by the presence of environmental factors that influence the development of this condition. Recent evidence suggests that environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins and infections during pregnancy, may contribute to a higher risk of developing Asperger’s syndrome.
The genetic makeup associated with the risk of Asperger’s syndrome is complex. It involves a combination of genetic mutations, which collectively elevate the risk of different forms of ASD. In addition, spontaneous mutations can also contribute to the genetic component responsible for triggering the development of Asperger’s syndrome.
Statistics on the Heritability of Asperger Syndrome
Statistical data from clinical studies support the role of genetics in what causes Asperger syndrome. These studies have suggested that Asperger’s syndrome is a highly diverse and complex condition.
Some studies have suggested that several genes have been implicated in what causes Asperger syndrome, although different people with ASD have different genetic mutations or variations. The analysis of different types of genetic mutations associated with what causes Asperger syndrome has led to the identification of 72 genes associated with a higher risk of ASD. In addition, copy number variants (CNVs) are found to have the strongest link to autism.
CNVs refer to the type of genetic variations that involve abnormal changes in the number of copies of certain sections of the DNA of the person. Most patients have 2 copies of each gene (one inherited each from the mother and father). CNVs can result in fewer or more copies of a particular DNA segment or gene. The abnormalities associated with CNVs can influence the early stages of brain development, resulting in delays in the milestones and problems in the physical and mental development of the child.
Hence, genetic mutation is established as a main influential factor in the development of Asperger’s syndrome.
What Are the Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome?
The symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome are often noticed early in life. The diagnosis is usually made in children between 5 and 9 years of age, although in some cases, patients get the diagnosis only during their early adulthood.
It is important to be aware of what are the symptoms of Asperger’s so that the condition can be detected at an early age. It is also worth noting that no two patients with Asperger’s syndrome exhibit the same symptoms. However, most Asperger’s syndrome symptoms are linked to the difficulty associated with behavioral, emotional, and communication skills.
Some common signs of Asperger’s syndrome in children include:
- Difficulty making eye contact
- Having trouble initiating or responding to others during a conversation
- Feeling or acting awkward in social settings
- Missing social cues that are considered obvious by other children of the same age
- Speaking in a flat or robotic tone
- Struggle to read body language
- Inability to understand what certain facial expressions mean
- Showing few emotions
- Strong dislike for change
- Talking excessively about one topic, such as football stats
- Repeating words, phrases, or movements
- Sticking to the same schedule or habits, such as eating the same meals every day
In addition to these symptoms, adults with Asperger’s syndrome may exhibit clumsiness, obsession with a particular topic, hypersensitivity, and poor verbal skills.
Causes and Risk Factors for Asperger’s Syndrome
Understanding the factors behind the development of Asperger’s Syndrome can shed light on the signs of Asperger’s and help identify those at risk.
What Factors Raise Your Risk for Asperger’s Syndrome?
Some factors that can elevate the risk of Asperger’s syndrome include:
Neurobiological Factors
Children diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome often have a history of delayed milestones. They are likely to exhibit developmental delays associated with motor skills, such as catching a ball, climbing outdoor sports, and pedaling a bike. These symptoms are linked to the neurobiological factors involved in the growth and development of the nervous system.
These Asperger syndrome symptoms occur due to dysfunctions in the different parts of the brain responsible for maintaining focus and emotional wellness, behavior, and attention.
According to studies, differences in brain structure and function, such as altered connectivity in specific neural networks, may contribute to ASD’s distinct attention patterns, which result in hyperfocus. This could explain why patients with Asperger’s syndrome are often fixated on following specific rituals.
There are some suggestions that Asperger’s syndrome can affect another area inside the brain called the amygdala, which plays a key role in expressing emotions. Dysfunctions associated with the neurobiological activities of the amygdala are implicated as possible reasons why patients with this condition are unable to feel or express emotions. It still needs to be studied further before approval.
Environmental Factors
The age of parents at the time of the child’s birth can influence the risk of Asperger’s syndrome. Children born to older parents have a higher risk of ASD.
In addition, exposure to environmental factors, including air pollutants and pesticides, during pregnancy might have potential links to the high risk of Asperger’s syndrome.
Clinical research has revealed that exposure of the mother to fine particulate matter during the first 6 months of pregnancy can elevate the risk of ASD in children. In addition, low birth weight and premature birth may also be associated with a higher chance of Asperger’s syndrome. Research has revealed that more than 22% of children born prematurely are diagnosed with ASD within the first few years of birth.
Some other maternal factors linked to a higher risk of Asperger’s syndrome include the use of certain drugs, metabolic conditions, and infections during pregnancy. Research suggests that children whose mothers developed prenatal infection also have a higher risk of autism and Asperger’s syndrome.
The Interplay of Genetic and Environmental Factors
The development of Asperger’s syndrome cannot be attributed to one single factor. Although it is primarily genetic, environmental factors may also play a role. Further research is needed to establish what causes Asperger’s in adults and how different environmental factors influence the development of this condition so that appropriate precautionary measures can be recommended for the prevention of ASD.
