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The   Asperger’s   Syndrome   is   named   after   Hans   Asperger, an   Austrian   Psychiatrist,   who   first   described   children   with the   characteristic   in   1944.   The   name   recently   has   been replaced by the term “autism spectrum disorder” (ASD). What is Asperger’s Syndrome? Asperger’s     syndrom     is     a     form     of     Autism     spectrum disorder    (ASD)    in    which    the    affected    person    is    highly functioning    and    typically    can    be    characterized    by    the following symptoms: • Difficulties with social communication (difficulties understanding nonverbal expression and missing socio-emotional intuition) • Autistic thinking (theory of mind, deficits in executive functioning) • Autistic perception (often highly sensitive in specific sensual modalities, weak central coherence = tendency to perceive details over wholeness) • Tendency for routines and stereotypical, repetitive behavior • Different perception and processing of emotions (difficulties to identify, name and regulate one’s own emotions) The   term   ‘Autism   spectrum’   captures   the   fact   that   each affected   person   shows   a   unique   set   of   symptoms.   This accounts   for   the   big   differences   between   affected   people despite the same diagnosis.  Assessment / Diagnostics To     date,     there     are     no     clear     biological     markers     or medicinal   tests   to   diagnose   Autism   spectrum   disorder, like   most   other   mental   illnesses.   Therefore,   the   diagnosis is    based    on    a    clinical    assessment.    Questionnaires    can provide     valuable     information     and     can     be     used     as screening    tools.    In    addition    to    a    detailed    anamnestic exploration,      the      diagnosis      also      includes      careful differential    diagnosis.    Asperger's    Syndrome    can    show multiple    overlaps    with    other    mental    illnesses,    such    as depression,       anxiety,       trauma,       obsessive-compulsive disorder,   highly   giftedness,   AD(H)D,   schizoid,   dissocial   or narcissistic   personality   disorder.   It   is   also   important   to distinguish     automated     coping     strategies     from     true symptoms.   For   example,   an   affected   individual   may   very well   have   learned   to   make   eye   contact   and   smile.   This does    not    yet    mean    that    this    behavior    is    based    on    an intuitive need. I   also   offer   assessments.   Visit   the   assessments    page   for further information. What are the advantages of getting diagnosed? In    my    opinion,    a    diagnosis    is    only    as    good    as    many phenomena   in   the   person's   life   it   can   explain.   Knowing about   the   diagnosis   can   therefore   provide   meaning   and thus   orientation.   Knowing   where   you   stand   and   that   you are    not    alone    with    your    perception    of    the    world    may have   a   relieving   or   connecting   effect.   Unifying   insofar   as you    no    longer    feel    like    a    sole    “weird    one”,    but    rather belong to a group, namely that of all Asperger's. Having   a   clear   diagnosis   also   opens   up   opportunities   to obtain       specialist       information       or       seek       support. Furthermore,   the   diagnosis   can   be   an   official   legitimation to   be   and   feel   different,   not   to   be   misused   as   an   excuse for   any   abnormal   behavior,   but   as   a   first   step   on   the   way to self-acceptance and self-esteem. Therapy Asperger's    Syndrome    is    a    congenital    constitution    and cannot   be   "cured"   by   therapy   or   medication.   Therapy   is based    on    the    needs    of    the    affected    person    and    can include such topics as: • Training of social skills • Training      of      self      perception      (emotions,      body sensations, all senses, thoughts, impulses) • How to better deal with stress • Improving self-worth and self-acceptance • Acquiring   information   about   the   difference   between Asperger’s   syndrom   and   „Neurotypicals“   (=everyone without Autism) • Dealing       with       procrastination       and       attention problems • Dealing     with     obsessive     thoughts     or     behavioral patterns and rigid routines • Getting    your    questions    about    all    kinds    of    topics answered    (household,    sports,    relationships,    sex, wor, hobbies, etc.). Any     comorbid     disorders     can     also     be     treated,     e.g. depression   /   chronic   exhaustion,   anxiety,   ADHD   (even   if there   is   no   full   diagnsis).   Medication   may   be   helpful   for these   diseases   and   could   be   administred   by   a   Psychiatrist if needed. Why I like to work with patients with Asperger’s syndrome I   have   experienced   people   with   Asperger's   Syndrome   to be    reliable,    unobtrusive,    interested,    humble,    grateful, honest   and   direct.   I   appreciate   all   these   features,   maybe because   I   feel   they   describe   me   as   well.   However,   I   am not affected by Asperger's Syndrome. Links • Online alexithymia test • Short online self-test • Good blog with lots of topics • tonyattwood.com.au  • autismspeaks.org/what-asperger-syndrome • autism.org.uk/about/what-is/asperger.aspx • webmd.com/brain/autism/mental-health-aspergers- syndrome#1 • autism-society.org/what-is/aspergers-syndrome/ • autastic.com • autismus.ch/adressen.html  Book recommendations • Tony Attwood: "The Complete Guide to Asperger Syndrome” Order book  or any other book by Tony Attwood about the topic • Rudy Simone: “Asperger’s on the job: Must-Have Advice for People with Asperger's or High Functioning Autism, and Their Employers, Educators, and Advocates” Order book • Susan Moreno: “The Partner's Guide to Asperger Syndrome” Order book • Philip Wylie: “Very late diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome” Order book • Good list with books about Asperger’s