Both Aspergers Syndrome and Autistic Disorder are considered pervasive developmental disorders, but the severity, frequency and intensity of symptoms associated with each differ. In comparison to Aspergers Syndrome, Autism is classified by more severe impairments in social interactions, communication, language development, learning, restricted behavioral patterns, and cognitive/developmental delays. Given the severity of delays that accompany Autism, it is readily identified in early childhood. Unlike Autism however, individuals who are diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome have no clinically significant delays in language acquisition, communication, and cognitive development. Children and adults with Aspergers Syndrome are considered to have better adaptive functioning on a spectrum of pervasive developmental disorders. For this reason, Aspergers Syndrome often remains undiagnosed or misdiagnosed until a child or adult begins to have serious difficulties at school, work, or with their personal lives.
There is currently not a medical test that can diagnose a pervasive developmental disorder like Autism or Aspergers. Rather, specially trained licensed mental health clinicians work with families and clients to assess the presence or absence of persistent developmental difficulties. Appropriate screening and disgnosis is necessary for establishing early intensive behavioral interventions that could dramatically improve long-term functioning for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Ermshar can provide specific behavioral, cognitive, and neuropsychological assessments to aid in the accurate identification and classification of a pervasive developmental disorder. Dr. Ermshar can then assist families, children and adults in developing a specific treatment plan to target the core symptoms of Autism and Aspergers spectrum disorders.