Let Your Autistic Child be a Kid

Many parents with Autistic children are afraid to let their child be a kid. They get so wrapped up in their child's treatment they forget to let them have fun. They focus on keeping them safe, and become to protective. The child's life becomes full of doctors, or therapy appointments. They get little time to just be a kid. While it is important to keep your child safe it is also important to give them time to do things they like. Here are some things you can do to make sure your child gets to be a kid.

1. Give your Autistic child a certain time each day to do whatever they want to. If they have a toy or game they like to play let them. Everyone needs a break from doctors appointments and such.

2. Arrange activities for your child that they like. This could be something like a trip to the park once a week, or a meal at their favorite restaurant. Let the child pick the activity. Maybe they would like some time to spend with grandma, or grandpa.

3. Let them run and play like the other kids. Kids like to run and play in the dirt. This will not hurt them. Let them be a kid and have fun. Keeping them sheltered will not help them. It will make them more afraid of being around other kids. If they show an interest let them play with the other children. Let the get dirty. They will come clean with a bath.

4. Do not teach your child to be a victim. Just because they are Autistic does not mean they can not have a normal life. They need to be taught to not let their condition stop them in life. Teach your Autistic child they can do anything they set out to do.

5. Do not let your child's diagnosis of Autism become an excuse. Give your child consequences if they do something wrong. Do not let them get away with things simply because they are Autistic. Children learn pretty quick that the excuse of their condition can get them special treatment. This will not help them later on in life.

6. Give your Autistic child chores. Make sure they are chores the child is capable of doing. This will give the child the pride of knowing they can accomplish something. Give them rewards for completing the chores. The chores could be as simple as making their bed, or picking up their toys.

7. Do not lower your expectations for your Autistic child. Teach them to always do their best. Having a medical condition should not give them a reason to not try. If they do not try they will never know their full potential.

Kids get hurt. They get dirty. That is all a part of being a kid. They will be much happier. Do your part and watch over them, but allow them to have some freedom. Even though your child has special needs allow them the chance to be a child.

Bad Apples on the Family Tree

The news that a child in the family is autistic is most often met with a number of reactions. While all family members, even extended, would be supportive in an ideal world, the sad truth is that many are disgusted or disappointed. Does a family member scold the autistic child often? Does he or she look at your autistic child unfairly?

Does this family member insist on treating your autistic child the same way he or she treats all the other children in your family, even when it is inappropriate? These are signs that this relative is not receptive to either your autistic child or the situation. This may often be the case when discovering a child is autistic, so as a parent, be aware and prepared for this to happen.

Often, unreceptive relatives simply do not understand what autism is or what it means for your child and your immediate family. Though many see autism as a mental retardation, many autistic children and adults are highly intelligent; they are just unable to communicate this in the same ways that others would. Try explaining what autism means to this family member, and have him or her spend some time with you and your autistic child. Allow them to see the effects of autism and the methods you can use to cope.

If the family member continues to be unsupportive or refuses your explanation, ask why this family member is so unreceptive to the situation. Are they scared of hurting the child? Are they worried about the added responsibility when spending time with the child? Perhaps they feel guilty or are embarrassed. If you can pinpoint why a family member is unreceptive, you can better address the issue and hopefully help him or her overcome their original perceptions.

Perhaps no amount of talking or spending time together will help this family member overcome their prejudice. If this person has stubbornly made up his or her mind, you will never be able to show him or her how beautiful your son or daughter is-autism and all. If this is the case, eliminating this person from your life may be difficult, but it will also rid you and your child of this family member's negative energy and personality.

In this developing situation, you need the best positive support available. Remember that other family members have been supportive; that your children are adjusting well and are a source of strength for you. Strengthen your support network by participating in parent support groups for autistic children. And remember that you can surround yourself with those who do accept and love your child-family or not.

Accepting the Diagnosis of Autism

Receiving a diagnosis of Autism can seem overwhelming. You may be left with a lot of unanswered questions about the diagnosis. You might be thinking the diagnosis is wrong. This cannot be happening to your child. There are different feelings and emotions you will experience when dealing with a diagnosis of Autism. Here are some of the ways you might be feeling, and ways to come to terms with the diagnosis.

Denial

Denial is a common feeling when dealing with any medical problem. Sometimes it is easier to deny that there is even a problem. Some parents do not want to consider that there could be something wrong with their child. So they pretend like there is nothing wrong. The doctor was wrong, their child is perfectly normal. Being in denial about the diagnosis will not help anything. The sooner that you accept that your child is Autistic the better both of you will be. The condition will not go away if you ignore it. Accepting the diagnosis and moving on will be a huge step for you as a parent to take. The quicker this is done the sooner you can start looking into treatment options.

Anger

Anger is one of the emotions you might feel when you get a diagnosis of Autism. You might be angry with yourself, or angry with God. Why is your child Autistic. You might be angry with other parents that have healthy children. This is a normal feeling to experience. Remember while you are feeling angry to think of all the great things about your child. Share your feelings with others. Keeping anger bottled up can be a bad thing.

Grief

Sometimes when a parent gets a diagnosis of Autism they go though a grieving period. They are sad that their child has something wrong with them. They may be feeling sad that the dreams they had for their child may have to change. They might be sad over the way the world will treat their child, and the hardships they will face. Grief is a normal emotion to go through. The key is to get through the grief, and on to the acceptance. Try not to look at the things that are wrong. There will have to be some adjustments made to your plans for your child's future. That is what life is all about , change. If you find yourself unable to move past the grieving stage you might need to talk to someone. It might help having a few therapy sessions to deal with the feelings you are experiencing.

