Causes and Diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome

Despite research, a cause has not been found yet for Asperger's Syndrome (AS). There does seem to be a genetic link for the syndrome as many family members have behavioral symptoms similar to AS for example individuals in the family tree who have been know to be eccentric or odd. Research points to the probability that all autism spectrum disorders have shared genetic mechanisms, with those suffering from AS having stronger genetic components than those who have been diagnosed with autism. There have been a few studied cases where there has been an exposure to teratogens (agents that cause birth defects) during the first few weeks following conception. There is also some theory regarding environmental factors but these have not been confirmed by scientific studies.

Individuals with AS appear to have some affected areas of functional brain systems. Certain Neuroanatomical studies and the evidence of certain cases of teratogen exposure during fetal development suggest that there may be a connection with some kind of alteration of brain function in the neural circuits that control and individual's thought pattern and behavior.

There has been one study showing that there is an activation delayed in the core circuit for imitation in those who suffer from AS. This study, "Abnormal imitation-related cortical activation sequences in Asperger's Syndrome was conducted and reported on by Nishitani N, Avikainen S, Hari R in 2004.

Others theories are ascertaining whether or not there is possible serotonin dysfunction or cerebellar dysfuntion.

Developmental screening is important during routine check-ups by pediatricians to identify early signs of developmental differences, which can be seen as early as 30 months. Screening instruments that have been utilized to diagnose Asperger's Syndrome are the Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (ASDS), the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ), the Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test (CAST), the Gilliam Asperger's Disorder Scale (GADS), the Krug Asperger's Disorder Index (KADI), and also the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Although these are screening tests none of them has been shown to reliably tell the difference between Asperger's Syndrome and other similar ASDs.

There is a standardized criterion that must be met when diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome and U.S. criteria also requires that there be a significant impairment in the day-to-day ability to function.

The International Standard Criteria for diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome include:

Impairment in social interactions

Repetitive and Stereotyped patterns of behavior, activities and in interests that are noted without any significant delay in either language or cognitive development.

Typically the diagnosis is made when a child is between the ages of 4 and 11. General assessments and neurological assessments are made using cognitive, psychomotor function, verbal and non-verbal assessments.

Misdiagnosis is common and can have a traumatic effect on the individual and on the family members. When misdiagnosed the incorrect medication can worsen behavior. If there has not been any diagnosis made or a misdiagnosis, which is not caught until adulthood then diagnosing correctly, the existence of Asperger's Syndrome is made more difficult because the expression of Asperger's Syndrome changes with age. Misdiagnoses include attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADSD). Another common delay in diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome is the cost of assessments.