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Aspergers kids symptoms: Asperger’s Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

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Asperger Syndrome – Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

Asperger syndrome (AS) is a type of autism. Autism affects how a person interprets language, communicates, and socializes. 

AS used to be considered its own condition, with its own diagnosis, but that changed in 2013. That’s when the guidebook that doctors use (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, commonly called DSM-5) changed the classification of AS. Now, kids who show signs of AS are diagnosed with autism and are considered “on the autism spectrum.”

“On the Autism Spectrum”

The term “autism spectrum” refers to a wide range of developmental disabilities. These disabilities can appear in different combinations with varying degrees of severity: two children with the same diagnosis, though they may share certain patterns of behavior, can have a wide range of skills and abilities. As a result, general terms such as “low-functioning,” “high-functioning,” “autistic tendencies,” “pervasive developmental disorder,” and others are often used to describe children whose behaviors fall on the autism spectrum. 

Kids with AS are generally considered to be on the “high-functioning” end of the autism spectrum. Boys are three to four times more likely than girls to have AS. The incidence seems to be increasing, but this might be because milder cases are being identified more frequently.

Although Asperger syndrome is no longer considered to be a diagnosis all on its own, many parents and people in the medical community still use the term.

About Asperger Syndrome

The disorder is named after Hans Asperger, a Viennese pediatrician who, in 1944, first described a set of behavior patterns apparent in some of his patients, mostly males. Asperger noticed that although these boys had normal intelligence and language development, they had severely impaired social skills, couldn’t communicate well with others, and had poor coordination.

According to the Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the United States, the onset of AS may be later than what is typical in autism — or at least is recognized later. Many kids are diagnosed after age 3, with most diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 9.

AS is characterized by poor social interactions, obsessions, odd speech patterns, few facial expressions, and other peculiar mannerisms. Often, kids with AS have trouble reading the body language of others. They might engage in obsessive routines and show an unusual sensitivity to sensory stimuli — for example, they may be bothered by a light that no one else notices; they may cover their ears to block out sounds in the environment; or they might prefer to wear clothing made only of a certain material.

Overall, kids and teens with AS can function in everyday life, but tend to be somewhat socially immature, relate better to adults than peers, and may be seen by others as odd or eccentric.

Other characteristics of AS can include motor delays, clumsiness, limited interests, and peculiar preoccupations. Adults with AS have trouble showing empathy for others, and social interactions continue to be difficult.

Experts say that AS follows a continuous course and usually lasts a lifetime. However, symptoms can increase and decrease over time, and early intervention services can be helpful.

Signs and Symptoms

Because the signs of AS can be similar to those of other behavioral problems, it’s best to let a doctor or other health professional evaluate a child’s symptoms. Many kids are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) before a diagnosis of AS is made later.

A child with AS might have these signs and symptoms:

  • inappropriate or minimal social interactions
  • conversations that almost always revolve around self rather than others
  • “scripted,” “robotic,” or repetitive speech
  • lack of “common sense”
  • problems with reading, math, or writing skills
  • obsession with complex topics, such as patterns or music
  • average to below-average nonverbal cognitive abilities, though verbal cognitive abilities are usually average to above-average
  • awkward movements
  • odd behaviors or mannerisms

It’s important to note that, unlike kids with autism, those with AS might show no delays in language development; they usually have good grammar skills and an advanced vocabulary at an early age. However, many do have a language disorder — for instance, a child might be very literal and have trouble using language in a social context.

Often there are no obvious delays in cognitive development. Kids with AS can have problems with attention span and organization, or skills that seem well developed in some areas and lacking in others, but they usually have average and sometimes above-average intelligence.

What Causes Asperger Syndrome?

Researchers and mental health experts are still investigating the causes of autism and AS. Brain abnormalities are thought to be one possible cause of AS, because structural and functional differences have been seen with advanced brain imaging.

Genetics might play a role, and research indicates that some cases of AS may be associated with other mental health problems such as depression and bipolar disorder.

AS is not caused by emotional deprivation or the way a child was brought up. Because some behaviors seen in AS may be thought of as intentionally rude by others, many people wrongly assume that AS is the result of bad parenting — it isn’t. It’s a neurobiological disorder whose causes are not yet fully understood.

Currently, there is no cure for the disorder — kids with AS become adults with AS. But many lead full and happy lives, and their chances of doing so are helped by appropriate education, support, and resources.

Diagnosing Asperger Syndrome

Asperger syndrome can be very difficult to diagnose. Children with AS function well in most aspects of life, so it can be easy to attribute their strange behaviors to just being “different.”

Experts say that early intervention involving educational and social training, done while a child’s brain is still developing, is very important for kids with AS.

If your child shows some of the symptoms and behaviors that are typical of AS, it’s critical to seek help from your doctor. He or she can refer you to a mental health professional or other specialist for further evaluation.

A specialist will do a thorough “psychosocial” evaluation of your child. This includes a careful history of when symptoms were first noticed, the development of motor skills and language patterns, and other aspects of personality and behavior (including favorite activities, unusual habits, preoccupations, etc.).

Particular focus is placed on social development, including past and present problems in social interaction and development of friendships. A psychological evaluation and assessment of communication skills usually are done to see which might be lacking.

Treating Asperger Syndrome

AS behaviors and problems can differ widely from child to child, so there isn’t a “typical” or prescribed treatment. But, depending on what their strengths and weaknesses are (or what their development history is), kids may benefit from:

  • parent education and training
  • specialized educational interventions
  • social skills training
  • language therapy
  • for younger kids, sensory integration training. This usually involves occupational therapy, in which a child is desensitized to stimuli he or she is overly sensitive to
  • psychotherapy or behavioral/cognitive therapy for older kids
  • medicines

Many people can help your child, so it’s important to involve all caregivers. For instance, every health professional caring for your child should know what the others are doing. And teachers, babysitters, other family members, close friends, and anyone else who cares for your child should be involved.

Finding the right program is key, as is getting help for your child early. Kids with AS can and do have great gains with the proper treatment and education.

Helping Your Child

AS brings challenges for kids and their parents, but you can help your child adjust and offer support in many ways:

  • Look into educational or training programs for parents. You’re your child’s first teacher and you’ll continue to be the cornerstone in supporting his or her development.
  • Teach your child self-help skills. Learning these skills helps kids achieve maximum independence.
  • Because it’s not always obvious that a child has AS, tell others that your child has special needs. As a parent, you may have to be an educator when dealing with teachers, medical personnel, and other caregivers.
  • Find a treatment or intervention program tailored to your child’s specific issues or areas of “deficiency.” The Autism Society of America (ASA) recommends talking with the program’s director to be sure that it can meet your child’s needs.
  • Choose special programs or treatments that focus on long-term goals and are suited to your child’s developmental level.
  • Remember that your child is part of a family, and that his or her needs should be balanced with those of other family members.
  • Get support for yourself and other family members. You can’t help your child if you’re not meeting your own emotional and physical needs. Your community may have support groups at a local hospital or mental health center. Government-sponsored services and other programs vary from state to state.

Your Child’s Future

Few facilities are dedicated to providing for the needs of kids with AS. Some children attend mainstream schools where their progress depends on the support and encouragement of parents, caregivers, teachers, and classmates. Others go to special schools for kids with autism or learning disabilities.

Many people with AS manage well in most aspects of life, so the condition does not have to prevent your child from succeeding academically and socially.

You may feel overwhelmed and discouraged if your child is diagnosed with AS. Remember that the treatment team can provide enormous support and encouragement for your child — and your family.

