Does My Child Have Asperger's Syndrome?

As a parent, your questions sometimes challenge the medical establishment. Too early to offer a definitive diagnosis, too controversial to contend with the backlash it might offer, and too afraid to not toe the party line that that a particular physician’s office may have to offer, getting answers is not easy. Some parents have taken to do some haphazard self diagnosis, a practice that is fraught with mistakes and problems in.

To learn if your child has Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) does indeed require the help of a qualified physician, preferably one who has been in the business of diagnosing the condition for a while. If you are not yet certain if the child really should be evaluated for this condition, consider the following:

* Has your child been unable to form age appropriate relationship with other kids? Conversely, is your child consistently picked last for every activity and are other children snickering behind his back, making fun of his mannerisms or speech? * Does your child take everything you say literal? Is he unable to read nonverbal clues to understand your playful mood? Does it appear like he is lost when there is word humor used, even on television during age appropriate children’s programs? * Does your child seem to lack the need for close interactions, such as hugging, snuggling, and sharing things with you? Is there a marked absence of babbling, pointing, and attempts to interact with you on some level? Does your child fail to respond to your attempt to initiate this kind of interaction with him?

Mind you, there is no hard and fast rule that identifies a child given to such characteristics as being definitely a candidate for an Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis. On the other hand, a collection of these symptoms should worry you sufficiently that you will decide to make that appointment with your child’s pediatrician. She or he may suggest help from a specialist dealing with Asperger’s Syndrome and also autism related disorders that may be entirely separated from AS.

It is scary to consider the implications that the diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome brings with it; what is even worse, however, is the failure to have that diagnosis made. A child with AS will not benefit from having the condition ignored and instead it is the child whose parents and caregivers know early on what to expect, who will do better in school, integrate more easily into the classroom setting, and also learn to overcome the barriers that currently hamper his ability to make friends.

Additionally, teaching a child with Asperger’s Syndrome in the school setting requires preparation by the teacher, and it is left to the parents to advocate for their children in this setting. Failure to have a name to put to the condition the teacher will experience over the course of the school year is certain to prevent her or him from adequately adjusting the curriculum and class setting to maximize the child’s learning opportunities. Thus, getting answers to your question if your child has Asperger’s Syndrome is crucial!

Resources for children with Asperger's

Children who have asperger's syndrome often present a challenge to educators in the school system or to their parents, if they are homeschooled. Because these children have normal intelligence and language development they often appear capable. Children with asked burgers syndrome are usually good with memorization and factual information by fall short in comprehension.

Families who have children who experience the symptoms of high functioning autism, asperger's syndrome, are often faced with the added burden of offering their children resources and support both outside the school system and inside the school system.

Treatment protocols for children include developing their social and communication skills to enable them to express themselves better, understand language and increase their ability to communicate with others. All of these things increase the likelihood of successful interactions which will impact their ability to have long-term relationships, career advancement and friendships.

To date there are very few programs designed specifically to address the issues of children who have aspergers syndrome. Some of the treatment approaches used for people who have high functioning autism can be appropriate for those children who have aspergers syndrome.

Families who experience the trials through the eyes of their children often benefit from support and other resources to help both their children, themselves and the rest of the family. Networking organizations are available for individuals who have aspergers syndrome. These organizations can often be found by searching through a local directories or contacting local hospital social workers who have intense lists are of social support systems in the community.

Families can also interact with the other families online and through forums and chat groups. Most of these groups are intended to help families find the right support in their communities and with each other so that they can be the best parents possible for children who present a variety of challenges.

Another resource for families with children who experience these symptoms is education. By a having a good understanding of what is normal and what isn't for children and help families to better cope with symptoms and behaviors that are often intrusive and difficult to deal with in public.

For instance, by understanding that children with aspergers syndrome will develop a kind of "Swiss cheese" development or that they usually have a great deal of difficulty dealing with transitions parents are better able to develop strategies that help their child to better cope with their environment.

With the increased recognition of the diagnosis and the growing population of children and adults found to have been suffering from these symptoms there is also an increased number of resources and treatment interventions which can be used to help improve the social interactions and skills of individuals who have aspergers syndrome. Some of these resources can be found online, such as software programs or DVD programs which help to teach children and social interaction skills I being interactive themselves.

Resources for families and children with aspergers syndrome are increasing every year. Because the condition often leave children with either a normal or above average IQ and normal language development most other individuals consider them to be odd or eccentric. This can play either in their favor or against them depending upon personality of the child and the family.

How Autism is Treated

Once you find out your child is Autistic you will then want to begin some type of treatment plan. There are many different treatments for Autism. Many worry that they will have to use medications that can be dangerous to their child. This is not the case. While some children need medication not all children do. There are a lot of other treatments available to the Autistic child besides prescription medication. Some people will go with the standard type of treatment plan, while others will try an alternative, natural plan. We will look at some different types of treatment for Autism.

Medication

There are many types of medications used in treating Autism. These medications can be for different problems associated with Autism. Some are used to help with anxiety that is often found in Autistic children. Autistic children sometimes have problems with falling asleep. Medication can be used to help with this. Antipsychotic drugs are often used in children dealing with behavioral problems. These medications will not cure the Autism. Medications can have terrible side effects. The child needs to be monitored closely while on any medication.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps to teach the Autistic child to be independent. They learn daily skills they need like dressing, or taking a bath. They will work on fine motor skills. They also teach the child to use any devices they may have to help them function in daily life. They will be taught safety measures. This could be safety when outside, or dangers in the house.