Acceptance

Finally coming to terms with the diagnosis of Autism can take awhile. Some people are just glad to have an answer to what is wrong with their child. Others have a hard time accepting their child is different from other kids. Eventually you will accept that your child is different, and that is okay. Once you have accepted the diagnosis of Autism you can start to help your child. Do all the research you can on Autism. Think about how hard it is for your child. They need you to be behind them in their treatments one hundred percent. The first step to doing this is acceptance.

Aspies for Freedom Critical Of Genetic Testing

An organization made up of Asperger’s Syndrome patients, their loved ones, and those who may suffer from other autism related disorders, Aspies for Freedom is an enigma in the advocacy for the autism movement. Rather than supporting the search for a cure, they instead believe that Asperger’s syndrome, autism, and related conditions are simply an expression of being different, not something that requires curing.

This flies in the face of most autism charities that have active fundraising efforts with a light on spending at good share of the money on genetic research. This of course gives rise to the fear that – much like Down syndrome – a genetic test that could positively identify the presence of autism or Asperger’s Syndrome in an unborn child would lead to a large number of elective abortions. Just like many prospective parents choose to terminate a pregnancy when a child is considered likely to suffer from Down syndrome, Aspies believe that such tests will reduce the number of autistic and Asperger’s Syndrome children being born.

What makes this a dangerous proposition is the fact that many Aspies find that with proper adaptations, the quality of life that may be enjoyed by them is similar to that of those unaffected by the disorders. To this end, Aspies for Freedom argue that instead of funding genetic research, monies donated to autism foundations and charities should be used for finding and implementing the proper modifications and adaptations for current learning tools and utensils.

This of course brings up an excellent point: should Asperger’s Syndrome and autism be approached as diseases which may be eradicated via the genetic selection process, or should they be incorporated into mainstream consciousness as conditions which simply demand a different approach to everyday common tasks? Aspies would argue vociferously for the latter, while a good many scientists would like to approach the entire situation from a different angle and prevent or cure the conditions.

Curing autism or Asperger’s Syndrome is of course not possible at this point, and many Aspies point to an inadequate support system as being unpardonable in light of so many fundraisers and assistance drives that have resulted in a lot of monetary support for the cause. In addition to the foregoing, the search for prevention – via genetic testing – or a cure with the help of questionable method that many Aspies believe to do more harm than good is resulting in a wrong approach to the condition as a whole, focusing on future generations instead of current sufferers.

It is unlikely that Aspies for Freedom and those in search for autism or Asperger’s Syndrome cures will every see eye to eye. Moreover, there is little reason to believe that foundations and fundraisers will be swayed by their arguments. Although not considered a fringe group, Aspies have failed, thus far, to commandeer its fair share of support that is usually offered to the autism charities and overall community at large, most likely deepening the rift between those who would like to see modernized support and those who would want to see more genetic and medical research done.

How to Cope as a Parent of an Autistic Child

Having an Autistic child can be very hard, and rewarding at the same time. Some days will go according to plan, and others will make you want to climb back in bed. You will need a way to cope to stay strong for you child. Here are some ways of coping when you have a child with Autism.

Support Group

Find a local support group in your area for parents with Autistic children. They will understand what you are going through. They have been there or are going through the same things you are. Sometimes having someone to talk to that understands can make a huge difference. They may have suggestions that can help in your daily routines. Sometimes it is just nice to have someone to talk to other than a doctor or therapist.

Journals

Writing in a journal can be a great coping mechanism. It allows you to express your feelings and thoughts. This journal can be a place to let out all of your frustrations as a parent of an autistic child. No one else has to read the journal. It can be a private place to vent. Sometimes just writing can help relieve stress and anxiety you might be feeling. Your journal can also be a place to keep track of behaviors your child has on a day to day basis.

Get away

Everyone needs time to their self. This is true whether you are dealing with an Autistic child, or any other medical problem. Find a qualified care giver for your child and get out. Have a date night with your spouse, or just get away for some alone time. Go watch that movie you wanted to see. Run some errands that are hard to take your child along too. Just give your self some away time. If you cannot leave the house make some time after your child has gone to bed for a relaxing bath. Just give yourself some time to unwind. It will make things better for you and your child.

Ask for help

Every mom tries to be a super mom. They do not want to ask for help because that means they cannot do it alone. Forget this attitude. Having a child with Autism requires help. If you are becoming stressed and overwhelmed it is not good for you or your child. Sometimes we all need help. If you are trying a treatment and it is not improving things with your Autistic child ask the doctor for another way. Ask someone such as your spouse to help with the errands. Sometimes it is too hard to take your Autistic child out without some sort of struggle. Getting someone to do simple tasks for you can save time and frustrations. If you need help ask. No one can read your mind, you have to tell them you need help.

Having an Autistic child is a hard job. Having ways to cope will make your job easier. It will also make things better for your child by having you calm and stress free.

Eliminating the Source: What Causes Autism

Many parents hope that in finding a source of autism, this disorder can be cured or prevented. Unfortunately, scientists have yet to find one single reason why children develop autism. It is possible that someday autism will be linked to a specific gene abnormality, but the more likely source is not one thing, but a number of factors in a child's world. Autism cannot be prevented or cured, so the best we can do to help autistic children and adults is be understanding and willing to compromise to make the world comfortable for them and ourselves.