What Is Asperger Syndrome? – Symptoms

Asperger’s syndrome treatment

Early and regular treatment can help your child cope with the symptoms related to Asperger’s syndrome. It can prepare him or her for adult life. Treatment usually includes a mix of speech, physical, occupational, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The therapy team will decide how often it needs to work with your child. Therapy sessions might look like this:

  • Social skills and speech therapy: Your child may speak well. However, he or she may need to learn important conversation skills. Those skills include learning to take turns while talking, making eye contact with the person he or she is speaking to, showing interest in what the person says, and learning to talk about a variety of topics, not obsessing over one topic. The therapist also might teach appropriate playtime skills, such as taking turns, following rules, and learning to cope with one’s feelings around others.
  • Physical therapy: Some people diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome may appear clumsy. A physical therapist works to develop a person’s core body strength. This will help with running, jumping, pedaling a bike, walking up and down stairs, and other physical movement activities.
  • Occupational therapy: An occupational therapist helps people with Asperger’s syndrome with their fine motor skills (anything requiring the use of their hands). They also work to help your child cope with sensory issues. A person diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome may be sensitive to certain sensory experiences. This might include noise, touch, smell, or visual stimuli. It might include certain materials, such as modeling clay, chalk, sand, and water. It could include sensory issues related to eating different types of food textures and types. Your child’s therapist also will work on hand-eye coordination and teach your child to feed him or herself appropriately. Before your child starts school, an occupational therapist will develop your child’s pre-writing hand strength. Once your child enters school, the therapist will help him or her develop handwriting skills.
  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) teaches people with Asperger’s syndrome how to act socially and cope with their emotions. It teaches important skills such as controlling impulses, fears, anxiety, obsessions, interrupting, and tantrums. It’s different for every person, based on his or her needs.
  • Medicine: There is no medicine to treat Asperger’s syndrome. Most medicines treat the anxiety, depression, or inability to focus often related to Asperger’s syndrome. Commonly prescribed medicines for anxiety and depression include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antipsychotic medicine, and stimulant medicines.

Don’t ignore your child’s early social and communication delays. Asperger’s syndrome behaviors will not improve on their own without therapy. As your child progresses through school, therapy may change to reflect your child’s needs at the time. More importantly, ask your therapists how to apply the therapy at home. Children do best when therapy is the same at school and home.

Therapy is not a one-time treatment. Repetitive therapy helps your child develop a desired behavior. Children should not be punished for undesired behavior. Instead, therapists use incentives and rewards (giving your child extra free time, a healthy snack, or something that is important to them) to encourage appropriate behavior.

Signs and Symptoms of Asperger Syndrome (ASD)

 

Asperger Syndrome (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder that is widely described as a mild form of autism. People with ASD tend to have many of the social and sensory issues of those with more severe forms of autistic disorder but have average to above average IQs and vocabularies. They often have trouble picking up on subtle forms of communication like body language, humor, and sarcasm.

Find below some common signs of Asperger Syndrome (ASD):

  • difficulty making friends of the same age, children with ASD may feel more comfortable with adults or much younger children
  • engages in one-sided, long-winded conversations, without noticing if the listener is still listening or trying to change the subject
  • displays unusual nonverbal communication, such as lack of eye contact, few facial expressions, or awkward body postures and gestures
  • does not empathize with or seems insensitive to others’ feelings and has a hard time “reading” other people or may have difficulty understanding humor
  • doesn’t understand the give-and-take of conversation or engage in “small talk”
  • seems egocentric or self-absorbed
  • may speak in a voice that is monotone, rigid, jerky or unusually fast
  • may be extremely literal or have difficulty understanding the nuances of language, despite having a good vocabulary

While all children with ASD are different, their unusual social skills and obsessive interests tend to set them apart from their peers. They may have in common some or all of the following symptoms:

  • may have an intense obsession with one or two specific, narrow subjects
  • may strongly prefer repetitive routines or rituals and becomes upset at any small changes
  • may memorize information and facts easily, especially information related to a topic of interest
  • may have clumsy, uncoordinated movements, an odd posture or a rigid gait
  • may perform repetitive movements, such as hand or finger flapping
  • may engage in violent outbursts, self-injurious behaviors, tantrums or meltdowns
  • may be hypersensitive to sensory stimulation such as light, sound, and texture
  • may “day dream” or “zone out” when overstimulated

Want to hear first hand from a parent about what it’s like to have a child with issues related to Asperger Syndrome (ASD) and how Brain Balance can help?

MEET CASEY: “He used to not be connected in what we were doing. He’d want to do it his way. He’d want to do it very silly or just not be involved with what we’re doing at all. Now, he’s right with me.” – Sara W., Brain Balance Parent*

If your child struggles with symptoms similar to Asperger Syndrome (ASD) or has already been diagnosed with the disorder, get started with Brain Balance today.

Asperger’s: Do You or Your Child Show Symptoms of the Disorder?

Resources We Love 

If you or your child has Asperger’s syndrome, you’re not alone. Certain resources can help provide support, financial assistance, and useful information.

Organizations such as Autism Speaks, the National Autism Association, the Autism Society, and the American Psychiatric Association are good places to start.

Several websites host blogs that can also be helpful for people with Asperger’s, parents, and caregivers alike. Others provide useful information about financial assistance programs for families who are impacted by Asperger’s and other autism spectrum disorders.

If you’d like to participate in a clinical trial, several resources, including ClinicalTrials.gov and CenterWatch, can help you locate a research study in your area.

Taking advantage of valuable resources can greatly impact your Asperger’s journey. Staying informed and connected can help you cope with the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that often accompany autism spectrum disorders.

Favorite Organizations for Essential Asperger’s Info

American Psychiatric Association (APA)

The APA is a trusted source for information on Asperger’s syndrome. We love their blog page, which highlights some of the latest news about autism and related disorders. You’ll also want to check out the “Expert Q + A” section, where leading psychiatrists answer your top questions.

Autism Speaks

We love that this organization has an Autism Response Team (ART) that answers your questions, connects you with resources, and helps you find services in your area. You can call during business hours or send members of the team an email.

Autism Society of America

Autism Society offers an online course, Autism 101, that helps users increase their knowledge about the disorder. It takes about 30 minutes to complete, and you can download a certificate when you finish. Also, sign up for their free newsletter.

Asperger-Autism Network (AANE)

The AANE works with families to help people with Asperger’s and other autism spectrum disorders build meaningful, connected lives. They provide education, support, and advocacy. We love their parent coaching resource, which offers one-on-one sessions designed to help parents of children, teens, and adults who are on the spectrum. The experts will even review your child’s individualized education program (IEP), if needed.

U.S. Autism Association

This nonprofit organization offers education, support, and solutions for families dealing with an autism diagnosis. The U.S. Autism Association, through the U.S. College Autism Project (USCAP) initiative, has created a program for individuals on the autism spectrum to achieve a successful college and post-collegiate experience. Learn more about the curriculum on their website.

Favorite Online Support Networks

Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP)

Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone. GRASP offers a list of support groups in your area. If you can’t find one that’s close, they’ll connect you with services in your region.

Favorite Apps, Products, and Gadgets

Understanding Mental Health Disorders: Your Guide to DSM-5

The APA’s Understanding Mental Health Disorders book is chock-full of information about how autism is recognized and diagnosed, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). You can see excerpts from the book and purchase it for $24.95 from the APA.

Birdhouse for Autism App

We love this app because it helps parents and caregivers keep track of a child’s behavior, nutrition, medication, therapy sessions, and more. Among other features, you can track your kid’s diet and sleep cycles.

Favorite Annual Meetings

Asperger-Autism Spectrum Education Network (ASPEN)

ASPEN hosts an annual fall conference with keynote speakers and relevant topics for people with Asperger’s and other autism spectrum disorders.

