Asperger's Syndrome - Symptoms

Symptoms during childhood...

A child with one or two of these symptoms does not necessarily have Asperger's
syndrome. To be diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a child must have a
combination of these symptoms and significant trouble with social situations.
Although the condition is in some ways similar to autism, a child with Asperger's
syndrome typically has normal language and intellectual development. Also, those
with Asperger's syndrome typically make more of an effort than those withautism to
make friends and engage in activities with others.

Symptoms during adolescent and teen years

Most symptoms persist through the teen years. And although teenswith Asperger's
can begin to learn those social skills they lack, communication often remains
difficult. They will probably continue to have difficulty "reading" others' behavior.
Your teen with Asperger's syndrome (like other teens) will want friends but may feel
shy or intimidated when approaching other teens. He or she may feel "different" from
others. Although most teens place emphasis on being and looking "cool," teens with
Asperger's may find it frustrating and emotionally draining to try to fit in. They may
be immature for their age and be naive and too trusting, which can lead to teasing
and bullying.
All of these difficulties can cause teens with Asperger's to become withdrawn and
socially isolated and to have depression or anxiety.1
But some teens with Asperger's syndrome are able to make and keep a few close
friends through the school years. Some of the classic Asperger's traits may also
work to the benefit of your teen. Teens with Asperger's are typically uninterested in
following social norms, fads, or conventional thinking, allowing creative thinking and
the pursuit of original interests and goals. Their preference for rules and honesty
may lead them to excel in the classroom and as citizens.

Symptoms in adulthood

Asperger's syndrome is a lifelong condition, although it tends to stabilize over time,

and improvements are often seen. Adults usually have a better understanding of
their own strengths and weaknesses. They are able to learn social skills, including
how to read others' social cues. Many people with Asperger's syndrome marry and
have children.
Some traits that are typical of Asperger's syndrome, such as attention to detail and
focused interests, can increase chances of university and career success. Many
people with Asperger's seem to be fascinated with technology, and a common
career choice is engineering. But scientific careers are by no means the only areas
where people with Asperger's excel. Indeed, many respected historical figures have
had symptoms of Asperger's, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Albert Einstein,
Marie Curie, and Thomas Jefferson.

Other conditions
Many children with Asperger's syndrome also have coexisting conditions and may
have symptoms of these conditions also. They include:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Anxiety disorder.
Depression, especially in adolescents.
Nonverbal learning disorder.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD).
Social anxiety disorder.

Asperger's Syndrome - Exams and Tests

Asperger's syndrome is a developmental condition in which people have difficulties

understanding how to interact socially. A diagnosis is best made with input from
parents, doctors, teachers, and other caregivers who know or who have observed
the child. Asperger's syndrome is diagnosed when specific criteria are met. These
include:
Poor social interaction.
Unusual behavior, interests, and activities.
No delay in language development.
No delay in self-help skills and curiosity about the environment.

Your doctor will take a medical history by asking questions about your child's
development, including information about motor development, language, areas of
special interest, and social interactions. He or she will also ask about the mother's
pregnancy and the family's history of medical conditions.
Testing can help your doctor find out whether your child's problem is related to
Asperger's syndrome. Your primary care provider may refer your child to a specialist
for testing, including:

Psychological assessment. Intellectual function and learning style are

evaluated. IQ (intelligence quotient) and motor skills tests are common. Personality
assessment tests may also be done.
Communication assessment. Speech and formal language are evaluated.
Children are tested to find out how well they understand and use language to
communicate ideas. Your doctor will also test for understanding of nonverbal forms
of communication and nonliteral language skills, such as understanding of humor or
metaphor. He or she will listen to your child's voice for volume, stress, and pitch.
Psychiatric examination. Your doctor may examine your child's family and
peer relationships, reactions to new situations, and the ability to understand the
feelings of others and types of indirect communication such as teasing and sarcasm.
Your doctor may want to observe your child at home and at school. He or she may
also look for conditions such as anxiety and depression, which are often found in
people with Asperger's syndrome.
When making a diagnosis, your doctor will see if your child meets the criteria
published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a
publication of the American Psychiatric Association.

Asperger's Syndrome - Treatment Overview

Treatment for Asperger's syndrome strives to improve your child's abilities to interact
with other people and thus to function effectively in society and be self-sufficient.
Each child with Asperger's syndrome has differences in the number and severity of
symptoms, so treatment should be designed to meet individual needs and available
family resources. Specific treatments are based on symptoms.

Securing services

Start by contacting your local school district to find out which services are available
for your child. Become informed about your child's educational rights. Federal law
requires public schools to provide appropriate educational services for people ages
3 to 21 who have disabilities (including Asperger's). Also, there may be state and
local laws or policies to aid children with Asperger's.
You will meet with school personnel to identify goals and establish an individualized
education program (IEP). IEPs are designed to fit the child's specific needs based
on the evaluation of his or her level of disability.

School programs
Look at what is being offered at different schools to find out which services your child
needs and where you can best find them. Qualities to look for include:

Small work groups with individual attention.

A communication specialist with an interest in social skills training.
Opportunities for social interaction in a structured setting and in supervised
activities.
A concern for teaching real-life skills and encouraging a child's special
interests and talents.
A willingness to individualize the curriculum.
A sensitive counselor who can focus on your child's emotional well-being and
serve as a liaison with the family.
An emphasis on respect for diversity and empathy for students.
Stay informed about what is happening in your child's classroom. Frequent
communication can be managed with a communication diary that goes back and
forth between teacher and parent.

