Asperger syndrome: to be or not to be? : Current Opinion in Pediatrics (original) (raw)
Psychiatry
Dartmouth Medical School and the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
Correspondence to Bryan H. King, MD, DHPA, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
Purpose of review
Asperger syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interactions, such as nonverbal behaviors, failure to develop peer relationships, and lack of social reciprocity with restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of interest or behavior. The diagnosis of Asperger syndrome is increasingly common, and it is timely to review its phenomenology and treatment.
Recent findings
As there is a growing public awareness and acceptance of Asperger syndrome, clinical research has produced mixed results that do not clearly discriminate Asperger syndrome from high-functioning autism. However, research does indicate that children with pervasive developmental disorder achieve better outcomes when diagnosis is made early and appropriate community supports can be marshaled.
Summary
The history and phenomenology of Asperger syndrome is briefly reviewed, and recent literature relating to assessment and treatment is highlighted.
© 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.