Physical Therapy

Many Autistic children require physical therapy. This type of therapy can help children with low muscle tone. They also work with young children on basic motor skills. This can include walking, standing, and rolling. Many Autistic children can have other health problems. These problems can benefit from physical therapy too.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy will concentrate on teaching the Autistic child appropriate behaviors. Usually this will include some form of a reward system. They are taught how to act in social settings. This therapy is often done in the child's home setting. The parents are taught ways to deal with the child's unwanted behaviors. Usually an Autistic child will learn they will be rewarded for good behaviors, and they will stop some of the bad behavior.

Speech Therapy

Autistic children often have a hard time communicating. They have problems understanding non verbal cues. Some Autistic children do not speak at all, so they have to be taught ways to communicate with others. Children with Autism need to be taught about body language. Some children with Autism that do not speak are taught to communicate by signing, or with the use of pictures. The speech therapist will work on getting a non verbal child to speak.

These are just a few of the many treatments available to a child with Autism. Not all children will require all of the treatments. The most important factor is to find a treatment plan that works for your child. With proper treatment your Autistic child can thrive.

What Does Asperger's Syndrome Look Like?

How do you identify a person that has or may have Asperger's Syndrome (AS)? A person with Asperger's Syndrome has very limited interests and those things they are interested in they are obsessive about spending a lot of time with the item of interest and less time on other things. You may notice repetitive routines or rituals being carried out by the individual with AS. The individual with AS also may show peculiarities in their speech, language, or the way they speak. You may notice that the person with AS will speak in monotones, and without reflection. They experience difficulties in non-verbal communication. They tend to take everything literally. They have difficulty making eye contact and may use inappropriate facial expressions. Physically they may have awkward walking or uncoordinated motor movements that make them look clumsy. Children with Asperger's Syndrome have a history of being delayed in achieving basic motor skills such as climbing on play equipment, riding a bike or catching and throwing a b all. They walk with an awkward gait that may be described as bouncy or stiff.

Parents typically start to notice that there is something out of place with their child's behavior and communication skills at around 3 years of age especially if they attend preschool where there is the opportunity to observe their child with other preschool-aged children. The clumsiness and awkward walking is usually the first sign of Asperger's Syndrome.

Perhaps the most distinctive sign of Asperger's Syndrome is the inability of the child to communicate effectively with others. The child may have odd behaviors such as repetitive hand movements such as flapping of hands. They can become obsessive over one particular subject, and can even be called eccentric in behavior. They usually command a large vocabulary at a very young age. When they speak their voice is usually of one tone such as a monotone, thy lack rhythm to their speech, and they may have an odd inflection, speak loudly or at inappropriate times. Children with Asperger Syndrome desire to make friends and to "belong" to society but lack the social skills to be able to be a part of social gatherings. Children with AS are often teased by the class bully for being different.

Many children with Asperger's Syndrome are active socially in early childhood and then develop anxiety or depression in young adulthood. They may also have other conditions along with the AS that attribute to the inability to socialize. Other conditions that may develop and co-exist with AS include ADHD, tic disorders such as Tourette syndrome, anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, and bipolar disorder.

There is no known cause for Asperger's Syndrome. There are however several theories ranging from heredity, fetal abnormalities in the first 8 weeks of development, creating brain abnormalities. Some say a virus causes it just before or right after birth. When there is no known cause, the “face of Asperger’s Syndrome” could belong to anyone.

Autistic Children Need Schedules

Schedules are an important part of every child's life. This is especially true when dealing with a child of special needs like Autism. Having a schedule will help the Autistic child feel a sense of structure. Children with Autism often have anxiety issue they are dealing with. Having a schedule helps the levels of anxiety to drop. They know what to expect on a daily basis. They know at a certain time of the day what they will be doing.

If there is no schedule or structure in an Autistic child's daily life things will be very hectic. An Autistic child has lots of doctors and therapist appointments. Sometimes there will be more than one appointment a day. Keeping a schedule can help you and your child to make sure they do not miss any appointments.

Some Autistic children have trouble with reading. You can use a visual schedule. Have pictures for all the daily activities. This allows them to see what is coming next. Having a schedule for your Autistic child will help avoid some breakdowns. Keep the schedule posted where your child can see it. If you have to change the schedule explain the changes to your child. Autistic children like routines, and a change could throw their whole day out of whack.

Schedules can be a help when trying to get the child to do something they do not want to do. Simply show them that after they do this they will get to move onto something else. Tell them they cannot move on until this activity is completed.

There will always be things that come up. Try to stick to the schedule as much as possible. When things come up try to get back on schedule as soon as you can. This includes weekends . If your child is used to getting up at seven in the morning continue to do so. Keep their bedtimes close to the same time each night. Your Autistic child will be happier when they have had enough sleep.

Schedules will make life much easier you and your Autistic child. Keep them posted for your child to see, and stick to the schedule the best you can. An example of a schedule you can use if found below.

7 AM Wake up, get dressed and ready for the day 8 AM Breakfast 9 AM Therapy Appointment at home 11 AM Free time/ Play time 12 PM Lunch 1 PM Outdoor Play 2 PM Arts and Crafts 3 PM Free Time 5 PM Dinner 6 PM TV time 7 PM Bath time 8 PM Bed Time

This allows the child to know what is going on during the day. Include doctors, or therapy appointments on the schedule. An older child can still benefit from a schedule. It has to be adjusted for school time, and any extra curricular activities. You can include homework time, and chores into the chart. Once you start using a chart for your Autistic child you will see a improvement in the flow of your day. This also leaves little time for boredom. There is always something planned to do.