International Conference on Autism

Medical professionals from around the world attend this conference to share about the latest autism research.

Favorite Resource for Becoming an Advocate

Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN)

Looking to get involved? The ASAN advocates, so the voices of people with autism are heard. You can volunteer, join an affiliate group, or find other ways to support the cause here.

Favorite Asperger’s Blog

Life with Asperger’s

In his personal blog, Gavin Bollard writes about his family’s autism journey. Gavin’s older son was diagnosed with Asperger’s, and his younger son is on the autism spectrum. Gavin, himself, was diagnosed with Asperger’s after learning about the symptoms. He covers topics like bullying and misconceptions about autism.

Learn More About Additional Resources and Support for Asperger’s

Child Asperger Syndrome Quiz & Screening

How do I know if my child needs to be tested for Asperger’s?

Typically, by the time a child is three, a parent will start noticing behavioral differences when compared to other children, says John Carosso, PsyD, a child psychologist and certified school psychologist at Community Psychiatric Centers at the Autism Center of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “They may see their child among other children and sense their child is different,” he says. “A child with Asperger’s tends to get into frequent conflicts with other children. They are very emotional compared to other kids and may have obsessions that other kids don’t have.”

If your child (any age) is having a very difficult time in a school setting or displaying explosive behavior at home, seek an evaluation, advises Eric Hollander, MD, director of the Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. Children with Asperger’s often have strong verbal skills yet deficits in non-verbal skills, he says.

“If your child is having trouble dressing herself by age five or problems with motor coordination, and difficulty drawing a box, you may want to look into getting her tested,” Dr. Hollander says. Other noticeable symptoms to look for include hand flapping, repetitive head banging, temper tantrums, and avoiding other children, he says.

Is high-functioning autism the same thing as Asperger’s?

Asperger’s is now considered a high-functioning type of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), explains Eric Hollander, MD, director of the Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. In fact, the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) classifies Asperger’s under the umbrella term of an autism spectrum disorder rather than a diagnosis on its own, he says.

How is Asperger’s diagnosed in children?

Your pediatrician or a social worker should be able to recognize that your child has a developmental delay, says Eric Hollander, MD, director of the Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. He or she will then most likely refer you to a specialist like a child psychiatrist, pediatric neurologist, or developmental neuropsychologist for an evaluation that includes various diagnostic tests. The parent may be interviewed about early childhood symptoms, Dr. Hollander says.

What will happen if your child is diagnosed with Asperger’s?

As part of your child’s comprehensive evaluation, you will be asked about early childhood symptoms and your child’s behavior will be observed, says Eric Hollander, MD, director of the Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. “This evaluation will be critical to make sure your child gets the appropriate support services such as specialized educational settings, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and social skills training,” he says.

You may also be referred to an autism diagnostic and treatment center. The nonprofit organizations Autism Speaks and ICare4Autism can connect you with resources and advocate for services at low or no cost to your family, Dr. Hollander says.

It’s a good idea for parents of children diagnosed with Asperger’s to seek counseling so they will be able to help their child learn to function, says John Carosso, PsyD, a child psychologist and certified school psychologist at Community Psychiatric Centers at the Autism Center of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “It can also be helpful to get connected to a support group to help you, the parent,” he says.

What other conditions can be mistaken for Asperger’s?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD) all can look similar to Asperger’s, says Eric Hollander, MD, director of the Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.

For example, a child with ADHD, due to distractibility, may display inconsistent eye contact and not be entirely responsive to directives. “So in that sense, a child with ADHD may appear similar to a child with Asperger’s but the underlying reasons for the issues are far different,” says John Carosso, PsyD, a child psychologist and certified school psychologist at Community Psychiatric Centers at the Autism Center of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “So Asperger’s can be a challenging diagnosis to make.”

Can a person have mild Asperger’s?

The milder the symptoms, the more chance that Asperger’s will be diagnosed later rather than sooner, says John Carosso, PsyD, a child psychologist and certified school psychologist at Community Psychiatric Centers at the Autism Center of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “This is why you have teenagers and adults who have not been diagnosed,” he says.

Often, children with Asperger’s are very high-functioning, with good verbal skills, says Eric Hollander, MD, director of the Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. “They can be considered gifted children with great verbal skills, yet they may have a relative deficiency in the non-verbal skills area.”

Can a child outgrow Asperger’s?

If the symptoms are very mild and the concerns are addressed through treatment, your child’s symptoms may not be noticeable as they grow older and mature, says John Carosso, PsyD, a child psychologist and certified school psychologist at Community Psychiatric Centers at the Autism Center of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

“As a child develops work-arounds and learns skills through social skills training, the deficits she has can be less noticeable and disruptive,” says Eric Hollander, MD, director of the Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. “Many children learn strategies that can help them, like having a note taker in school. And with these strategies and skill gains, a child can be part of mainstream education.”

What does Asperger’s look like?

The three characteristics a child with Asperger’s exhibits are social awkwardness, obsessiveness, and sensory issues, says John Carosso, PsyD, a child psychologist and certified school psychologist at Community Psychiatric Centers at the Autism Center of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “They might be bossy, very physical, and lack empathy,” he says. “They may be aggressive. They want to be friendly with other children but they don’t know how.” Temper tantrums, self-injury, and aggression are other possible signs, as are language delays and the habit of avoiding eye gaze.

Look for deficits in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and rigidity, says Eric Hollander, MD, director of the Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. A child with Asperger’s may obsess over one item, always carrying it around, he says. “This also can interfere socially since this may be all the child talks about,” he says. “And they may be hypersensitive to clothing, sounds, touch, textures and smells.”

Additionally, Dr. Hollander says, because life is generally so difficult for these children, they may mishandle social situations. “These kids tend to be very emotional and are always having tantrums,” he says. “They are routine-oriented and very rule-oriented. They have the attitude: These are the rules and you stick with the rules.”

Asperger’s Syndrome – Autism Society.

History

Asperger’s syndrome (also known as Asperger’s Disorder) was first described in the 1940s by Viennese pediatrician Hans Asperger, who observed autism-like behaviors and difficulties with social and communication skills in boys who had normal intelligence and language development. Many professionals felt Asperger’s syndrome was simply a milder form of autism and used the term “high-functioning autism” to describe these individuals. Uta Frith, a professor at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience of University College London and editor of Autism and Asperger Syndrome, describes individuals with Asperger’s as “having a dash of autism.”

Asperger’s Disorder was added to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) in 1994 as a separate disorder from autism. However, there are still many professionals who consider Asperger’s Disorder a less severe form of autism. In 2013, the DSM-5 replaced Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders with the umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

Characteristics

What distinguishes Asperger’s Disorder from classic autism are its less severe symptoms and the absence of language delays. Children with Asperger’s Disorder may be only mildly affected, and they frequently have good language and cognitive skills. To the untrained observer, a child with Asperger’s Disorder may just seem like a neurotypical child behaving differently.

Children with autism are frequently viewed as aloof and uninterested in others. This is not the case with Asperger’s Disorder. Individuals with Asperger’s Disorder usually want to fit in and have interaction with others, but often they don’t know how to do it. They may be socially awkward, not understand conventional social rules or show a lack of empathy. They may have limited eye contact, seem unengaged in a conversation and not understand the use of gestures or sarcasm.

Their interests in a particular subject may border on the obsessive. Children with Asperger’s Disorder often like to collect categories of things, such as rocks or bottle caps. They may be proficient in knowledge categories of information, such as baseball statistics or Latin names of flowers. They may have good rote memory skills but struggle with abstract concepts.

