Diagnosing Asperger Syndrome in Adults

If you have lived all your life with not being able to fully participate in small talk because you do not understand the body language, and other non-verbal communications that goes on with small talk, or you just do not understand the need for such nonessential language, or if you have difficulty dealing with any kind of social situation at work, school or at home perhaps you are an adult who has undiagnosed Asperger Syndrome.

The reason people reach adulthood and go undiagnosed is because it is common for there to be misdiagnosis or for physicians and parents to not recognize the signs and symptoms of this relatively new neurological disorder.

Typically when adults come to be diagnosed they are given an IQ test. People with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) typically have normal or above normal IQs. An assessment of adaptive skills that are designed to test the individual's ability to manage complex social situations is then administered. If the person being assessed is still living with a parent, or if the parent is available, the parent is given the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI) for an early history of how the individual functioned in social situations, in his or her behavior and how the individual was able to communicate. The symptoms don't just show up later in life, they were there since childhood. If it is not possible to interview the parent than the individual is asked to describe their childhood for clues of how they interacted socially, behaviorally and how they communicated with others.

Another test is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) which scrutinizes the social and communication skills as well as behavior of young adults and adults. This test helps to determine if the individual meets the criteria for Asperger's Syndrome.

It is the doctor's job to distinguish between shyness, social phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders and Asperger's Syndrome. Since there are distinguishing characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome that can be similar to other conditions and disorders it is important to get a complete family history since it is known that it runs in families. Often times there is an eccentric Aunt, or odd Grandfather who just may have also have had Asperger’s Syndrome.

The diagnosis is very important because it is with a diagnosis that the adult can finally put a name to the set of behaviors and inability to communicate with others. He or she can finally know why they were so different from others growing up. The diagnosis often brings great relief to those who suffer and to their families. Once the diagnosis is made the doctor can devise a treatment plan. The treatment plan will include interventions and therapies that may include speech therapy, behavioral therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy for awkwardness of gait. Medication may be prescribed if needed for anxiety and depression.