First off, there are certain things that do not cause autism, and these myths should be laid to rest immediately. Most importantly, bad parenting does not cause autism. In the past, mothers were blamed for traumatizing their children with cold parenting techniques, which was thought to lead to autism. This is simple not true. Autism is also not caused by malnutrition, although food allergies occur in my autistic children and some autistic children do benefit from taking daily vitamins.

There are many links between autism and the brain. Most people with autism have larger brains and they are "wired" differently than a typical brain. Differences occur in many parts of the brain, so it cannot be targeted to one specific brain malfunction overall, but rather a brain malfunction in general. Autistic children also show signs of an immune deficiency. Evidence in this study is not yet strong, but research is still being done. Many autistic individuals have other health problems related to immune deficiencies. Overall, these things all seem to point to genetics. Although autism is not the parents' fault, it is most likely that autism was found elsewhere on your family tree, and it is not uncommon for parents to raise more than one autistic child. Autism may also be linked to vaccinations, although this is still being highly studied. The benefits of vaccinations greatly outweigh the risks of them causing autism, so you should not deprive your child simply because you are fearful. Talk to you doctor i f you have concerns about vaccinations.

Nobody knows what causes autism. Therefore, we can do nothing to prevent and cure it, but rather we can simply treat the autistic people in our lives with the best of our ability. Becoming educated in autism is the key-the more you know about the disorder, the better you can help individuals who suffer from it. Autism is a complex problem, and as researchers develop new understandings of the way it affects the body, better treatment options will become available, with the hope that someday we will be able to cure this disease.

The Connection between Asperger's Syndrome and Mental Illness

Hotly debated ever since being introduced into mainstream America, the connection between Asperger’s Syndrome and mental illness is a tenuous one; different psychiatrists and physicians have varying opinions not only with regard to the presentation of the various forms of mental illness but also whether they are caused by syndrome or simply exist coincidentally. On the other hand, the appearance of so many difference forms of mental illness does make a compelling case for an increased presentation of such ailments in individuals suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome concurrently.

Misdiagnosis of mental illness plays a huge role in these discussions. It has already been established that peer rejection of the Asperger’s Syndrome child will lead to a general distrust of peers and therefore a withdrawal from interactions. Clinical psychologists may misdiagnose this behavior as paranoia or paranoid psychosis, when it truly is little more than a self imposed defense mechanism against taunts and negative peer interactions. This of course is hard to prove and even harder to dispute.

In the same vein, the child with Asperger’s Syndrome whose primary hobby is a love of all things having to do with a bus may be diagnosed – mistakenly – as having delusions with respect to the immense of a bus stopping at a particular locale, when in reality he or she is simply reciting a bus schedule. Diagnosis of mental illness in conjunction with Asperger’s Syndrome should not be attempted until the full extent of the Asperger’s symptoms has been charted. On the other hand, there is a very fine line in Asperger’s patients where a preoccupation with an idea turns into wishful thinking. It is then that the rudiments of mental illness may well take hold.

Another condition that has given rise to much speculation is the repetitive nature of many movements and verbalizations of Asperger’s patients. It is most difficult to differentiate these from those brought on obsessive compulsive disorders. Withdrawal and introversion have been considered part and parcel of a depressive illness as well, but at times they are the simple protective mechanisms against a group of peers that would not readily accept the patient as a child. Once again, diagnosis cannot be reached conclusively unless a complete history of the illness and the patient’s life is available.

Quite possibly the best course of action is a watchfulness with respect to signs and symptoms of mental illness and consultation of a psychiatrist familiar with Asperger’s Syndrome and the workings of the disorder. Whenever possible, a copy of medical records should be provided as part of the interview. This might not completely prevent false diagnoses, but it will greatly curtail those mental illness claims that are not entirely grounded in clinical reality and are more an expression of a behavioral coping mechanism.

The latter are the workings of a sound mind seeking to protect itself and the body it inhabits from harm brought to it by peer groups, while actual mental illness does not usually have this kind of foundation and instead seems to be almost random.

How Autism is Diagnosed

The signs and levels of Autism vary in each child. This can make getting a diagnosis difficult. Children on the higher level of the Autism spectrum may go years without being diagnosed. There are may factors that go into an Autism diagnosis. We will go over some of the criteria being used to diagnose a child with Autism.

Doctors have a checklist that must be met before the possibility of Autism is suspected. Some of the signs on the checklist include, poor relationships with friends, focusing on one thing for very long periods of time, poor communications skills, and insisting on certain routines, or rituals. When these signs are shown in a child the doctor will want to evaluate the child further. The doctor will question the child's parents, or any other people that have close contact with the child. They may send home a form for you and the child's teacher to fill out. Once the doctor has the forms back they will compare the forms and look for similar results. If the results all are pointing to something being wrong further testing will be considered.

Children also develop at their own rate. So a parent having concerns about their child not reaching developmental milestones on time may question the doctor for further testing. The doctor will ask a series of questions to the parent. If the answers match the criteria for Autism the doctor will order further evaluations to be completed. Remember each child grows and matures at their own rate so they may just be a late bloomer.

There is not one test that can say definitely the child has Autism. It will require several appointments with different health professionals to rule out other conditions that could be causing the problems in your child. Often a child who is late to talk is suspected of having a hearing issue first. After this is checked then the doctor can move onto evaluating for Autism. Several health conditions can mimic the symptoms of Autism. Children always need to be evaluated for any other medical conditions that could cause the same symptoms as Autism first.