One of the major differences between Asperger’s Disorder and autism is that, by definition, there is no speech delay in Asperger’s. In fact, children with Asperger’s Disorder frequently have good language skills; they simply use language in different ways. Speech patterns may be unusual, lack inflection or have a rhythmic nature, or may be formal, but too loud or high-pitched. Children with Asperger’s Disorder may not understand the subtleties of language, such as irony and humor, or they may not understand the give-and-take nature of a conversation.

Another distinction between Asperger’s Disorder and autism concerns cognitive ability. While some individuals with autism have intellectual disabilities, by definition, a person with Asperger’s Disorder cannot have a “clinically significant” cognitive delay, and most possess average to above-average intelligence.

While motor difficulties are not a specific criterion for Asperger’s, children with Asperger’s Disorder frequently have motor skill delays and may appear clumsy or awkward.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Asperger’s Disorder has increased in recent years, although it is unclear whether it is more prevalent or more professionals are detecting it. When Asperger’s and autism were considered separate disorders under the DSM-IV, the symptoms for Asperger’s Disorder were the same as those listed for autism; however, children with Asperger’s do not have delays in the area of communication and language. In fact, to be diagnosed with Asperger’s, a child must have normal language development as well as normal intelligence. The DSM-IV criteria for Asperger’s specified that the individual must have “severe and sustained impairment in social interaction, and the development of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities that must cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.”

The first step to diagnosis is an assessment, including a developmental history and observation. This should be done by medical professionals experienced with autism and other PDDs. Early diagnosis is also important as children with Asperger’s Disorder who are diagnosed and treated early in life have an increased chance of being successful in school and eventually living independently.

Contact us for information on Asperger’s resources, including support groups and websites.

Symptoms, Tests, Diagnosis, and Treatment

When you meet someone who has Asperger’s syndrome, you might notice two things right off. They’re just as smart as other folks, but they have more trouble with social skills. They also tend to have an obsessive focus on one topic or perform the same behaviors again and again.

Doctors used to think of Asperger’s as a separate condition. But in 2013, the newest edition of the standard book that mental health experts use, called The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), changed how it’s classified.

Today, Asperger’s syndrome is technically no longer a diagnosis on its own. It is now part of a broader category called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This group of related disorders shares some symptoms. Even so, lots of people still use the term Asperger’s.

The condition is what doctors call a “high-functioning” type of ASD. This means the symptoms are less severe than other kinds of autism spectrum disorders.

The DSM-5 also includes a new diagnosis, called social pragmatic communication disorder, which has some symptoms that overlap with Asperger’s. Doctors use it to describe people who have trouble talking and writing, but have normal intelligence.

Symptoms

They start early in life. If you’re a mom or dad of a kid who has it, you may notice that they can’t make eye contact. You may also find that your child seems awkward in social situations and doesn’t know what to say or how to respond when someone talks to them.

They may miss social cues that are obvious to other folks, like body language or the expressions on people’s faces. For instance, they may not realize that when somebody crosses their arms and scowls, they’re angry.

Another sign is that your child may show few emotions. They may not smile when they’re happy or laugh at a joke. Or they may speak in a flat, robotic kind of way.

If your child has the condition, they may talk about themselves most of the time and zero in with a lot of intensity on a single subject, like rocks or football stats. And they might repeat themselves a lot, especially on a topic that they’re interested in. They might also do the same movements over and over.

They also may dislike change. For instance, they may eat the same food for breakfast every day or have trouble moving from one class to another during the school day.

How You Get a Diagnosis

If you notice signs in your child, see your pediatrician. They can refer you to a mental health expert who specializes in ASDs, like one of these:

Psychologist. They diagnose and treat problems with emotions and behavior.

Pediatric neurologist. They treat conditions of the brain.

Developmental pediatrician. They specialize in speech and language issues and other developmental problems.

Psychiatrist. They have expertise in mental health conditions and can prescribe medicine to treat them.

The condition is often treated with a team approach. That means you might see more than one doctor for your child’s care.

The doctor will ask questions about your child’s behavior, including:

  • What symptoms do they have, and when did you first notice them?
  • When did your child first learn to speak, and how do they communicate?
  • Are they focused on any subjects or activities?
  • Do they have friends, and how do they interact with others?

Then they’ll observe your child in different situations to see firsthand how they communicate and behave.

Treatment

Every child is different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Your doctor might need to try a few therapies to find one that works.

Treatments can include:

Social skills training. In groups or one-on-one sessions, therapists teach your child how to interact with others and express themselves in more appropriate ways. Social skills are often best learned by modeling after typical behavior.

Speech-language therapy. This helps improve your kid’s communication skills. For example, they’ll learn how to use a normal up-and-down pattern when they speak rather than a flat tone. They’ll also get lessons on how to keep up a two-way conversation and understand social cues like hand gestures and eye contact.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps your child change their way of thinking, so they can better control their emotions and repetitive behaviors. They’ll be able to get a handle on things like outbursts, meltdowns, and obsessions.

Parent education and training. You’ll learn many of the same techniques your child is taught so you can work on social skills with them at home. Some families also see a counselor to help them deal with the challenges of living with someone with Asperger’s.

Applied behavior analysis. It’s a technique that encourages positive social and communication skills in your child — and discourages behavior you’d rather not see. The therapist will use praise or other “positive reinforcement” to get results.

Medicine. There aren’t any drugs approved by the FDA that specifically treat Asperger’s or autism spectrum disorders. Some medications, though, can help with related symptoms like depression and anxiety. Your doctor may prescribe some of these:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Antipsychotic drugs
  • Stimulant medicines

With the right treatment, your child can learn to control some of the social and communication challenges they face. They can do well in school and go on to succeed in life.

90,000 Treatment of children with Asperger’s syndrome in Moscow

Asperger’s Syndrome is a form of autism characterized by severe impairments to social communication and interaction. This syndrome differs from true autism in the preservation of speech and cognitive functions.

Until now, the causes of Asperger’s syndrome remain unclear. It is assumed that the main predisposing factors for the development of this pathology are genetic and environmental causes.

Symptoms

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome find it difficult to express emotionally, they do not perceive gestures, facial expressions, voice intonation, it is difficult for them to choose a topic for conversation, to understand when a conversation can be started or finished, it is difficult for them to understand humor, sarcasm, allegories. Communication difficulties affect social interactions. So, children with this pathology experience difficulties in communicating with other children, in maintaining relationships. In games, it is difficult for such children to accept a role, to show imagination.They prefer logic and mechanical games more. From the outside, these children seem clumsy, they can speak out of place, start inappropriate topics of conversation, get too close to strangers. Children with Asperger’s Syndrome sometimes develop semantic dyslexia – reading without understanding the meaning of the reading.

Lack of full-fledged communication with people in children in the future can lead to the development of clinical depression or anxiety neurosis. Therefore, parents should contact specialists as early as possible and begin psychological and pedagogical correction of a child with Asperger’s syndrome, aimed at social adaptation.

Diagnostics

Doctors of related specialties are involved in the diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome: child psychiatrist, psychologist, child neurologist, teacher-defectologist. First of all, anamnesis is collected from the parents, as well as a conversation with the child in a playful way. The level of intelligence, psycho-speech development of the child and his ability to communicate are assessed.

Treatment and prognosis

Treatment of this syndrome is psychotherapeutic. The main task is to teach a child to live with this syndrome, to help him adapt to social life.Classes are conducted with a psychologist, teacher, speech therapist, neuropsychologist. The prognosis of the disease is favorable. By adulthood, the symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome are smoothed out and such people can have a full social life, work and create families.

Our programs:

Center for Speech Neurology “DoctorNeuro” has developed a comprehensive program of examination of children with an undetermined diagnosis of “autism”.

