Asperger's Syndrome Causes

 

 

Causes

Hans Asperger described common symptoms among his patients' family members in his publication, suggesting that there is a genetic contribution to the problem. Research supports his observation, although no specific gene has yet been identified. There is a tendency for Asperger’s Syndrome to run in families whose members may have behavioral symptoms similar to AS but in a more limited form (for instance, some difficulties with social interaction, language, or reading). Most research suggests that all autism spectrum disorders have shared genetic mechanisms, but AS may have a stronger genetic component than autism. There might be a common group of genes which might make an individual more vulnerable to developing AS.

 

Mechanism

Asperger’s Syndrome seems to result from various developmental factors that affect many or all functional brain systems. Although the factors are unknown, and no clear pathology common to individuals with AS has yet been discovered, it is possible that AS's mechanism is separate from other autism spectrum disorders. Neuroanatomical studies suggest that the mechanism includes changes in brain development soon after birth. Abnormal migration of embryonic cells during fetal development may influence the structure and connectivity of the brain, resulting in changes in parts of the brain that control thought and behavior.