Asperger syndrome in children.
OBJECTIVE
To review Asperger syndrome characteristics, assessment tools, interventions, outcomes, and the role of the nurse practitioner in diagnosing and caring for children with Asperger syndrome.


METHODS
Review of published literature on and diagnostic criteria of the condition.


CONCLUSIONS
Asperger syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder or an autism spectrum disorder that is thought to have an incidence higher than that of autism. Asperger syndrome is different from autism, with a lack of delayed language as the most distinct difference between Asperger syndrome and autism.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of the importance of early diagnosis of Asperger syndrome for outcome improvement, screening at all well-child visits from infancy on is of utmost importance to primary care pediatric nurse practitioners. With early diagnosis, timely intervention is possible, which is proven to show improvement in outcomes.
Schnur
Julie
J
Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY 10032, USA. julie_schnur@hotmail.com
D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D024802:Nurse's Role; D016896:Treatment Outcome