Treatment strategies
Treatment is geared toward improving communication, social skills, and behavior
management. A treatment program may be adjusted often to be the most useful for
your child.
Take advantage of your child's strengths by encouraging him or her to explore
interests at home and at school. Activity-oriented groups and focused counseling
can also be helpful.

Treatment strategies continued...

Many children with Asperger's syndrome also have other coexisting conditions,
including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),bipolar disorder, obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, and depression. These
conditions can place extra demands on parents who are already dealing with a child
with extra needs. These conditions may require treatment with medicines and other
therapies.

Asperger's Syndrome - Home Treatment

You can best serve your child by learning about Asperger's syndrome and providing
a supportive and loving home environment. Remember that your child, just like
every other child, has his or her own strengths and weaknesses and needs as much
support, patience, and understanding as you can give.
Educating yourself about the condition and about what to expect is an important part
of helping your child develop independence and succeed outside of his or her home.
Learn about Asperger's syndrome by talking to your doctor or contacting Asperger's
organizations. A good source is OASIS @ MAAP: The Online Asperger Syndrome
Information and Support Center at www.aspergersyndrome.org. Learning about
Asperger's will reduce your and your family members' stress and help your child
succeed.
The following are some suggestions on how to help your child who has Asperger's
syndrome. Some of the ideas will be helpful, and some may not work for you.
Flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to continue to learn will all help you as you
raise your child.

General strategies for success

Children with Asperger's syndrome benefit from daily routines for meals,
homework, and bedtime. They also like specific rules, and consistent expectations
mean less stress and confusion for them.
Many people with Asperger's syndrome do best with verbal (rather than
nonverbal) teaching and assignments. A direct, concise, and straightforward manner
is also helpful.

People with Asperger's syndrome often have trouble understanding the "big
picture" and tend to see part of a situation rather than the whole. That's why they
often benefit from a parts-to-whole teaching approach, starting with part of a concept
and adding to it to demonstrate encompassing ideas.
Visual supports, including schedules and other written materials that serve as
organizational aids, can be helpful.
Be aware that background noises, such as a clock ticking or the hum of
fluorescent lighting, may be distracting to your child.
Children with autism spectrum disorders (which include Asperger's syndrome)
may be especially interested in video games, computers, or other screen-based
media such as TV. If possible, keep televisions, video games, and computers out of
your child's bedroom. When children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have
these devices in their bedroom, they are more likely to sleep fewer hours. This is
especially true when video games are in the bedroom. If your child doesn't get
enough sleep, his or her ASD symptoms may be worse.
Children with Asperger's syndrome often mature more slowly. Don't always
expect them to "act their age."
Try to identify stress triggers and avoid them if possible. Prepare your child in
advance for difficult situations, and teach him or her ways to cope. For example,
teach your child coping skills for dealing with change or new situations.

Asperger's Syndrome - Home Treatment

Strategies for developing social skills

Your child may not understand the social norms and rules that come more
naturally to other children. Provide clear explanations of why certain behaviors are
expected, and teach rules for those behaviors.
Encourage your child to learn how to interact with people and what to do
when spoken to, and explain why it is important. Give lots of praise, especially when
he or she uses a social skill without prompting.
Practice activities, such as games or question-and-answer sessions, that call
for taking turns or putting yourself in the other person's place.
Help your child understand others' feelings by role-playing and watching and
discussing human behaviors seen in movies or on television. Provide a model for

your child by telling him or her about your own feelings and reactions to those
feelings.
Teach your child how to read and respond appropriately to social cues. Give
him or her "stock" phrases to use in various social situations, such as when being
introduced. You can also teach your child how to interact by role-playing.
Foster involvement with others, especially if your child tends to be a loner.
Teach your child about public and private places, so that he or she learns
what is appropriate in both circumstances. For example, hugging may not be
appropriate at school but is usually fine at home.

Asperger's Syndrome - Home Treatment

Strategies for school

Use visual systems, such as calendars, checklists, and notes, to help define
and organize schoolwork.
Orient your child to the school setting. Before the school year starts, take time
to "walk through" your child's daily schedule. You can also use pictures to make your
child familiar with the new settings before school starts.
Be aware of and try to protect your child from bullying and teasing. Talk to
your child's teacher or school counselor about educating classmates about
Asperger's syndrome.
Ask your child's teacher to seat your child next to classmates who are
sensitive to your child's special needs. These classmates might also serve as
"buddies" during recess, at lunch, and at other times.
Encourage your child's teacher to include your child in classroom activities
that emphasize his or her best academic skills, such as reading, vocabulary, and art.
Set up homework routines for your child by doing homework at a specific time
and place every day. This will help your child learn about time management.
Use rewards to motivate your child. Allow him or her to watch TV or play a
favorite video game or give points toward a "special interest" gift when he or she
performs well.
Some children with Asperger's have poor handwriting. Typing schoolwork on a
computer may be one way to make homework easier. Using computers can also

help children improve fine motor skills and organize information. Occupational
therapy may also be helpful.

Asperger's Syndrome - Other Places To Get

Help
Organization
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Web Address:
www.ninds.nih.gov

Asperger's Syndrome - Related Information

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism
Bullying
Caregiver Tips
Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Sensory Processing Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 28, 2014
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RETRIEVED FROM http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/tc/aspergers-syndromereferences