Asperger’s Syndrome, according to the dictionary, is a severe and incurable neurobiological disorder that is characterized by problems with socializing, odd behavior patterns, attention to details of objects and often a keen ability to memorize.
Asperger’s Syndrome is part of the Autism Spectrum Disorders and is considered by some to be high functioning Autism. The range of the symptoms of Aspergers can be different in every child. Some may have a ‘bit of Autism’ while others make it difficult to tell if it is Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. It is even more difficult when the child has not reached the age to attend school.
Where Did It Come From
AS was named after the Austrian psychiatrist and pediatrician, Hans Asperger. In 1944, he observed patients with symptoms that are now what is identified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). However, his clarifications were not widely known until 1981. Lorna Wing, an English psychiatrist, wrote about case studies on several children that exhibited “Asperger’s Syndrome.”
How Can You Tell
Here are some symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome that might help from a mother of an Asperger’s Syndrome child:
Aspergers Syndrome can range from mild to severe. These children also have difficulties with even the smallest amount of change in their routines and prefer sameness to a degree of being reduced into tantrums.
They have a distinct problem with social behavior. Although they want desperately to play with their peers, they do not have the capability to interact.
They may be overly sensitive to sound, light or different types of food.
Children with AS (Asperger’s Syndrome) tend to see the world in a different way and are not being rude or odd on purpose.
AS children have normal intelligences and some, but not all, are very talented in a skill or area. My own daughter was doing calculus by 4th grade! The term, ‘Little Professors’ has been used to describe some AS children.
AS children have a tendency not to show compassion, sympathy or come to the aid of a family member that asks for help such as holding open a door or helping a sibling who has fallen down and hurt themselves. Remember, they are not doing this on purpose.
Some will not make eye contact or show emotion although this isn’t the case with all AS kids.
Some, but not all, will talk in odd tones. Some may talk in falsettos, rigid or fast speech. Again this does not occur in all AS.
Not all AS kids walk in inflexible fashions, rock with their bodies, blink excessively, or have odd postures. Some do however. A number of AS children develop obsessive-compulsive habits such touching the fingers against their thumbs, patting themselves, etc.
Where To Go From Here
If you think your child exhibits any of these symptoms, please see your doctor. You will need a medical professional to tell you if your child is just being that, a child, or if it is truly a developmental disorder. Asperger’s Syndrome’s symptoms can vary a great deal from mild to severe and your doctor is the only one who can suggest the right type of professionals to help you. It will take more than just your family doctor to help a child with AS. Unfortunately, some children are misdiagnosed so it is best to do your own homework as well. That is why it is best to speak with your doctor early and frequently.
Help On The Web
There are hundreds of websites that can help you learn more about Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism. Here are just a few:
Autism Society of America: www.autism-society.org
Center For The Study of Autism: www.autism.org
OASIS: www.udel.ede/bkirby/asperger
Autism UK: www.autism-uk.ed.ac.uk
AutismSpeaks: www.autismspeaks.org
FEAT: www.featnt.org
If you do believe that your child might have Asperger’s Syndrome, here are several things to keep in mind:
Seek medical attention immediately
Do lots of research on AS
Don’t give up. This is a large hurtle to overcome but it’s not insurmountable.
THIS IS NOT YOUR FAULT. Don’t ever believe that you did anything wrong during your pregnancy or during your child’s infancy. This is also NOT a sign of bad parenting.
Help your AS child turn their obsession into something worthwhile. Many AS children grow up to lead successful lives and those odd obsessions may end up becoming very successful careers. Temple Grandin, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Colorado State University and successful professional designer of humane livestock facilities. She also has high-functioning autism.
If your child is in school, tell his/her teachers, coaches, counselors, etc. The more people know the more they can help your child overcome hurdles that being in school might bring. A good suggestion is to have your child’s teachers speak with the class. AS is an invisible disorder therefore peers won’t know why your child is doing what he/she does for a reason.
Be patient. This is going to be a tough path for both you and your child. Your child cannot help what he/she is doing no more than you can stop what is happening.
According to the Autism Speaks television ads, 1 in 166 children are diagnosed with Autism. Although this will be a lonely and difficult struggle for both you and your child, there are plenty of resources such as support groups, medical help, and Internet help out there. This is also a time when friends and family are the best when it comes into helping your child. So never think you are alone in your efforts.