After a diagnostic examination and an accurate diagnosis, we recommend that parents undergo treatment under the Open World Program for the Social Adaptation of Children with Autism.

How is Asperger’s Syndrome different from autism?

Asperger’s Syndrome is one of the autism spectrum disorders. Its symptoms are milder than those of autism. The exact causes of Asperger’s syndrome are unknown, but it is assumed that, as in the case of autism, they are rooted in genetic predisposition and the influence of external factors on human prenatal development. Both disorders have changes in the brain, but how exactly they appear and develop is not fully known.Correction of the symptoms of this disorder occurs using the same methods as in the treatment of childhood autism.


The main symptoms of autism spectrum disorders are problems in social interaction with others, unwillingness to make contact, lack of empathy and inadequate perception of generally accepted norms and concepts. However, people with Asperger’s syndrome perform significantly better in society than with autism.Problems with speech and learning in such a person are less pronounced. People with Asperger Syndrome may respond inappropriately to social interactions and often appear to be insensitive. They are able to theoretically understand the emotions of other people and learn to empathize, but they usually find it difficult to put their knowledge into practice.

A child with Asperger Syndrome can excel in activities that require attention to detail, such as math, music, or drawing.

Asperger sufferers often show limited interests in very specific areas, without seeing or understanding the broader context. To a large extent, this is also characteristic of autists. They can also focus mainly on narrow topics. For example, watch only a certain program on TV or play with only one toy. This feature can also have a positive side. A child with Asperger Syndrome can excel in activities that require attention to detail, such as math, music, or drawing.

Read also

Myths about autism

Musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and physicist Albert Einstein are believed to have suffered from ASD among famous people of the past. Among our contemporaries, one can distinguish environmentalist Greta Thunberg, who considers her diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome a gift that defines her vision of the world “in very black and white”. Another striking example of a person with this disease is the writer, mathematician and computer scientist Daniel Tammet.He set himself the task of explaining to healthy people how the inner world of a person with autism spectrum disorder works.

For both autism and Asperger’s syndrome, treatment is aimed at improving symptoms and functioning in society.

Asperger’s syndrome and autism are usually diagnosed in children aged 1.5-2 years. Sometimes it is immediately clear that the child has some problems in socialization, but in general he communicates with others adequately.However, it is more likely that Asperger’s syndrome can be detected in dynamics, after several years of treatment, having previously diagnosed autism in the child. The diagnosis of autism and Asperger’s syndrome usually occurs after a meeting of a psychiatrist, child psychologist, occupational therapist and speech therapist with the child and his parents.

Autism is treated exclusively with behavioral therapy. In the case of Asperger’s syndrome, starting in older adolescence, the patient is prescribed treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy.For both autism and Asperger’s syndrome, treatment is aimed at improving symptoms and functioning in society. Specialists try to teach the child those social skills that are appropriate for his age, and which he has not been able to acquire on his own. Patients with autism spectrum disorders are often prescribed medication to reduce symptoms. However, in the case of Asperger’s syndrome, the medications that work are less obvious than in autism.

Symptoms generally decrease with age in children with Asperger Syndrome, although difficulties in social interaction with others may persist. It is the understanding of how the disease develops and how treatment works that helps determine what will happen in the future for a child with autism spectrum disorder, and where his symptoms may develop.

90,000 Signs of Asperger’s Syndrome in Children

Asperger’s Syndrome is an increasingly widespread disease.We are talking about a developmental disorder of the child, more details here at autizm.net. Parents should always be in control of the situation. It is very important to observe the behavior of the child and correlate it with the most pronounced symptoms of certain deviations. When it comes to Asperger’s syndrome, there are several:

  • There are obvious violations in terms of social interaction. Children often cannot find contact with peers, but here we are talking about something else, namely, a deficit in communicative (non-verbal) behavior, abnormalities in body language and eye contact, as well as a complete absence of facial expressions;
  • Motor or stereotyped movements, using single words or objects.For example, a baby can align objects to a certain template shape, turn them over, repeat the words he heard uncontrollably;
  • Restricted or stereotyped hobbies. It’s about adherence to routine algorithms and processes. For example, a child does not tolerate any changes, it is difficult for him to experience changes, he has rather harsh rituals and thinking patterns. He wants to always go one way and perform repetitive actions;
  • Delayed speech or cognitive development;
  • Physical clumsiness.

These symptoms usually manifest themselves before the age of two and then do not disappear throughout life. At the same time, you do not need to diagnose your baby yourself. The advice of experienced professionals should be mandatory.

A narrow area of ​​interest is not always associated with the disease, but this symptom manifests itself most clearly. It is important to observe the behavior of the child over a period of time, and not to jump to conclusions.In addition, Asperger’s syndrome is characterized by a lack of deepening into the topic. The child often memorizes some information, but does not realize its breadth, how to apply it and where to use it. This also defines limitation. Special interests may periodically change, but attachment to one occupation to the detriment of others – to remain.

Source: autizm.net

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Asperger’s syndrome: what is known about the most mysterious disease of the century

Asperger’s syndrome: what is known about the most mysterious disease of the century – RIA Novosti, 15.10.2019

Asperger’s syndrome: what is known about the most mysterious disease of the century

Until 1994, Asperger’s syndrome, one of the types of autism, did not have its own code in diagnosis, it was not singled out separately in the statistics of mental illness … RIA Novosti, 15.10.2019

