Microsoft founder Bill Gates's daughter Phoebe Gates has revealed that her father has 'Asperger's Syndrome'. This brain condition falls under the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is often referred to as "high-functioning autism".
She described her father as "pretty socially awkward" in a podcast 'Call Her Daddy'.
What is Asperger's Syndrome?
Asperger's Syndrome belongs to a group of neurodevelopment conditions known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It belongs to the 'level-one autism', which means the support required to run the daily activities is limited. Generally, people can manage things on their own when it comes to this condition.
Asperger's Syndrome was once considered as a standalone medical condition but since 2013 it fell under the category of ASD.
What are the symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome?
1. Difficulty with social interaction
2. Engaging in repetitive behaviour
3. Standing firm on opinions and beliefs
4. Focusing on rules and routines
5. Difficulty reading facial expressions or body language
6. Difficulty with motor skills and coordination
What are the treatment options?
Though Asperger's syndrome comes under ASD, it is normally not treated as a disability or disorder. However, some people with this condition require support at school, work or while handling daily activities.
Early diagnosis makes it easier to get the right kind of support which helps in improving social interactions.
There is a combination of therapies and other approaches that can be adopted for the treatment other than medications.
As far as the medications are concerned, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and anti-psychotic medications are prescribed for treatment.
