What is Asperger’s syndrome?
Asperger’s syndrome is a former term for what is now considered a milder form of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Those affected individuals may not have any intellectual impairment, nor any language impairment. This disorder makes it very hard to interact with other people. Your child may find it hard to make friends because he or she is socially awkward. People with Asperger’s Disorder – a milder form of an Autism Spectrum Disorder have some traits of autism. For example, they may have poor social skills, prefer routine, and not like change. But unlike those who have more severe autism, children with Asperger’s Disorder – a milder form of an Autism Spectrum Disorder usually start to talk before 2 years of age, when speech normally starts to develop. Asperger’s Disorder – a milder form of an Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong condition, but symptoms tend to improve over time. Adults with this condition can learn to understand their own strengths and weaknesses. And they can improve their social skills.
What are the symptoms of Asperger’s Disorder – a milder form of an Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Asperger’s Disorder – a milder form of an Autism Spectrum Disorder is usually noticed at age 3 or later. Symptoms vary, so no two children are the same. Children with Asperger’s Disorder – a milder form of an Autism Spectrum Disorder:
- Have a very hard time relating to others. It doesn’t mean that they avoid social contact. But they lack instincts and skills to help them express their thoughts and feelings and notice others’ feelings.
- Like fixed routines. Change is hard for them.
- May not recognize verbal and nonverbal cues or understand social norms. For example, they may stare at others, not make eye contact, or not know what personal space means.
- May have speech that’s flat and hard to understand because it lacks tone, pitch, and accent. Or they may have a formal style of speaking that’s advanced for their age.
- May lack coordination; have unusual facial expressions, body postures, and
- May have poor handwriting or have trouble with other motor skills, such as riding a bike.
- May have only one or a few interests, or they may focus intensely on a few things. For instance, they may show an unusual interest in snakes or star names or may draw very detailed pictures.
- May be bothered by loud noises, lights, or strong tastes or textures.
How is Asperger’s Disorder – a milder form of an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosed and treated?
The doctor may refer you to a specialist to confirm or rule out Asperger’s Disorder – a milder form of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The specialist may test your child’s learning style, speech and language, IQ, social and motor skills, and more.
Treatment is based on your child’s unique symptoms. It may change often so that it’s most useful for your child. Doctors, teachers, and mental health counselors can help your child improve his or her behavior and build social and learning skills. School programs, job training, and counseling can help too. Many children with Asperger’s Disorder – a milder form of an Autism Spectrum Disorder also have other conditions, such as ADHD or obsessive-compulsive disorder. So they may need other treatments, such as medicine.