The Effects of Asperger’s Syndrome
Children and adults with Asperger’s syndrome experience the world differently than other people. As a result, they experience difficulty in maintaining social interactions.
Also, although they usually do not have learning issues commonly associated with autism, they may have specific learning difficulties. It is associated with the inability to recognize cues associated with body language or facial expression and the tendency to follow a particular routine or ritual strictly.
These signs of Asperger’s syndrome can have a significant negative impact on the quality of life of patients. It may affect their academic performance. It can keep them from making friends or having healthy relationships with relatives and neighbors. Asperger syndrome in adults may also interfere with their personal relationships and careers.
However, in spite of the challenges associated with Asperger syndrome in adults, timely diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention can make it possible for them to live an independent and socially active life.
Current Research and Future Directions
Current research on Asperger’s syndrome emphasizes the need to discover the possible causes and risk factors of this condition. Several studies have suggested that eliminating certain environmental factors, such as exposure to pesticides during pregnancy, could help lower the incidence of this disease.
In addition, research on stem cell therapy has shown promising results in the management of ASD. Stem cell therapy is expected to address the neurobiological factors associated with the development of Asperger’s syndrome. It might help create a potential to create new brain connections, thus improving the different functions associated with the symptoms of Asperger syndrome.
Stem cell treatment for Asperger syndrome can also help reduce inflammation in the damaged parts of the brain, thus improving the prognosis of Asperger syndrome in adults.
Treatment Options for Asperger Syndrome
The symptoms of Asperger syndrome vary in all patients. Hence, the treatment has to be personalized for each child or adult with this condition. Usually, a combination of different therapies is recommended to improve the outcomes.
The treatment for Asperger’s syndrome usually includes the following strategies.
Social skills training. Social skills training is provided individually or in groups. The sessions involve teaching the child how to interact with others or express themselves more appropriately.
Speech-language therapy. Speech-language therapy is recommended for improving communication skills. It involves teaching the child to use a normal up-and-down pattern of talking instead of speaking in a flat tone.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Cognitive behavioral therapy involves strategies to change thinking patterns to help children control emotions and avoid repetitive actions. These Asperger syndrome treatments can help the child manage issues, such as meltdowns, obsessions, and outbursts.
Medicine. There are no medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of autism or Asperger’s syndrome. However, some medications can help to manage related symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.
Treatment with antidepressant drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), alone or in combination with antipsychotic drugs, can often help reduce the risk of depression in children and adults with Asperger syndrome.
Stem cell therapy. Stem cell therapy might be effective in improving the prognosis of Asperger’s syndrome. It can be combined with cognitive behavioral therapy, speech-language therapy, and other treatments, including medication.
Stem cell therapy helps restore brain function by promoting the regeneration of brain cells and reducing inflammation in damaged parts of the nervous system. This is expected to relieve the symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome and allow patients to live an active and fulfilling life.
Conclusion
Adopting prevention strategies to eliminate what causes Asperger’s disease can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of this condition. In addition, early diagnosis and proper treatment can improve the social skills of the child and provide relief from Asperger syndrome symptoms associated with emotional and intellectual difficulties.
Advanced Asperger syndrome treatments, including stem cell therapy, can help improve brain functions and address the most critical challenges associated with emotional and social difficulties in children and adults with this condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Asperger syndrome?
Asperger syndrome is a developmental condition. Its common symptoms include difficulty in social interactions and making repetitive actions, such as flapping hands.
2. Are you born with Asperger’s or do you develop it?
While genetics is the primary cause of Asperger’s syndrome, the majority of people are born with it. Asperger syndrome symptoms may appear only after 2 to 3 years, so it is critical to detect them early.
3. What is the difference between autism and Asperger syndrome?
Asperger syndrome and autism are types of autism spectrum conditions. Asperger’s is considered a highly functioning form of ASD. This means the symptoms of this condition are not as severe as those of autism and other forms of ASD.
4. What are the symptoms of Asperger syndrome?
Some common Asperger syndrome symptoms include difficulty making social interactions, inability to understand facial expressions, and speaking in a flat or high-pitched tone. In addition, some patients experience trouble reading emotions or understanding social cues and having intensive focus only on a specific subject.
5. How is Asperger syndrome diagnosed?
The diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome is made based on the typical symptoms. A pediatrician can examine the child’s pattern of development and assess their relative strengths and weaknesses. The symptoms associated with the emotional, intellectual, and social abilities of the child, family history, and tests for identifying genetic anomalies can often help to make the probable diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome.
6. Which parent carries the Asperger’s gene?
It is difficult to determine whether one of the parents has the Asperger syndrome gene. However, it is believed that parents who carry some rare inherited genes are more likely to have children with this condition.
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MD, Pediatrician, Regenerative Medicine Specialist
