Aspergers test is a form of autism that until 2013 was a unique diagnosis until it was listed under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, although many doctors still use the term. Aspergers is regarded as a high functioning form of the autism disorder with victims displaying a high level of communication abilities and advanced verbal skills.
While most adults with Aspergers demonstrate few cognitive or language skill deficiencies, they do experience other symptoms that can interfere with their daily lives and social interactions. They often suffer from emotional and behavioral symptoms such as engaging in repetitive behaviors or having trouble understanding emotional responses in people.
Currently there is no widely accepted Aspergers test to determine whether someone is suffering from the condition and there are no specific diagnostic criteria that can be used for a diagnosis. Asperger’s and other autism spectrum disorders are usually diagnosed in early childhood and these days it is much less common for someone to reach adulthood without the condition being assessed, although it remains a possibility. People that believe that they have Asperger’s should discuss their symptoms with a relevant health care provider. In such cases they may be referred to a specialist, usually a psychologist or psychiatrist, that will assess their behaviors and other symptoms to determine whether they are suffering from the disorder.
The criteria that such specialists use to make a diagnosis can include the following:
• Social Functioning
People are often asked about their social life when conducting an Asperger’s test; they are assessed on their social skills and the interactions they have with other people in a social setting. This analysis helps to decide how significantly the condition affects their lives.
• Physical Indications
A specialist or healthcare provider will look to rule out any other potential underlying conditions that could account for symptoms that would otherwise be associated with Asperger’s.
• Other Indications
People suffering from Asperger’s often experience anxiety, depression and periods of hyperactivity. In some cases, Asperger’s is misdiagnosed from these conditions so it is important that a trained specialist examines a patient to make a proper diagnosis.
In general, people with Asperger’s syndrome suffer from being uncomfortable in social situations, have difficulty talking to others and have problems responding to non-verbal behaviors and cues from other people. They sometimes also perform repetitive behaviors and become hyper-focused on certain routines. While the condition is usually identified in childhood, some people may not be aware they are suffering from the condition in adulthood. A specialist health provider will help these people to get the therapies and treatments they need to help them lead fulfilling lives.