Because of how autism can manifest itself in different people, it is sometimes referred to as a spectrum disorder. There is no single known cause, and given the disease’s complexity and the fact that no two children are identical, it is very likely that there are many causes. At this stage, researchers conclude that these causes may include genetic errors, environmental factors, the function of the immune system, and birth-related brain injury.
The controversial correlation between autism and certain childhood vaccinations, especially the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, is one of the most contentious issues surrounding the disease. Others also attributed autism to vaccines that contain thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative. Many scientists and doctors agree that most children’s vaccines have been thimerosal-free since 2001. However, this preservative is still present in the flu vaccine. Extensive research has now been conducted that has neither proved nor disproven the correlation between autism and vaccines.
Asperger’s syndrome is a disorder that exists on the autism spectrum. Individuals with this disorder have normal intelligence and language development, as well as none of the learning disorders typically associated with autism, but they do have some of the behavioural signs that are commonly associated with autism.
Children with Asperger’s syndrome typically exhibit a triad of symptoms, including difficulties with social communication, social imagination, and social interaction. Children and adults with Asperger’s syndrome usually have an all-consuming interest in a specific subject or hobby.
Researchers classify Asperger’s syndrome as part of a group of conditions known as autism spectrum disorders or pervasive developmental disorders (older term). All of these include difficulties with social skills and speech, while Asperger’s syndrome is considered to be on the milder end of the continuum.
In fact, Asperger’s syndrome was so mild that despite being identified in the literature as early as 1944, it wasn’t included in the DSM-IV until 1994, and much later until professionals and parents understood it. Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome were previously thought to be quirky or unusual but did not have a diagnosis or were considered impaired.
Controversy surrounds Asperger’s syndrome because experts are still debating whether high functioning Asperger’s syndrome is really a disorder or merely a “difference.” They believe that by classifying this disorder as different, the diagnosis would be more neutral and value-free than if it were defined as an illness or a disability. The above can only refer to lower functioning cases of autism and should be reserved for those who need financial and physical assistance.
Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome and autism have a difficult disorder that causes them to be socially withdrawn and lonely. The disease, by definition, causes problems in socialisation and communication for both the child and the parents. When a child’s meltdown is caused by a disability rather than “poor parenting,” it usually means less play dates, birthday invites, and looks from parents in public.
Asperger’s syndrome and autism are also symptoms of pervasive personality disorder or autism spectrum disorder, but they are at opposite ends of the spectrum. At this time, researchers are trying to discover the cause of both disorders, as well as improved care protocols and the likelihood of prevention.