Asperger’s Syndrome is a neurological disorder that is marked by difficulties in communication and social interaction. Children with this condition find it difficult to identify and express their feelings, similar to those diagnosed with autism.
Asperger’s Syndrome Symptoms
- Find it challenging to connect with others
- Average to high I.Q.
- Doesn’t hold eye contact and has trouble reading facial and body language
- Flap their hands
- Speak without much emotion
- Need to follow schedules rigidly
- Tendency to rock, fidget, pace, repetitive hand motions, twitch
- Take metaphors literally
- Difficulty understanding jokes
- Needs detailed information to complete tasks
- Clumsiness, not paying attention
- Easily lost in details
- Generalize in a different way
- Socially awkward
- Have an intense interest in one specific subject
- Exhibit sensitivities to sounds, clothing, or food
- Cannot make small talk
How is Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosed?
Asperger’s Syndrome is similar to autism. The main difference is the degree of impairment and language development.
Compared to classic autism, children with Asperger’s Syndrome usually don’t show signs of major cognitive difficulties their I.Q. is in the normal or even superior range and they have few, if any, delays in speaking. They also usually hit most of their milestones within reasonable time periods. Because of this, some describe children with this condition as high-functioning or as having a mild form of autism.
They may see just like other children, but not quite. They appear to be socially awkward in a manner that is not easily understood. Its probably easy to understand why your doctor may miss seeing this in your child, or perhaps even misdiagnose it completely.
Treating Asperger’s Syndrome
The treatment team for your child will require involvement from doctors, psychologists, teachers, therapists, and you. Depending on your child, the exact treatment may consist of a combination of the following:
- A number of behavior regimens Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) floor time, sensory integration therapy and others
- Social skills training might be used to teach your child the social aspects that come naturally to other kids this often includes reviewing scenarios so your child knows how to react before they happen.
- Alternative therapies, such as hippotherapy, where your child would ride a horse to improve coordination, or martial arts therapy to help his or her mobility.
- Medications, which may include anti-depressants
Where can I get More Information about Aperger’s Syndrome?
Asperger’s Syndrome Coalition of the United States, Inc. (ASC-U.S.)
2020 Pennsylvania Ave.
N.W. Box 771
Washington, D.C. 20006
Phone 1-866-427-7747
Website: http://www.aspergersyndrome.org
Autism Society of America
7910 Woodmont Avenue
Suite 300
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone 1-800-328-8476
Website: www.autism-society.org
Autism Research Institute (ARI)
4182 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA 92116
Phone 619-563-6840
Website: www.autismresearchinstitute.com
Additional Asperger’s Resources