To receive an Autism diagnosis the child will be evaluated by a team of medical professionals. They will include the doctor, a psychologist, a speech therapist, a neurologist, and a psychiatrist. Once the child is evaluated by the team they will meet and compare their findings. Then they will have a meeting with the parents to discuss their findings . If the diagnosis of Autism is made a treatment plan will be set in place.

Each child will show different symptoms of Autism, and the levels they experience it will be different. So it may take longer to get a diagnoses of Autism in some children. Once you have the diagnoses the most important thing is to start a treatment plan. The treatment plan will help make the life of your Autistic child better. While there is no cure for Autism, the treatments available can help to lesson the symptoms.

Helping Your Child With Asperger's Syndrome Return To School

School is definitely a place for routines and changing situations making it something that can produce anxiety in a person with Asperger's Syndrome (AS). Some kids will start having difficulty in school during preschool and kindergarten with most of them experiencing some degree of difficulty by the time they have reached the upper elementary school grades. Parents and teachers can do many things to help schools kids with AS to improve coping mechanisms so that they have better school experiences.

Start off with having the parents initiate a "School-Year" routine several weeks before school starts this includes bedtimes and waking up times. This will also include morning routines like getting dressed as soon as they wake and eating breakfast before doing other activities.

It is important to implement homework routines that will be conducive to mastering skills. Provide a quiet place that is comfortable and promotes studying. Provide a desk, proper lighting (not florescent) a comfortable chair and plenty of tools and resources.

Come up with a plan to motivate your child to study such as activities or favorite items as a reward for studying such as being able to watch a favorite TV program, earning points that can be turned in for a toy, book or new piece of clothing.

Work with the school to initiate orientation activities such as visiting the school several times over the summer to get used to where classrooms are located, where the lunchroom is, restrooms, gym etc. Find out if it is possible for your child to meet his teachers before the start of school. Make sure if your child is walking to and from school that you practice enough times so that your child is confident in knowing the way to school and the way home. If the student is changing classes during the school day ask the school to provide a walk-through of the students classes before the start of school. Ask the school if they have a buddy system for students who need one the first few weeks of school. Make sure the child understands about changing classes and when it is appropriate to go to the restroom, to lunch, and how to see the school nurse if necessary.

Make sure that the school staff including teachers and support personnel that would have contact with the child with Asperger's Syndrome are educated regarding the syndrome and how the affects the child's ability to learn and communicate with others during the school day.

The parents should make room in their schedule especially at the start of school for meetings and phone calls to and from teachers and other staff as the child makes the transition from home to school.

During the summer make sure your child has the opportunity to socialize with both children and adults so that they can practice social skills needed in school.

What is it Like Having Asperger's Syndrome?

Individuals who have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome usually have characteristics in common with each other but may have symptoms that vary in intensity or may have more symptoms than the next person. The main symptoms which all individuals who have Asperger's Syndrome have in common is that they have a great deal of difficulty dealing with social situations. They have difficulties understanding or taking social cues; have been bullied in school for being different, odd, and even eccentric. They have a great deal of difficulty with non-verbal communications. Social situations can be very confusing times for someone with Asperger's Syndrome.

Those with Asperger's Syndrome find it difficult usually to make "small talk" at parties or other social gatherings. They have a great deal of trouble when asked to come up with an imaginative piece at school, as they are very literal people. They are good at recognizing details and facts, but cannot interpret what others are thinking or feeling based on body language and other non-verbal communications. They are often accused of being rude in public even though that was not the intention of the person. They like routine and doing things by rote. They can get extremely agitated when they experience changes. They are often accused of being inflexible and that they have repetitive behaviors such as wringing hands, or flapping hands.

Recognizing the symptoms of those who have Asperger's syndrome and relating them to someone who has not been diagnosed yet can give a sense of relief that there is a name for what they have been experiencing all their life; there is a diagnosis to be had, support and treatment that can bring relief.

Having Asperger’s Syndrome can be like driving down the street blindfolded or having a conversation with a person that you are very interested in talking to but someone turned down the volume on your hearing aid. Think of all the things you do on a daily basis that involve some sort of non-verbal communication from greeting family members and sharing a meal with them to meeting strangers on the street on your way to work. The workplace is a cornucopia of situations that involve non-verbal communications. The ability to make friends, date and find a mate all involve some sort of non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is very difficult for someone with Asperger’s Syndrome to accomplish successfully.

When the diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome is made the life of the individual can be improved through interventions, therapies and medication. The blindfold comes off the driver and the hearing aid is turned up. There is hope that the individual being treated for Asperger’s Syndrome can learn to develop skills that will overcome or at least dilute the symptoms of the syndrome that keep him or her imprisoned in a cell where verbal and behavioral communication is stifled. The treatment unlocks the cell door allowing them freedom to participate in social situations, to participate more fully at work and school and to even be able to have a normal family life.

Six Reasons Why Asperger's Syndrome Is Not a Disability

There has been a buzz to change the terminology that governs the topic of Asperger’s Syndrome (AS). For a long time there has been a movement underfoot to reclassify Asperger’s Syndrome as a condition of being differently able rather than disabled, and although parents and advocates of AS children may beg to differ, those in favor of changing the classification do make some compelling points.

The top six reasons why Asperger’s Syndrome is not a disability gives an inside glimpse at the workings of the condition and also the struggles individuals facing it have to endure on a daily basis.

