Asperger Syndrome

Common Signs & Symptoms

Language skills:

=> lucid speech before age 4 years; grammar and vocabulary are usually very good
=> speech is sometimes stilted and repetitive
=> voice tends to be flat and emotionless
=> conversations revolve around self

Cognition skills:

=> obsessed with complex topics, such as patterns, weather, music, history, etc.
=> often described as eccentric
=> I.Q.'s fall along the full spectrum, but many are in the above normal range in verbal ability and in the below average range in performance abilities.
=> many have dyslexia, writing problems, and difficulty with mathematics
=> lack common sense
=> concrete thinking (versus abstract)

Common Behavior's are:

=> movements tend to be clumsy and awkward
=> odd forms of self-stimulatory behavior
=> sensory problems appear not to be as dramatic as those with other forms of autism
=> socially aware but displays inappropriate reciprocal interaction

The most distinguishing symptom of AS is a child's obsessive interest in a single object or topic to the exclusion of any other. Some children with AS have become experts on vacuum cleaners, makes and models of cars, even objects as odd as deep fat fryers. Children with AS want to know everything about their topic of interest and their conversations with others will be about little else. Their expertise, high level of vocabulary, and formal speech patterns make them seem intelligent beyond their years.

Most doctors rely on the presence of a core group of behaviors to alert them to the possibility of a diagnosis of AS.

These are:

=> abnormal eye contact
=> aloofness
=> the failure to turn when called by name
=> the failure to use gestures to point or show
=> a lack of interactive play
=> a lack of interest in peers

Some of these behaviors may be apparent in the first few months of a child's life, or they may appear later. Problems in at least one of the areas of communication and socialization or repetitive, restricted behavior must be present before the age of 3.

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The causes Asperger's Syndrome is still not certain. However there appears to be a connection in genes and genetics and the cause of Asperger's as this disorder usually run in families. Asperger's is NOT caused by bad parenting or problems in the family.

Researchers also believe that certain conditions like environmental pollution, food intolerance, digestive problems and even some childhood vaccinations may trigger and grow this condition.

Much more research is needed in this area.

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Can Asperger Syndrome be treated?

YES, most definitely! However, because Asperger's is a relatively new diagnosis in the field of developmental psychology and psychiatry, many treatment approaches are still in the developmental stages and lots of work still needs to be done in this area.

One thing has definitely been established - the sooner treatment begins, the better! This applies especially to remedial, educational and therapeutic intervention.

While there is no specific treatment or 'cure' for Asperger's Syndrome, there are many interventions which can significantly improve the functioning and quality of life of people and children with Asperger's.

Social Skills Training

This should be one of the most important components of a treatment program. Children with Asperger's Syndrome can be helped to learn social skills by an experienced psychologist. Body language and nonverbal communication can be taught in much the same way as one would teach a foreign language.

Children with Asperger's can learn to interpret nonverbal expressions of emotion and social interaction. This can assist them with social interaction and peer relationships and prevent the isolation and depression that often occurs as they enter adolescence.

Teenagers can sometimes benefit from group therapy and can be taught how to use the teenage 'slang' and language forms of their peer groups.

Educational Intervention

Because children with Asperger's Syndrome may differ widely in terms of IQ and ability levels, schools should learn to individualize educational programs for these children.

Some of them may cope well in a mainstream class with additional support, while others may need to receive specialized education. In all cases, teachers should be aware of the special needs of Asperger's children, who often need a great deal more support than first appears necessary.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapeutic approaches which focus on supportive therapy, the teaching of social skills and concrete behavioral techniques are more effective than approaches which concentrate on emotion in depth therapy, which may be too uncomfortable and stressful for the person with Asperger's.

Children can benefit from play therapy and 'story' therapy aimed at raising awareness of nonverbal communication, social development and teaching of empathy.

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