Asperger Syndrome (cont.)

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD

Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD

Dr. Roxanne Dryden-Edwards is an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist. She is a former Chair of the Committee on Developmental Disabilities for the American Psychiatric Association, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and Medical Director of the National Center for Children and Families in Bethesda, Maryland.

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Individuals with Asperger's syndrome have a higher level of functioning and a better outlook than those with other forms of autism spectrum disorders. Although their underlying social impairments are believed to be lifelong, some improvement in functioning often occurs through maturational processes.

Individuals with Asperger's syndrome have an increased risk of mood disorders such as depression or anxiety.

Those with supportive families who are knowledgeable about the condition tend to have a better prognosis.

Many experts stress the particular gifts and positive aspects of Asperger's syndrome and consider it to represent an alternative, but not necessarily defective, way of thinking. Positive characteristics of people with Asperger's syndrome are undoubtedly of benefit in many professions and include the increased ability to focus on details and concentrate for long periods; the capacity to persevere in specific interests without being swayed by others' opinions; the ability to work independently; the recognition of patterns that may be missed by others; a unique level of intensity; and an original way of thinking. Individuals with special skills, abilities, or interests relevant to paid employment typically have a more positive outcome. Parents and teachers of individuals with Asperger's syndrome should creatively help them to uncover talents and skills.

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