2019-10-15T08: 00

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MOSCOW, October 15 – RIA Novosti, Tatyana Pichugina. Until 1994, Asperger’s syndrome, one of the types of autism, did not have its own diagnostic code, it was not singled out separately in the statistics of mental illness. It was later calculated that this syndrome occurs on average in 0.06 percent of the population, but the number of such diagnoses has recently been growing sharply. With what this may be due – in the material of RIA Novosti.Normality versus Weirdness In 1985, autism had an average of five in ten thousand; now it is one in one hundred and fifty. They started talking about the “autism epidemic”, serious programs were launched to study and treat it. The term “autism” is understood as several pathological conditions, including Asperger’s syndrome, which manifests itself in a person’s isolation, inability to recognize other people’s emotions. The patient pronounces long monologues in a peculiar monotonous manner. Interest in this syndrome is strongly fueled by tabloids discussing the psychological portraits of the mass murderer Anders Breivik, environmental activist Greta Thunberg and even the fictional hero of the series “The Big Bang Theory” – the brilliant physicist Sheldon Cooper.However, without observing a person, without talking with him, it is unprofessional to talk about mental disorders, all the more to distribute comments to the media on this matter, says psychiatrist, professor Marina Kinkulkina, director of the Institute of Clinical Medicine at Sechenov University. “Asperger’s syndrome is characterized by low contact, turning inward, a pronounced isolation from the outside world, focus on one’s own interests, fixation on one task, a lack of understanding of the motives of other people, a violation of fine motor skills, which can normalize with age, and can also gain a foothold in the form of eccentric movements.At the same time, mental abilities are normal. Sometimes such patients are ahead of their peers in intelligence. This gives a very unusual clinical picture “, – says the doctor. Asperger’s syndrome is diagnosed clinically. So far no biochemical, hormonal or genetic markers have been found that unambiguously accompany this condition. Nor can it be detected by scanning the brain.” We do not always see structural changes in the brain. with Asperger’s syndrome – as opposed to tumors, cysts or vascular abnormalities.In adult patients, a normal electroencephalogram is more common. “Genetics plus unknown factors Asperger’s syndrome, like other types of autism, manifests itself in early childhood and determines all subsequent human development. It is possible that the surge in autism is partly caused by too broad interpretation of this term by doctors of others specialties that, along with psychiatrists, make a diagnosis. “There is no specific treatment. This is for life. With the child, only correctional work is carried out in order to facilitate his adaptation in the team, to develop social skills.Educate parents. Sometimes symptomatic treatment is prescribed if, for example, a person’s mood has decreased, anxiety has increased, “explains Kinkulkina. Mountains of scientific literature have been written about the causes of Asperger’s syndrome, but there is no complete clarity. Observations of identical twins gave reason to talk about the great contribution of genetics to the development of the disease Several genes on the X chromosome have been identified whose breakdowns are associated with autism, which probably explains why the syndrome is four times more common in boys – they have one X chromosome, so there is no second copy of all genes.There is also evidence of the influence of environmental and immunological factors, which can act separately or in combination with a hereditary predisposition. Now they are actively finding out what toxins, for example, in the air, are dangerous for a pregnant woman. Perhaps the antibodies produced in the body of the expectant mother in response to some external stress, penetrate the placenta and cause abnormalities in the development of the fetus. Toxins and negative factors include drugs, alcohol, and social factors such as immigration.Finnish scientists in 2015 analyzed the histories of children born from 1987 to 2005 and by 2007 received the corresponding diagnosis. It turned out that the disease in children of immigrants is not observed more often, and in some cases (when both parents immigrated) even less often. However, the authors of the work admit that the statistics are distorted by the reluctance of this category to seek psychiatric help. There is no reason to say that there are more autists among those born as a result of IVF. Statistics are not enough to draw such conclusions.”I have not yet seen the results of a well-designed study on this topic,” the doctor emphasizes. The Effect of Friendship The public is also interested in how dangerous people with Asperger’s can be, whether they are more likely to have a murderous tendency. There is also no evidence for this. “A study by Austrian scientists showed that there are no more offenders among people with Asperger’s syndrome than among healthy people,” says Marina Kinkulkina. A child with Asperger’s syndrome has a higher risk of becoming an outcast at school, the subject of bullying.Peculiarities of behavior, manner of communication, inability to make friends and maintain friendship repels children, forces them to keep away from a special classmate. According to researchers from France, communication with peers is very important for children and adolescents. Friendship forms emotional contact, develops communication skills, a sense of sympathy, teaches empathy for others. This is difficult in children with Asperger Syndrome. They prefer games according to clear, clearly defined rules, activity, where a minimum of interaction with others is required.Autistic people have difficulty deciphering communication characteristics such as tone of voice, gestures, facial expressions, and body language. They literally understand words, do not catch jokes, and often enter the conversation at random. They are characterized by stereotypical behavior, unnatural intonation, alienation, unusual hobbies. Meanwhile, special children want to be friends and do not understand why they are alone. They often have depressive symptoms and anxiety. According to a study by scientists from Cambridge, adults with Asperger’s syndrome are much more likely to have suicidal thoughts than healthy and even patients with psychosis: 66 percent versus 17 percent and 55 percent.This is primarily due to depression against the background of social isolation, loneliness, lack of communication, disorder and unemployment. Who discovered Asperger’s syndrome In the early years of Soviet power, a child psychiatrist from Kiev Grunya Efimovna Sukhareva founded in Moscow a school and a treatment department for children with neuropsychiatric problems … Observing six boys with mental disabilities there, she described the new disease and its clinical symptoms in 1925 in a Soviet scientific journal, and later in a German one.At first she spoke about “schizoid psychopathy”, later – “autistic psychopathy”. Moreover, she noted a paradoxical combination of features: a high level of intelligence of patients and poor motor skills. This is exactly what is characteristic of Asperger’s syndrome. The scientific community did not notice this article, and autistic psychopathy was “rediscovered” by Austrian psychiatrist Hans Asperger in 1938 and a little later by his fellow countryman who immigrated to the United States, Leo Kanner. Some believe, based on indirect evidence, that they were familiar with Sukhareva’s work.Be that as it may, but Asperger’s articles gained wide popularity in the English-speaking world only in 1981, when they were translated. And two years ago it turned out that he, apparently, collaborated with the Nazis, although he positioned himself as an active fighter against the Third Reich. As established by the historian of medicine Herwig Cech, studying previously unknown archives, during the war, Asperger practiced at the university children’s clinic in Vienna. He selected children with severe mental disabilities and wrote them directions to the clinic “Am Spiegelgrund”, included in the Nazi program of eugenics and the purification of the nation.From July 1940 until the collapse of Nazi Germany, 789 children died there, many of them were killed.

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USA, Moscow, the first Sechenov Moscow State Medical University, discoveries – RIA Science, Greta Thunberg, Vienna

MOSCOW, 15 Oct – RIA Novosti, Tatyana Pichugina. Until 1994, Asperger’s syndrome, one of the types of autism, did not have its own code in the diagnosis, it was not singled out separately in the statistics of mental illness.It was later calculated that this syndrome occurs on average in 0.06 percent of the population, but the number of such diagnoses has recently been growing sharply. With what this may be due – in the material of RIA Novosti.

Normality amid oddities

In 1985, autism suffered an average of five in ten thousand, now it is one in one hundred and fifty. They started talking about the “autism epidemic” and launched serious programs to study and treat it.

The term “autism” is understood to mean several pathological conditions, including Asperger’s syndrome, which manifests itself in a person’s isolation, inability to recognize other people’s emotions.The patient pronounces long monologues in a peculiar monotonous manner.

Interest in this syndrome is strongly fueled by tabloids discussing psychological portraits of mass murderer Anders Breivik, environmental activist Greta Thunberg and even the fictional hero of the series “The Big Bang Theory” – the brilliant physicist Sheldon Cooper.

February 26, 2013, 12:48 PM Asperger’s syndrome, but does not recognize the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

However, without observing a person, without talking to him, it is unprofessional to talk about mental disorders, all the more to distribute comments to the media on this matter, says psychiatrist, professor Marina Kinkulkina, director of the Institute of Clinical Medicine at Sechenov University.

“Asperger’s syndrome is characterized by low contact, turning inward, pronounced isolation from the outside world, concentration on one’s own interests, obsession with one task, a lack of understanding of the motives of other people, impaired fine motor skills, which can normalize with age, and may even gain a foothold in the form of eccentric movements.At the same time, mental abilities are normal. Sometimes such patients are ahead of their peers in intelligence. This gives a very unusual clinical picture “, – says the doctor.

Asperger’s syndrome is diagnosed clinically. No biochemical, hormonal or genetic markers have been found unambiguously accompanying this condition. It cannot be detected by scanning the brain.

” We are far from always we see structural changes in the brain in Asperger’s syndrome – in contrast to tumors, cysts or vascular anomalies.In adult patients, a normal electroencephalogram is more common. ”

21 July 2019, 08:00 childhood and determines all subsequent human development.It is possible that the surge in autism is partly caused by the too broad interpretation of this term by doctors of other specialties, who, along with psychiatrists, make a diagnosis.

“There is no specific treatment. This is for life. With the child, only corrective work is carried out in order to facilitate his adaptation in the team, to develop social skills. Parents are taught. Sometimes symptomatic treatment is prescribed if, for example, a person’s mood has decreased, anxiety has increased.” , – explains Kinkulkina.

Mountains of scientific literature have been written about the causes of Asperger’s syndrome, but there is no complete clarity. Observations of identical twins gave grounds for to talk about the great contribution of genetics to the development of the disease.Several genes on the X chromosome have been identified whose breakdowns are associated with autism. This probably explains why the syndrome is four times more common in boys – they have one X chromosome, so there is no second copy of all genes. January 16, 2013, 12:04 pm taken from 55 people from families where autism spectrum disorders have been diagnosed in several members.

