Asperger syndrome have empathy

The child neurologist at the Ruber International Hospital Gloria Lopez has warned about the myths of Asperger syndrome, such as the false idea that it implies an absence of empathy, and has highlighted the importance of these people receiving adequate clinical support and having an environment that respects their way of perceiving and processing the world.

“People with Asperger’s do not lack empathy. Sometimes they have difficulty interpreting emotions immediately, but they feel with great intensity and depth,” López explained.

Another common confusion is to associate it exclusively with exceptional abilities. “Not all people with Asperger’s have extraordinary talents. There are as many profiles as there are people, and stereotypes distort reality,” López emphasizes.

The specialist also indicates that not all visible symptoms are explained by autism. “Anxiety and ADHD are common comorbidities, and must be evaluated independently. Their approach – which combines psychoeducation, environmental adjustments and, in some cases, medication – is key to improving quality of life,” he added.

In Spain, current estimates suggest that around 450,000 people are found within autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition whose prevalence is around 1% of the population, according to the data available from the Spanish Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Within this broad and heterogeneous spectrum, the profile traditionally known as Asperger syndrome could represent among the 18 and the 27% of cases, according to different epidemiological studies.

Despite its frequency, doubts and misconceptions persist about this condition, which since 2013with the publication of the DSM-5, was no longer considered an independent diagnosis and was integrated into autism spectrum disorder.

“The term Asperger’s is used to describe a common profile within the autism spectrum, usually characterized by the absence of intellectual disabilitya formally preserved language development, very intense interests and a particular way of interpreting implicit social norms. However, it is a continuum, with great variability between people,” the expert detailed.

A particular way of processing information

According to the specialist, Asperger’s is characterized by a unique cognitive pattern: “The brain prioritizes certain stimuli and has greater difficulty automatically integrating implicit social conventions, but it can show an extraordinary capacity for detail, logic or memory.”

These differences do not imply less seriousness. The doctor remembers that It is not a mild disorderas many people experience significant suffering derived from misunderstanding, isolation or sensory overload. “They need appropriate clinical and educational support and an environment that respects their way of perceiving and processing the world,” he added.

“The goal is not to change who they are, but to accompany them so that they can fully develop their potential in a world that is often not prepared to understand their way of thinking and relating,” concludes Dr.