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Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

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:

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

Dr. Perlstein received his Medical Degree from the University of Cincinnati and then completed his internship and residency in pediatrics at The New York Hospital, Cornell medical Center in New York City. After serving an additional year as Chief Pediatric Resident, he worked as a private practitioner and then was appointed Director of Ambulatory Pediatrics at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx.

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In this Article

• Asperger's syndrome facts
• What is Asperger's syndrome?
• What causes Asperger's syndrome?
• How common is Asperger's syndrome?
• What are the signs and symptoms of Asperger's syndrome?
• How is Asperger's syndrome diagnosed?
• What are the risks or complications of Asperger's syndrome?
• What are the treatments for Asperger's syndrome?
• What is the prognosis for Asperger's syndrome?
• Find a local Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician in your town
• Asperger Syndrome Index

An estimation of the prognosis of Asperger's syndrome is difficult, if not impossible, since affected individuals have variable degrees of impairment, and the provision of treatment can dramatically improve the long-term outlook for people with Asperger's syndrome. In general, when social, behavioral, and educational support is provided as needed, people with Asperger's syndrome can be expected to lead happy and productive lives.

REFERENCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)." 14 Nov. 2011. <http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html>.

CDC MMWR Surveillance Summaries. "Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders -- Autism and Development Disabilities Monitoring Network." MMWR Surveillance Summaries 58.10 (2009): 1-20.

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV Fourth Edition. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association, 1994.

American Psychiatric Association. DSM-V Proposed Revisions.
< http://www.dsm5.org/ProposedRevisions/Pages/Default.aspx>.

Macintosh, K. E. and C. Dissanayake. "Annotation: The similarities and differences between autistic disorder and Asperger's disorder: a review of the empirical evidence." Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines 45.3 (2004): 421-434.

Attwood, Tony. The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome. Great Britain: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2006.