Diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome

As with any disease or condition when something is not right, especially with a child the immediate concern is for a diagnosis. A diagnosis puts a name to the set of behaviors and symptoms. A diagnosis gives hope for an improvement of the condition. A diagnosis gives an explanation for why this is happening.

As many diagnosis's the diagnosis process for Asperger's Syndrome can be complicated. At the present time there is a lack of standardized diagnostic screening or testing schedule. The same child seen by different doctors could conceivably receive different diagnosis's depending on which tool was used in reaching the diagnosis.

Most doctors look to a core group of behaviors in making the diagnosis. The core group of behaviors includes:

* An abnormal eye contact

* Aloofness of the individual to others in the room

* Failure to turn when their name is called

* Failure to use gestures to point to an object or to show someone something

* A lack of interactive play

* A lack of interest in what others are feeling or doing

Some of these behaviors occur as early as a few months of age and others don't appear until age 3. In order for the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome to be made at least one of the above behaviors much be observed before the age of 3.

In order to make the diagnosis of AS, there is a two-stage process to be evaluated. The first stage is a screening such as a well-child check-up, the second is a comprehensive evaluation by a psychologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist, and any other professions deemed necessary in order to make a diagnosis.

The diagnosis is made by looking at the testing and assessment results combined with the child's developmental history given by the parents and also the current symptoms that the child is exhibiting.

Adults who are intelligent, articulate, but socially clueless are often suspected of having Asperger's Syndrome. Many adults are walking around having been misdiagnosed with other conditions when they really have AS. Besides being misdiagnosed, it goes undiagnosed as many physicians are unaware of the symptoms or view it simply as a set of odd behaviors.

If an adult is suspected of having Asperger's Syndrome it is important to seek the help of a medical professional such as a neurologists, psychiatrist or psychologist. It may take a team of doctors to make the diagnosis. A series of tests and assessments are used to make the diagnosis as well as a history of developmental milestones and history of communication and behavior.

The tests focus on intelligence, social and communication skills, personal developmental history and other symptoms like anxiety, social phobias etc.