1. The mere fact that children are seen paying attention to those things for which they have a general interest, as opposed to those that teachers and behaviorists believe they should notice, does not make Asperger’s Syndrome a disability. Instead, it may be viewed as a tacit nod to absolute honesty in one’s desires and therefore is simply an ability to overcome social conditioning. 2. What has been referred to as latent anti social behavior so often exhibited in young children diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome – characterized by their inability or unwillingness to interact with parents or caregivers extensively – is found to be an expression of their desires to pay more attention to the world of objects as opposed to subjects. This may be attributed to a simply matter of preference, not a disability. 3. What earned children the description of little professors during the experiments that convinced Dr. Asperger of his theories, may not be a disability but could be much more aptly described as a strong interest in a given field of study. This causes the individual to notice nuances others do not and thus renders her or him differently able and perhaps even superior in perception. 4. The systematic organization of things and items may be of unique interest in a child diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. It does not really matter if this is the means of taking a picture with a camera by holding down a button, turning on and off a light, or delving into the intricacies of a physics equation. The problem arises when the system in which the child shows interest is simple, and soon has some clamoring at needing to be outgrown. 5. Routines are another symptom of Asperger’s Syndrome and it has been documented that children have the hardest time functioning in a classroom setting where such order is frequently interrupted or even missing. This may be seen as a disability to some, but others simply believe it to be a sign that the child has a very serious affection for that which it can control versus the unknown. 6. Perhaps the most convincing fact used by those suggesting that Asperger’s Syndrome is not a disability rests in the fact that the mere decision to value one trait or situation more than another is one of personal preference, not one born from a lack of ability. Therefore, a person who does not interact well with others but instead finds it far more important to invest time in physics and other subjects she deems important, may be considered eccentric, but it does not render her disabled.

The Early Differentiation between Asperger's Syndrome and Infantile Autism

Dr. Hans Asperger was adamant that the condition bearing his name and the one considered infantile autism should not be considered one and the same. Although later physicians are actually questioning this logic, at the time of the initial discovery in 1944 it made a lot of sense to draw a severe and dividing line between the two conditions. At the heart of the matter is Dr. Asperger’s suggestion that the syndrome was a trait of a developing personality that made it stable. In the 1940s, autism was regarded as a psychotic illness that began in infancy and worsened over the life of the patient.

Later physicians recognized that Dr. Asperger felt way too many children were randomly grouped into a niche with a distinct label, no matter the severity or lack of symptoms. Much like the recent rush to medicate children who would not sit still, back in the 1940s those diagnosed with autism would be routinely shunned and even given up to care homes by their families, even if they could have been cared for perfectly well within a loving home under the supervision of a skilled doctor.

In the same way, later on there was a brief period in the 1960s when the term “refrigerator mother” was coined in an effort to lay the blame for an autistic child on the shoulders of women deemed not affectionate enough with their children. This led to an avoidance of parents seeking out medical help for their children or counseling for their families, and as a result there was a time period when diagnosis and treatment was virtually at a stand still. Making up for this failure was the use of the phrase Asperger’s Syndrome which was sufficiently like autism to make diagnosis possible while insufficiently similar to attach the same societal stigmas.

At this time, Asperger’s Syndrome is the agreed upon terminology to use for those individuals who display signs of autism but which may be considered to be either less affected or functioning more independently than other patients. Of course, there are noted differences between both conditions and thus a distinct differentiation of both ailments is still warranted. Case in point is the obvious clumsiness displayed by Asperger’s’ patients while autistic children will have little of that and instead climb, run and jump earlier and with more dexterity.

At the same time, the social withdrawal that marks both autism and Asperger’s patients is a point of contention, although those suffering with Asperger’s Syndrome are usually quickly identified because of the inappropriate comments they make while regularly autistic children will prefer quiet. There is little doubt that the lines between both conditions are fluid and as social mores change, and also the understanding of the psychiatric and medical communities, there is little doubt that the overall modes of treatment of children and adolescents with both autism and Asperger’s Syndrome will also undergo a further change.

Patients and their families are urged to maintain strong vigilance and uphold advocacy for those in their care to ensure that they will always be at the cutting edge of new medical discoveries and also treatment options.

The Developmental Disorder Known as Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder and is also in the category of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). It is a neurological condition that is characterized by impairment in language and communication skills, repetitive or restrictive patterns of thought and resultant behavior. There are some similarities between children with autism and children with AS though children with AS retain their early language skills.

One outstanding characteristic of someone with AS is the obsessive interest in a single subject to exclusion of others. A child with AS can be highly informed regarding this one topic and know little else of other topics so great is their obsession. They usually exhibit a high level of vocabulary usage, and formal speech patterns are like that of a little adult. They are known to have repetitive routines or rituals, and peculiarities in speech and language, are socially immature, emotionally inappropriate behavior-wise at times and are unable to interact successfully with peers. They have a great deal of difficulty dealing with non-verbal communications and their physical movement skills are uncoordinated making them appear to be clumsy. Their walking gait may be stilted or bouncy, awkward and poorly coordinated.

Prognosis and treatment of Asperger's Syndrome:

With early intervention a child with AS can undergo behavioral therapy, social training and can be encouraged to learn how to interact socially with peers. Desensitizing can be achieved through occupational therapy so that they can cope better with sensory stimuli such as light, sound and touch.

Adults who have gone through intervention in childhood can learn to cope with the signs and symptoms of AS and are able to find ways to have mainstream jobs, and are encouraged to seek normal relationships and maintain independent living.

Research in ongoing to find the causes and therefore better treatment for Asperger's Syndrome.