There is also evidence of the influence of environmental and immunological factors, which can act alone or in combination with a hereditary predisposition.Now they are actively finding out what toxins, for example, in the air, are dangerous for a pregnant woman. Perhaps the antibodies produced in the body of the expectant mother in response to some external stress, penetrate the placenta and cause abnormalities in the development of the fetus. Among the toxins and negative factors are drugs, alcohol.

Social factors such as immigration are also taken into account. Finnish scientists in 2015 analyzed the histories of children born from 1987 to 2005 and who had received a corresponding diagnosis by 2007.It turned out that the disease in children of immigrants is not observed more often, and in some cases (when both parents immigrated) even less often. However, the authors of the work admit that the statistics are distorted by the reluctance of this category to seek psychiatric help.

There is no reason to say that there are more autistic people among those born as a result of IVF. Statistics are not enough to draw such conclusions.

“I have not yet seen the results of a well-planned study on this topic,” the doctor emphasizes.

23 May 2019, 08:00 Science Scientists have developed an unexpected way to treat diabetes and autism

The effect of friendship

The public also wonders how dangerous people with Asperger’s can be, whether they are more likely to have a tendency to kill. There is also no evidence for this.

“A study by Austrian scientists has shown that there are no more offenders among people with Asperger’s syndrome than among healthy people,” says Marina Kinkulkina.

September 19, 2019, 08:00 Science Scientists have found out how the most dangerous people on the planet appearFeatures of behavior, manner of communication, inability to make friends and maintain friendship repels children, forcing them to avoid a special classmate.

As write researchers in France, peer interaction is very important for children and adolescents. Friendship forms emotional contact, develops communication skills, a sense of sympathy, teaches empathy for others. This is difficult in children with Asperger Syndrome. They prefer games according to clear, clearly defined rules, activity, where a minimum of interaction with others is required.Autistic people have difficulty deciphering communication characteristics such as tone of voice, gestures, facial expressions, and body language. They literally understand words, do not catch jokes, and often enter the conversation at random. They are characterized by stereotypical behavior, unnatural intonation, alienation, unusual hobbies.

Meanwhile, special children want to be friends and do not understand why they are alone. They often have depressive symptoms and anxiety.

According to 90,241 studies of 90,242 scientists from Cambridge, adults with Asperger Syndrome are much more likely to have suicidal thoughts than healthy and even psychotic patients: 66 percent versus 17 percent and 55 percent.This is due, first of all, to depression against the background of social isolation, loneliness, lack of communication, disorder and unemployment.

October 2, 2019, 14:52

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Who discovered Asperger’s syndrome

In the first years of Soviet power, a child psychiatrist from Kiev Grunya Efimovna Sukhareva founded a school and a treatment department in Moscow for children with neuropsychiatric problems. Observing six boys with mental disabilities there, she described a new disease and its clinical symptoms in 1925 in a Soviet scientific journal, and later in a German one.At first she spoke about “schizoid psychopathy”, later – “autistic psychopathy”. Moreover, she noted a paradoxical combination of features: a high level of intelligence of patients and poor motor skills. This is exactly what is characteristic of Asperger’s syndrome.

The scientific community did not notice this article, and autistic psychopathy was “rediscovered” by the Austrian psychiatrist Hans Asperger in 1938 and a little later by his fellow countryman who immigrated to the United States, Leo Kanner. Some believe, based on indirect evidence, that they were familiar with Sukhareva’s work.

Be that as it may, but Asperger’s articles gained wide popularity in the English-speaking world only in 1981, when they were translated. And two years ago it turned out that he, most likely, collaborated with the Nazis, although he himself positioned himself as an active fighter against the Third Reich.

As established the medical historian Herwig Cech, studying previously unknown archives, during the war, Asperger practiced at the University Children’s Hospital in Vienna. He selected children with severe mental disabilities and wrote them directions to the clinic “Am Spiegelgrund”, included in the Nazi program of eugenics and the purification of the nation.From July 1940 until the collapse of Hitler’s Germany 90,241 90,242 789 children died there, many of them were killed. September 10, 2019, 08:00

Asperger’s syndrome in children is considered one of the types of highly functional or “mild” autism. This disorder, like other autism spectrum disorders, is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, the presence of limited interests, stereotyped movements, and a different perception of the world from others.At the same time, there are no problems with speech, intellectual development and self-service skills correspond to the level of normo-typical peers.

LOQUAR Center provides qualified assistance in the treatment (correction) of Asperger’s syndrome in children: from comprehensive diagnostics to effective correction methods.

Diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome are difficult to diagnose, because at an early age this disorder may be subtle.There is also a problematic diagnosis due to the fact that certain symptoms before the age of 3 years can be present in children without autistic manifestations. Therefore, when making this diagnosis, they rely on symptoms such as:

– stereotyped movements
– obsession with rituals and repetitive actions
– inability to understand speech subtext and social hints
– limited communication, inability to establish contact with others
– formal speech, replete with complex terms (even at an early age)
– awkward gait , lack of coordination
– poverty of facial expressions
– inability to understand the social rules of communication (to maintain distance, not to interrupt the conversation of others, not to ask uncomfortable questions, etc.)etc.)

The conclusion about Asperger’s syndrome is made if these symptoms are present in children with developmental disabilities. But there are cases when this diagnosis was made already in adulthood, since the listed signs were attributed to “oddities” of character, and not to manifestations of autism.

Social skills and communication

Asperger’s syndrome is most noticeable in children in the field of communication and social interaction. At an early age, this can manifest itself in the form of behavioral problems, when, in response to sensory overload, new experiences and other traumatic situations, the child responds with unwanted and uncontrollable behavior (tantrums, auto-aggression, etc.)etc.). As the situation develops, the situation can change for the better, but the manifestations of autism are so variable that there is no single scheme of the process, which can become both progress and regression.

Difficulties with social interaction are often due to the fact that a child with Asperger’s Syndrome does not know and does not understand how exactly he can begin communication with a peer. These difficulties are largely due to the lack of the ability to recognize the emotions of other people, to feel the background of the remarks and the social subtext of the conversation.In such cases, social stories can help, during which children with Asperger Syndrome gain experience and live in advance of frequently encountered situations. A social story topic could be:

– using public transport
– visiting shops, pharmacies
– visiting public places (theater, museum, cinema, etc.)
– visiting a doctor, dentist
– visiting a bank, post office, delivery service
– participating in a party, birthday celebration
, etc.

These social stories are created depending on the situations in which the child experiences the greatest difficulties. Along with “living” these situations in theory, practical exercises are also effective – real visits to public places with the presence of a supportive person (parent, friend, tutor).

Depending on the individual, a child with Asperger Syndrome may have high sensitivity despite the inability to recognize similar manifestations in other people.Often children with Asperger’s Syndrome recognize their differences from their peers as early as adolescence, so the help of a psychologist and therapist may be required to explain these differences and provide emotional support.

Correction and development forecasts

Since the presence of Asperger’s syndrome in a child often implies intellectual preservation and the absence of pronounced problems with speech, the prognosis for compensating for the violation is quite favorable. Often people with this disorder successfully socialize, adapt to an independent life, can create families and lead an active life.But it all depends on the individual.

In any case, even in the absence of noticeable impairments, children with Asperger’s Syndrome need special education and support. Education should include not only the development of various everyday and academic skills, but also the ability to play together, manage behavior, harmonize sensory sensitivity, understand the boundaries of the body, recognize emotions and feelings, and much more.

