The name of this site should be understood quite easily, but for those of you who have never heard of ASD, (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) then it probably doesn't mean much; (Unless you or someone close to you suffers from anything which relates to it in any way.)
As you can probably tell, this site is not really a factual site. This is really a site for those who can relate to me or just wish to have a greater understanding of people with Autism. Whichever way, you're all welcome here and I hope I can enlighten you in more ways than one. Feel free to browse.
Well, High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome are pretty much the same, but there are some very slight differences...
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Autism is a brain development disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behaviour. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. The Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) also include related conditions with milder signs and symptoms.
Autism has a strong genetic basis, although the genetics of Autism are complex and it is unclear whether ASD is explained more by multigene interactions or by rare mutations. In rare cases, Autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects. Other proposed causes, such as childhood vaccines, are controversial, and the vaccine hypotheses lack any convincing scientific evidence. The prevalence of ASD is about 6 per 1,000 people, with about four times as many boys as girls. The number of people known to have Autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, partly due to changes in diagnostic practice; the question of whether actual prevalence has increased is unresolved.
Autism affects many parts of the brain; how this occurs is not understood. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life. Although early behavioiural or cognitive intervention can help children gain self-care, social, and communication skills, there is no known cure. Few children with Autism live independently after reaching adulthood, but some become successful, and an Autistic culture has developed, with some seeking a cure and others believing that Autism is a condition rather than a disorder.
Read more at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism
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Asperger syndrome (also called Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's disorder, Asperger's or AS) is an Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and people with AS therefore show significant difficulties in social interaction and restricted, stereotyped patterns of behavior and interests. AS differs from other ASDs by its relative preservation of linguistic and cognitive development. Although not mentioned in standard diagnostic criteria, physical clumsiness and atypical use of language are frequently reported.
Asperger syndrome is named after Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger who, in 1944, described children in his practice who lacked nonverbal communication skills, demonstrated limited empathy with their peers, and were physically clumsy. Fifty years later, AS was standardized as a diagnosis, but questions about many aspects remain. For example, there is lingering doubt about the distinction between AS and high-functioning autism (HFA); partly due to this, the prevalence of AS is not firmly established. The exact cause is unknown, although research supports the likelihood of a genetic basis; brain imaging techniques have not identified a clear common pathology.
There is no single treatment for Asperger syndrome, and the effectiveness of particular interventions is supported by only limited data. Intervention is aimed at improving symptoms and function. The mainstay of management is behavioral therapy, focusing on specific deficits to address poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness. Most individuals with AS can improve over time, but difficulties with communication, social adjustment and independent living continue into adulthood. Some researchers and people with AS have advocated a shift in attitudes toward the view that AS is a difference, rather than a disability that must be treated or cured.
Read more at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspergers
Also be sure to visit the National Autistic Society website to find out more about this condition: http://www.nas.org.uk/
