This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate course at UW-Madison
What is Asperger's syndrome?
To understand Asperger's Syndrome, one must first understand the Autism Spectrum. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses the various degrees of the developmental disorder that affect behavior, social interaction, and communication [1].
Children with Asperger's Syndrome are often unable to socialize well with their peers, and could be seen to behave inappropriately. However, unlike more severe forms of the autism spectrum, children with AS usually are not as delayed when it comes to language skills [2]. The prevalence of AS is estimated to be around 1 in 250 to 1 in 5000 individuals. Although this is a rough estimate, it is well known that AS is more prevalent in males than females [3]. There is no cure for Asperger's Syndrome, but doctors suggest behavioral therapy and communication training can help patients to adjust more comfortably to their daily lives. Medications are sometimes prescribed to help with the symptoms of AS, such as anxiety and depression [3].
Children with Asperger's Syndrome are often unable to socialize well with their peers, and could be seen to behave inappropriately. However, unlike more severe forms of the autism spectrum, children with AS usually are not as delayed when it comes to language skills [2]. The prevalence of AS is estimated to be around 1 in 250 to 1 in 5000 individuals. Although this is a rough estimate, it is well known that AS is more prevalent in males than females [3]. There is no cure for Asperger's Syndrome, but doctors suggest behavioral therapy and communication training can help patients to adjust more comfortably to their daily lives. Medications are sometimes prescribed to help with the symptoms of AS, such as anxiety and depression [3].
How does gabrb3 work?
It is known that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is highly heritable. No single gene is responsible for ASD. However,the GABRB3 gene has been found to encode for the (GABA)-ergic system, which is associated with abnormalities is ASD. Gabrb3 knockout in mice showed a delay in social behavior, and gives potential for it to be a model for autism [5].
Something more?
People with Asperger's Syndrome tend to develop an intense interest for certain subjects, and many of them have been found to be of above average intelligence. Although they might have poor communication skills, they often are very detail-oriented and have an impressive memory [3].
"On the other hand, I think cats have Asperger's. Like me, they're very smart. And like me, sometimes they simply need to be left alone.”
― Jodi Picoult, House Rules
References:
1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm
2. Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aspergers-syndrome/basics/symptoms/con-20029249
3. Genetics Home Reference: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/aspergers-syndrome
4. Warrier, V., Baron-Cohen, S. (2013), Genetic variation in GABRB3 is associated with Asperger syndrome and multiple endophenotypes relevant to autism. Molecular Autism: Brain, Cognition, and Behavior. Retrieved February 5, 2014, from http://www.molecularautism.com/content/4/1/48/abstract.
1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm
2. Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aspergers-syndrome/basics/symptoms/con-20029249
3. Genetics Home Reference: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/aspergers-syndrome
4. Warrier, V., Baron-Cohen, S. (2013), Genetic variation in GABRB3 is associated with Asperger syndrome and multiple endophenotypes relevant to autism. Molecular Autism: Brain, Cognition, and Behavior. Retrieved February 5, 2014, from http://www.molecularautism.com/content/4/1/48/abstract.
Maria F. Chavez; [email protected]; Jan. 23, 2014; <http://genetics564.weebly.com/>
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