Just What Is Asperger Syndrome?

People, both children and adults, that are affected with Asperger Syndrome are quite normal intellectually, but have very noticeable behavior patterns that could be characterized as "limiting". These limiting behaviors and characteristics have also been present since a very early age.

Some Asperger Syndrome Limitations

· Difficulty developing friendships

· Diminished capacity for body language - facial expressions, staring

· Lack of certain emotions like sympathy and empathy

· Inability to recognize social signals and cues

· Finds conversations difficult

· Obsessive interest in simple mechanisms

It affects children's motor skills like handwriting and can quite often manifest itself with noticeable hearing and touch sensitivities. Difficulty with expressing and putting thoughts into words and the inability to organize and manage time are also problems associated with an Asperger Syndrome child.

There are also some very positive aspects connected with how children and adults behave and think. These people with do not have a defective way of thinking. They just have a different way of thinking, and quite often have a strong need to seek truth, knowledge and perfection. They do this with a totally different set of priorities and perceptions than most other people.

A person with Asperger Syndrome is more concerned about solving a problem than satisfying others. Someone with Aspergers is more creative than co-operative. They are known for being able to speak their mind in a direct and honest manner, and also have very good knowledge of what is right and what is wrong.

People with Asperger's Syndrome often have mood swings and higher levels of sadness, anger and depression. They are loyal friends but may often enjoy being alone, finding it difficult to show or manage their emotions.

It can be hard for parents to tell when their child has Asperger Syndrome, and even more difficult trying to explain it to the child. However, it is important to be open and honest with your child. Educating your child needs to be a priority and taken seriously by both parents and teachers.

Your child will be much better off knowing that he or she has Asperger Syndrome, than wondering why they seem to be different from the other children around them. It is far better that a child knows and does not blame themselves for their inability to make friends at school. The sooner that your child knows, the more his or her self esteem will be preserved and the more the child will benefit.

Although we do not know what causes Asperger Syndrome, and there is no "cure" for it, there are programs and ways to help our children with expressing and managing emotions.

A good source that I found helpful is website called Children and Parents, where you can review some effective treatment programs and other helpful Asperger Syndrome publications.

Original article