There are organizations set up to assist those with Asperger’s Syndrome including:

MAAP Services for Autism, Asperger’s, and PDD located in Indiana, USA that can be reached by going to their Website: www.maapservices.org and also the Autism Network International (ANI) which is located in New York, USA. They also have a Website that you can make contact with them through at: www.ani.autistics.org

Common symptoms of individuals with AS include difficulty dealing with social situations, difficulty with non-verbal communication especially the inability to recognize body language such as facial expressions, sensory overload, awkward posturing, and a tendency to take everything literally.

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome benefit greatly from early intervention and parents and caregivers should receive education and training regarding the disorder and how best to intervene on behalf of the child with AS. Occupational therapy is helpful in dealing with the sensory overload regarding light, sound and touch so that the child can be desensitized to these that otherwise would disrupt his or her ability to participate in activities.

What are the Signs of Aspergers Syndrome

Aspergers is a form of Autism. People with Aspergers syndrome are on the higher end of the spectrum. They usually have normal language skills. Their main problem is dealing with people socially. Usually these problems are first noticed when a child begins school. The child can have all the signs of Aspergers, or only a few. Here are some of the common signs of Aspergers syndrome.

1. Have a hard time talking to other kids. Kids with Aspergers syndrome have a hard time going up to someone and starting a conversation.

2. Speak in words that are very advanced for their age. The Asperger's child may use words that adults would use.

3. Have trouble understanding when someone is joking, or being sarcastic. Children with Aspergers have a hard time understanding tones of people's voices. They tend to take everything said seriously.

4. Have very limited interests. A child with Aspergers syndrome may only want to focus on one thing. They may take a liking to puzzles, and only want to do puzzles all the time. They will often learn everything they can about one subject. That will be all they focus on.

5. Have a hard time with changes in their routine. This can be hard for a child starting school. They had a routine at home and now that is being changed. The same thing can happen during breaks during the school year. This is a common problem of Autistic children.

6. Talking a lot. Children with Aspergers usually talk a lot. They often say whatever they are thinking whether it is appropriate or not. Most of the conversations they have are one sided. While it looks like the child is talking to you, they are really talking at you.

7. Problems making friends. Kids with Aspergers have trouble making friends due to their inability to relate to the other children. They sometimes try to hard to make friends and scare the other kids away.

8. No eye contact. Children with Aspergers usually will not look you in the eye when speaking. This is another common trait of an Autistic child.

9. Using repetitive movements. This can be a movement like spinning around, or bouncing back and forth while sitting. These movements are calming to the Aspergers child.

10. Problems with speaking. The Aspergers child may speak really fast. They usually do not stop to see if the person they are talking to is paying attention. Their tone of voice is flat and does not change to show emotions.

11. Problems with movement. Children with Aspergers often have trouble with their coordination skills. They may always be tripping or stumbling over their own feet. They may take a long time to learn how to ride a bike.

Asperger children have the most positive outcome on the Autism spectrum. They have high intelligence and language skills. They can often be taught the social skills they need to get by. If you notice any of these signs in your child mention them to the doctor.

The Symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome in Interpersonal Interactions

It is always said that individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome have a hard time with their interpersonal interactions. Do you know what this looks like?

* Eye contact is an essential part of interpersonal interactions, but for someone with Asperger’s Syndrome even the simple tasks of creating and maintaining eye contact is Herculean. * Attempting to create a healthy mix between staring and furtive glances, the individual dealing with Asperger’s Syndrome is unable to make sense of the subtle clues brought on by a conversation that signal to everyone else when it is time to look in the speaker’s eyes, when to express surprise with the eyes, and when to look away. * The tone of voice is another way that those with Asperger’s Syndrome sometimes showcase their inability to adequately comprehend the interactivity of the conversation. Usually not modulating their voice, it sometimes makes the speech of a person with Asperger’s Syndrome rather monotone. In addition, there is a good chance that the lack of inflection makes it hard for hearers to determine if the individual is done talking or still adding more facts. * Telling a joke is not something that you will hear from someone with Asperger’s Syndrome, unless it does not require a modulation of voice or any form of body language. Online, you will be surprised at the wit and sense of humor, but in person this is a lot harder. * Metaphors and other expressions add vibrancy to communication but they are hard won for a person with Asperger’s Syndrome. There are several good books that list many common metaphors but they do not help with the delivery of these word pictures. This leads to sometimes hearing someone use them and having it sound stilted. * Paying compliments is hard to do when metaphors escape do not make any sense. One might think that someone is using an odd phrase and then try it out on someone else; only to be told that what was just said is rude, nonsensical, or even suggestive.

These are but a few of the situations that the average individual with Asperger’s Syndrome has to weather. When encountered in the company of those with whom the individual feels at ease, it becomes a learning experience. Yet when correction is made by those whom the person does not know well or is easily embarrassed by, it might become a social nightmare for the individual, especially when she or he is still young.

Parents and caregivers are urged to role-play with their youngsters and to ensure that they understand certain nuances. While it is not possible to completely inoculate the youngster against the occasional mistakes that may result in laughter or sneers from peers, there is a good chance that early role playing games will make all the difference in future interactions the child will experience. In addition, it will also provide the save situation that enables the child to try out some metaphors, make first stab at humor, and even practice eye contact.

Resources for Adults with Asperger's

Asperger’s disorder or syndrome is classified as a mild form of autism or high functioning autism. This disorder is a psychological disorder that affects one’s ability to communicate and interact with others in a social setting. The Asperger child will often avoid eye contact, display awkward movements and gestures, and focus on one or two specific topics and learn all they can about these topics.