Asperger’s symptom, the signs of which are often detected in children at a fairly late age, can be corrected subject to regular sessions with specialists.In our LOQUAR Center, we prescribe an individual version of the correction program for each child, depending on his characteristics and needs. In the event that a child has Asperger’s Syndrome, he often needs more in-depth classes in the development of communication skills and behavior control, as well as sensory integration.


Correction:

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90,000 Asperger’s Syndrome in adults: 12 signs

6.Failure to understand another person’s feelings. They are often seen as cold, unfeeling, lacking in empathy. But it’s not that they’re incapable of compassion or don’t want to be kind. It’s just that they themselves have less emotional experiences than others. Often they cannot understand why other people are so upset or agitated, and then they prefer to leave and think about it alone.

7. Underdeveloped communication skills. Sometimes they non-stop talk about their own, not noticing that others are offended or they are no longer interested in listening.And when they don’t like someone, they abruptly cut off the conversation. Such behavior from the outside seems absurd.

8. Inability to share feelings. Does it surprise you when a well-known person doesn’t even ask how you are doing when you meet him, and doesn’t tell you about his successes himself? But it is unusual for people with Asperger’s Syndrome to share their feelings and impressions.

9. Black and white thinking. Once they come to an opinion or decision, they will stick to it, regardless of any arguments.They find it difficult to accept that other people have a different point of view.

10. No flexibility. Did your plans change at the last minute? For a person with Asperger, this is a test fraught with psychological overload, he is not ready for impromptu. He may be upset by mere trifles, seemingly not worthy of attention, or something that is unusual for him.

11. Following a routine. For him, structure and established rules are extremely important. If they break their routine, they feel unsettled and start to panic.

12. Increased sensitivity. They can be very sensitive to touch and try to avoid it in every possible way, making an exception only for the partner. They will recoil if they are patted on the back and will not allow themselves to be hugged. They may also have other autistic traits, such as increased sensitivity to sounds, light, and even hard tags on the inside of their clothes.

Can Asperger’s Syndrome Be Treated in Adults?

There are no specific drugs for this disorder.But psychological counseling in this case can be very useful. A psychologist can teach such a client to cope with stress, build communication more effectively and interact with others, which will make his daily life easier.

Asperger’s Syndrome in children – symptoms and treatment

Asperger’s Syndrome has been considered a form of autism for many years. Only 30 years ago, this condition began to stand out as a separate diagnosis. However, despite some similarities, the condition of children with Asperger Syndrome differs from the manifestations of early childhood autism.

Typical symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome

The condition with this syndrome is called latent dysfunction, since in appearance it is usually impossible to understand that something is wrong with a person. The syndrome does not affect the preservation of intelligence; often Aspie children, as they are called, have significant success in the exact sciences or in creativity. Problems are manifested in the field of socialization and interpersonal communication.

Typical for this condition is the “triad of violations”:

  1. Social interaction
    Difficulties are manifested in establishing contacts with others.In addition to rare eye contact, Aspie children do not know how to maintain friendly relations, do not perceive social norms accepted in society, and may seem tactless or intrusive. At the same time, they are distinguished by a tendency to solitude and some detachment from others.
  2. Social Communication
    Emotions are something that people with Asperger’s Syndrome cannot access. They take everything literally. Mimicry, gestures that accompany our speech are incomprehensible to them. Sarcasm and metaphors, jokes are not used by them.In addition, the very beginning of a conversation and the ability to complete it on time cause great difficulties.
  3. Social Imagination
    Imagination in the broadest sense Asperger does not exclude at all. The carriers of this syndrome can be writers, artists, but empathy is not available to them. They cannot suggest an alternative solution to the situation, do not rely in their opinion about another person on his feelings and emotions, expressed non-verbally.

More characteristic signs of Asperger’s syndrome:

  • Adherence to a certain order of things, schedule, traditions.
  • Strong passion for a particular topic.
  • Features of sensory sensitivity – excessively increased or, conversely, decreased.

Diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome

“Special” traits appear in a child already at an early age. However, Asperger’s syndrome is diagnosed later, closer to school age. This is because social skills are the most problematic for Aspie children.

In early childhood, it can be a problem-free child, developing on time and characterized by a calm temperament.Parents are not worried about a baby who can play with a toy for a long time and does not require unnecessary communication.
Intelligence in these children is also not a concern – it is usually average or above average. Speech usually also develops in accordance with age norms or even ahead of them.

Asperger traits may be noticed by teachers or educators in a child, or parents may start beating the alarm. A pediatrician, a neurologist, a child psychologist and a speech therapist (who will issue a certificate-conclusion on the state of speech) should take part in the examination, but the child psychiatrist has the last word.

For diagnostics, various tests, questionnaires, neurological examinations (EEG, MRI) are used to exclude brain lesions.

What to look for for parents:

  • The child reacts negatively to new people, cries, refuses to communicate.
  • Does not take part in outdoor games, is clumsy, avoids communication.
  • At preschool age, this is a “non-Sadik child” who hardly breaks away from his mother, does not make contact.
  • Does not like or understand funny fairy tales or cartoons.
  • Irritable to touch and tactile interaction.
  • Excessively fond of any one type of activity, does not allow himself to be distracted, spends hours alone.
  • Has clearly limited food preferences.
  • The new environment, the change in the usual rituals completely unsettle him.

Treatment of Asperger’s syndrome

There is currently no absolute cure for this condition.To correct severe manifestations of the syndrome, drug therapy is prescribed, in other cases, psychologists, teachers and speech therapists-defectologists are working.
Undoubtedly, the sooner it is possible to identify symptoms and diagnose, and therefore begin to apply corrective measures, the more success can be achieved. However, one cannot speak of a complete cure.

It should be noted, however, that adults with Asperger’s Syndrome live quite full lives, create families and find work for themselves, achieving considerable results in it.Of course, these are the people who were able to adapt in society and went through some corrective work.

Psychologists and educators help aspi children learn to behave in society, help develop the correct stereotypes of behavior.

Why does a child with Asperger’s Syndrome need a speech therapist-speech pathologist?

Speech therapy correction work is also of great importance. Despite the fact that speech in children with Asperger’s syndrome develops on time, it is distinguished by many disorders, which the speech therapist-defectologist must solve:

  • Accelerated development of speech leads to the presence of a fairly extensive vocabulary, but even such an “academic” vocabulary does not give the child the opportunity to build communication and sometimes even scares off peers.In addition, the narrow focus of his interests leaves an imprint on his vocabulary.
  • Repeated repetition of individual words or entire phrases is also a hallmark of Asperger’s syndrome. Correctional classes are aimed at building correct oral speech.
  • Semantic dyslexia (mechanical reading) is also a characteristic symptom of the syndrome. The child can read the text well and quickly, but not understand its content.
  • Speech of Aspi children is characterized by an accelerated or, conversely, a slowed-down tempo, monotony.In order to eliminate this deficiency, various games and tasks are used that allow the child to take control of this area. The classes use the techniques of logo rhythmics, tasks for the combination of movements and speaking.
  • Here we come to another characteristic feature of the syndrome – impaired motor skills and coordination. Aspie children have significant problems tying shoelaces, poor handwriting, and are awkward and awkward. Exercises to develop fine motor skills and coordination of movements will allow them to cope with these difficulties.
  • Most of the speech therapy work is the development of communicative speech. In the classroom, didactic games are used in which children learn to build a dialogue, understand the rules of communication and building social communication.
  • Sometimes dysarthria occurs in Aspie children, which also requires correction and development of the articulatory apparatus.

Asperger’s syndrome is also called high functioning autism. Many qualities of Aspie people can become their strengths, allowing them to achieve a lot in life – logical thinking, attentiveness to details, independent thinking, high intelligence.