Asperger's Syndrome Resources

© Lastcrazyhorn
The artist, Lastcrazyhorn, is a proud member of the Autistic Spectrum,doesn't
like the puzzle pieces theme, and created this picture to represent the spectrum
that Autism spans. A link to her blog can be found under Helpful Websites
& Blogs, or by clicking image above.

What is Autism?

According to Autism Speaks "Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders
known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other pervasive developmental disorders are PDD-NOS(Pervasive Developmental Disorder � Not Otherwise Specified),
Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders."

How common is Autism?

"Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer,
juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide
are affected by autism. Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually. There is not
established explanation for this increase, although improved diagnosis and environmental influences are two reasons often considered.
Studies suggest boys are more likely than girls to develop autism and receive the diagnosis three to four times more frequently.
Current estimates are that in the United States alone, one out of 70 boys is diagnosed with autism."

What causes Autism?

Autism Speaks says: "The simple answer is we don't know. The vast majority of cases of autism are idiopathic, which means the cause is
unknown. The more complex answer is that just as there are different levels of severity and combinations of symptoms in autism, there
are probably multiple causes. The best scientific evidence available to us today points toward a potential for various combinations of factors
causing autism � multiple genetic components that may cause autism on their own or possibly when combined with exposure to as yet undetermined
environmental factors. Timing of exposure during the child's development (before, during or after birth) may also play a role in the development
or final presentation of the disorder."

"A small number of cases can be linked to genetic disorders such as Fragile X, Tuberous Sclerosis, and Angelman's Syndrome, as well as
exposure to environmental agents such as infectious ones (maternal rubella or cytomegalovirus) or chemical ones (thalidomide or valproate)
during pregnancy. There is a growing interest among researchers about the role of the functions and regulation of the immune system in autism �
both within the body and the brain. Piecemeal evidence over the past 30 years suggests that autism may involve inflammation in the central
nervous system. There is also emerging evidence from animal studies that illustrates how the immune system can influence behaviors related
to autism. Autism Speaks is working to extend awareness and investigation of potential immunological issues to researchers outside the field
of autism as well as those within the autism research community."

"While the definitive cause (or causes) of Autism is not yet clear, it is clear that it is not caused by bad parenting.
Dr. Leo Kanner, the psychiatrist who first described autism as a unique condition in 1943, believed that it was caused by cold,
unloving mothers. Bruno Bettelheim, a renowned professor of child development perpetuated this misinterpretation of Autism.
Their promotion of the idea that unloving mothers caused their children's Autism created a generation of parents who carried
the tremendous burden of guilt for their children's disability."

"In the 1960s and 70s, Dr. Bernard Rimland, the father of a son with autism, who later founded the Autism Society of America and
the Autism Research Institute, helped the medical community understand that autism is not caused by cold parents but rather is a
biological disorder."

What is Asperger's Syndrome?

According to WebMD, "Asperger's Syndrome,also called Asperger's Disorder,is a type of Pervasive Development Disorder or PDD.
PDDs are a group of conditions that involve delays in the development of many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize with others, to communicate,
and to use imagination".

"Although Asperger's syndrome is similar in some ways to autism --another, more severe type of PDD -- there are some important differences.
Children with Asperger's syndrome typically function better than do those with autism. In addition, children with Asperger's Syndrome
enerally have normal intelligence and near-normal language development,although they may develop problems communicating as they get older".

Please explore the information on these pages and use this site as a starting point for your search for resources about Asperger's Syndrome.
I hope that you find my website helpful!

The film below was created by Biomation. It is a fascinating film made by young people with Asperger's Syndrome explaining what it is like to have it,
in their own words. Please take the time to watch this 8:41 minute film!

April is Autism Awareness Month

In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about Autism, the Autism Society has been celebrating
National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about Autism
and issues within the Autism community. Join the Autism Society in getting involved with the Autism community this April.

Color your world blue, and celebrate Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd! Click image below to learn more:

Contact Me

Please contact me with questions, comments, or to
suggest a helpful Asperger's Syndrome resource:

Information compiled by Melissa McDonald, an MCPS Special Education Paraeducator, who works with teenagers with Asperger's Syndrome.
She is a graduate student in the Master of Library Science program at the University of Maryland, iSchool, with a specialization
in School Library Media. She is also enrolled in Psychology of Education course at Montgomery College.

Last update July 2011