They appear extremely intelligent and most of them genuinely are very intelligent. They display other peculiarities, such as lining things up. These behaviors can often be seen in the growing child as well, but not to such an extreme point that it interferes with socialization. Herein lies the problem. If it is to such an extreme other forms of therapies, sometimes along with medication may be beneficial as a form of treatment.

The cause of Asperger’s syndrome is unknown, but genetics are a suspicious factor. The Asperger’s child can lead a very normal life, but overcoming social anxiety will be a difficult accomplishment. The Asperger’s person has a great deal of trouble reading what others mean by what they say. They have difficulty interpreting the facial expression of others as well. Treatment for Asperger’s can be helpful, but it is best to begin as early as possible.

The adult with Asperger’s is not in any way developmentally disabled, but in fact, they are often extremely intelligent and considered logical and deep thinkers. Many famous people have been considered as having Asperger’s syndrome. A few of these people are thought to be Keanu Reeves, Woody Allen, Bill Gates, Al Gore, and Bob Dylan. Asperger’s syndrome knows no socioeconomic or racial boundaries. However, it is interesting to note that it is three to four more times likely in the male gender as opposed to the female gender.

Resources for adults with Asperger’s are best found through the National Autistic Society where Asperger’s, a high functioning form of autism, is also addressed along with helpful information and local groups and website links are found pertaining to this psychological disorder. Additionally, there are support groups for the families of Asperger’s syndrome, both for the child sufferer and the adult sufferer.

Although many parents cannot often pinpoint peculiarities in their young children due to the fact of some of these differences are also normal behaviors in children, they do note these subtle differences, but a diagnosis is sometimes overlooked or labeled as ADHD. Often a diagnosis is never made until the later years in childhood or even by the Asperger sufferer themselves when they reach their early adult years. Adult Asperger victims often say that they just felt “different” and that their thinking process was not that of their peers.

For more information and resources for adults with Asperger’s disorder, contact your local Autism organization or do an online web search for additional groups regarding Asperger’s syndrome.

What is Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified is also known as PDD-NOS. This is where a child only shows some of the signs of Autism. They may not show these signs at all times, or in all places. Usually PDD-NOS is first seen in children three or four years of age. Yet some children show signs while still an infant. There are different areas that the signs could be present. We will look at two of these.

Social Interaction

The developmental delays in social interaction can often be seen when the child is a baby. They may not look you in the eyes, or smile when you are interacting with them. They do not hold their arms up for you to pick them up. They might play off by their self. Some of the children with PDD-NOS may enjoy being cuddled on occasion. They might enjoy rough housing with their older sibling or parent.

These PDD-NOS children usually do not have problems with separation from their parents. They also do not have issues with strangers. They may run right up to a stranger like they would their parents. When the child is older they will usually become close to their parents or other adults. They have a hard time making friends. They do not like participating in games with other kids. Some children with mild PDD-NOS will want to make friends, but since they have a hard time dealing with other people socially this will be hard for them.

Communication Impairments

The impairments of communication in children with Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Other Specified can start while in infancy. The child will not babble or try to talk like other children do. They may pick up a word and repeat it over and over again.

Some PDD-NOS children pick up speech easy, but they have problems using the right words in the right situation. They have trouble understanding the tone in someone's voice when they are joking or using sarcasm. If someone tells them something they take it literally. For example if the child was told it is raining cats and dogs they would most likely go look out the window and expect to see cats and dogs falling from the sky. Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified children may only talk about subjects they are interested in. It may seem that they are talking at you instead of with you.

Children with Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified have a hard time with emotions. They usually experience emotions, but to the extreme. If they are mad they have temper tantrums that last much loner than a normal child. This is the same for fears, or sadness. They may have extremely happy times. They usually will not show facial expressions that go along with the emotion.

These are just two of the many signs of a child with Persuasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. If you see these signs in your child speak to their doctor about your concerns. They can examine the child to see if further testing in necessary.

Managing With Asperger's Syndrome

The treatment plan for those with Asperger's Syndrome includes using therapy and medication to manage any distressing symptoms and also to teach the individual age-appropriate social and communication skills and when age appropriate to teach the individual vocational skills as well. Intervention, and therapy is tailored to the individual needs of the person with Asperger's Syndrome and to assist family members and other caregivers to adapt to and to understand the person who has Asperger's Syndrome.

The treatment plan may encompass social skills training to improve interpersonal interactions, cognitive behavioral therapy to improve the stress level when relating to others, and also to reduce the obsessive interests and repetitive routines of the person with Asperger's syndrome. Medication may be used if conditions such as depression or anxiety exist. Social communication intervention may include specialized speech therapy, and therapy to help with motor coordination such as physical therapy and occupational therapy for small motor skills. Educating the parents and other caregivers such as babysitters, teachers and school administrators is also often necessary in order to make a smooth transition at school after the diagnosis has been made. At the proper age vocational training will be necessary in order to teach proper job application etiquette and workplace behavior.

There are no medications that address the core symptoms and signs of Asperger's Syndrome only conditions that may co-exist with the syndrome such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Medications must be monitored closely as some abnormalities in metabolism, cardiac function and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes has been a concern. Side effects, which occur commonly with certain medications, may include sleepiness, weight gain and fatigue. Individuals with Asperger's syndrome may not be able to communicate successfully when they are experiencing these side effects so close monitoring is suggested if any types of medications are given to individuals with Asperger's Syndrome.

