What Causes Asperger's Syndrome?

The cause of Asperger syndrome, a mild type of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is not fully understood, but it tends to run in families and is believed to have a strong genetic basis. Risk factors include older parental age, exposure to the drug valproate in utero, and low birth weight.

Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder that is a mild type of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which are brain disorders that affect a person's behavior and make it difficult for a person to communicate and interact with others. 

In 2013, the official names for autism spectrum disorders were changed and, in the U.S., Asperger syndrome is now called “autism spectrum disorder.” The term “Asperger syndrome” is still used in other countries.

The cause of Asperger syndrome is not fully understood, but it tends to run in families and it is believed to have a strong genetic basis. 

Children with Asperger syndrome may also have brain abnormalities, and structural and functional differences are sometimes found in certain regions of the brain. 

Some environmental factors are also believed to increase the risk of developing autism spectrum disorders, including:

• Older parental age
• Exposure to the drug valproate in utero 
• Low birth weight

Symptoms of Asperger syndrome include unusual behaviors and difficulty with social interactions, such as:

• Not making eye contact when speaking to others 
• Rarely changing facial expression
• Not using hand gestures when speaking
• Specific, narrow, unusual interests
• Becoming upset if routines or plans change
• Standing too close to others
• Talking incessantly about a single topic and not noticing that others are not listening
• Disorganization
• Difficulty finishing tasks such as homework
• Difficulty with problem-solving
• Sensitivity to noises, odors, tastes, or sights
• Difficulty determining when a person is joking
• Clumsiness
• Anxiety and depression 

Some characteristics of Asperger’s may be considered strengths, including: 

• Ability to focus 
• Attention to detail
• Ability to recognize patterns
• Persistence 

Asperger syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed with neuropsychological testing.

• This usually involves observation of a patient’s behavior along with an assessment of a patient’s behavioral history.
• Tests may also be administered to evaluate cognitive, linguistic, and communication abilities. 

Treatments for Asperger syndrome include therapy, medications, and school support for children:

• Therapy 
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety
  • Speech therapy to help with voice control
  • Physical and occupational therapy for coordination
  • Social skills training 
• Medications to treat anxiety, depression, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and seizure disorders that may accompany autism spectrum disorder
  • Antidepressants 
  • Psychoactive or antipsychotic medications 
  • Stimulants 
  • Anti-anxiety medications 
  • Anticonvulsants 
• School support
  • Assistance with organization
  • Help with reading and writing