As of 2006, there have not been any studies to indicate the long-term outcome of individuals who have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Adults that have Asperger's Syndrome can lead normal life expectance but have been shown to have an increased prevalence of psychiatric conditions such as depression, and anxiety disorders. There has been some recorded incidence of adults with Asperger's Syndrome achieving major accomplishments such as winning the Nobel Prize, becoming professionals and leading normal family lives. Many patients report that although these things are possible they have experienced difficulty doing what to others may seem effortless. It is with determination, intervention and therapy that individuals with Asperger's Syndrome are able to lead normal lives.

As with any disease or condition, the individual and their families learn to educate themselves about the condition, disorder or syndrome, learn interventions and therapies that help them to cope with the signs and symptoms. Managing Asperger’s Syndrome takes initiative and the willingness to take action.

Playground Proofing Children with Asperger's Syndrome

If your child is ready to head on out to school, you know that this is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, your child is ready and willing to embrace new challenges, but on the other hand you dread the potential for problems on the playground. While this is the worry for any parent, those parenting a child with Asperger’s Syndrome have amplified concerns.

Playground proofing children with Asperger’s Syndrome is a requirement to ensure that all will go well during peer interactions and it also serves to help your child understand that outside the protective environment of the home the rules of conduct are a bit different. The odds are good that your child wants to make friends with other children, but more than likely the condition she was diagnosed with will make it harder.

Adding to the mix are children who most likely have never actually been exposed to a child with Asperger’s Syndrome and therefore may be openly curious or antagonistic to your child whom they perceive to be different. It is a sad testament to the times, but truth be told, being different has always been a big no-no for integration into any clique. Although you cannot completely avoid negative interactions, there are some steps you can take for minimizing the negative impact.

First and foremost, unless your child has well established friendships and peer relationships in your community, enroll your child in a school that has a high staff to student ration, even if the school is located across town. Since existing relationships are not a consideration, you are doing your child a favor by sending her into a supportive and well supervised environment.

Role-play potentially bullying behaviors your child may encounter. Children with Asperger’s Syndrome are the favorite kinds of kids to pick on for bullies, simply because they are very literal and children who bully love to play your child and get laughs out of onlookers by making a fool out of your child. This sounds heartless, but then bullying is not the kind of behavior that displays a lot of heart in the first place. Help your child to know what it might face by role playing at home how to act should she find herself the focal point of attention by another child who is making peers laugh.

Moreover, alerting your child to the necessity to tell you and also a playground supervisor what is happening, especially when they are threatened or told not to tell anyone, is a crucial portion of playground proofing your child. Do not assume that your child will automatically tell. At the same time, do not believe that your child will be under constant supervision of a playground teacher or supervisor. There is a good chance that your youngster may spend some time only partially supervised, and it is up to you to ensure that she knows what kind of conduct warrants alerting grownups.

With the right kind of preparation, Asperger’s Syndrome does not have set up your child for being bullied, taken advantage of, or remaining the odd kid out. Instead, she does have the ability to make friends and enjoy peer interactions, just like other kids her age.

Staff Difficulties when dealing with an Asperger's Syndrome Inpatient

Much has been written about the difficulties patients with Asperger’s Syndrome may experience in social settings and even in the more regulated school or work environment. It is interesting to note that there is not a lot of data available that speaks of the difficulties staff members, other than teachers, experience with children and adults diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Granted, as professionals they are expected to learn how to deal with any problems that might arise through their interactions, but this does not negate the fact that they are very real indeed.

Especially when interacting with an Asperger’s Syndrome patient in an inpatient setting, there are a number of problems that arise and need to be dealt with.

* The insistence on routines which are counterproductive in the institutional setting. This may be the absolute necessity to wash hands after touching every third surface or doing something as simple as eating lunch ahead of the rest of the patients, even if there is no medical reason to have lunch sooner. Insistence on such routines is sometimes so marked that it borders on manic and the only way to calm down the inpatient is with compliance or willfully ignoring the havoc a failure to abide by the routine creates. * The inability to have proper facial expression and body language accompany their language makes it hard to interact with a patient suffering from a more severe form of Asperger’s Syndrome. Caregivers have noted that the kind of disconnect which exists between words and body language someone renders the exchange questionable. Even if the caregiver asks more questions to make sure she or he has properly understood the needs of the patient, there is still a good chance that meeting all the needs is not possible. * The apathy which is noted in patients with Asperger’s Syndrome greatly complicates interactions in the institutional setting. Born from stress, the patient suddenly seems to space out, not following the directions of the care giving staff. This leads to upsets in the routines, problems with other patients, and also an inability of the staff member to meet the patient’s needs as well as the needs of other patients. Since many staff members lack the ability to help a patient overcome the apathy in the institutional setting, this often becomes a point of discord between the institution and the caregiver. * Perhaps the most commonly cited difficulty a nurse, aide, or other caregiver may report is the patient’s inability to correctly and completely report any discomfort or pain. Even when asked repeatedly, the patient lacks the voice inflection and the facial responses that help a caregiver recognize pain or discomfort and then adjust the treatment currently being administered. At times the individual may not even be able to describe the pain felt, further making it harder to deal with an Asperger’s Syndrome patient in an inpatient setting.

There are not hard and fast answers for dealing with this problem. Instead, the best suggestion is to enlist the help of a patient advocate or caregiver to spend as much time with the patient and the staff to foster proper communication.