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.

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Is Asperger Syndrome Similar to Autism?

Asperger syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder listed amongst those of the autism spectrum disorders. It is often closely compared with high functioning autism and some arguments dictate that it should be negated altogether and simply classified with high functioning autism. This syndrome is classified by a pattern of symptoms instead of just one symptom, such as impairment in social interaction, restricted patterns of behavior, activities and interests, there is no delay really in cognitive development however a significant delay in language is present. Those diagnosed with Asperger display an intense preoccupation or interest with particular subjects. They display a habit of excessive language defined as one-sided. They however also display a tendency towards restricted rhythms in their speech patterns. Sometimes those with Asperger can be physically clumsy and prone to accidents.

Life with this syndrome can be difficult but not impossible. In fact, there are those of a certain mind that consider any form of disorder from the autism spectrum to be a difference, not a disability. These of this persuasion advocate the necessity of treating such people as having mere differences, believing that both sides should simply take steps at accepting the other and working towards an easy cohabitation. Children born with this disorder or any other of this nature are not sick. They were born and began developing differences in their neural make up. Their brains began developing at a different rate as their bodies progressed steadily at the norm. These children are faced with altered factors in life, but this in no way makes them negatively different. Yes, children with Asperger and other such disorders will develop differently from other children. They will learn things differently, see things differently, and react to outside stimuli in a different manner. Still, these children, while living with a neuro-developmental disorder should not be considered a stigma.

It is important for any parent or caregiver of an Asperger child to know that these feelings of anxiety, fear, depression and anger towards the unfairness of it, are normal and that a diagnosis of Asperger is in no way a reflection on the parent(s) themselves. To help matters there are a variety of support groups and educational materials available to the public regarding this disorder and those like can look it up. Finding someone to talk to, a therapist, close friend, or the parent of another Asperger child is essential and can help with piece of mind. In fact, finding a support group made of parents for children with developmental disorders such as this can be beneficial to the parent and the child, as well as the siblings.

While there is no cure so to speak for Asperger syndrome, there are therapies that can be administered to alleviate the major difficulties a child will have functioning in normal life. Integrating them into a learning situation with others like then will help. And working at compromise throughout their daily schedules can be of great importance. It can be stressful for caregivers at times, but it is stressful for those with Asperger as well. Patience and a nurturing attitude will help all around.

For the latest videos and training information on child development as well as books and curricula on Autism please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.

Original article

Understanding Asperger Autism

By medical definition, Asperger Autism is a disorder of the Autism "spectrum" which is characterized by repetitive and restrictive behavior and interest patterns as well as significant difficulties with the ability to interact socially. According to Wikipedia, "it differs from other Autism spectrum disorders by [virtue of] its relative preservation of cognitive and linguistic development." The atypical use of language and physical clumsiness are oftentimes reported as characteristics although they are not required for diagnosis.

A child may display numerous symptoms of Asperger Autism, or they may only exhibit a few. Additionally, the severity of these symptoms may range from mild to extremely severe in nature. However, the key characteristic of this form of Autism is that the child will have a significant amount of difficulty when it comes to interacting with others in social situations. As a result of this unpredictable variance, no two children who are suffering with Asperger Autism are ever alike.

Childhood symptoms

Typically, a parent will first notice the following signs of Asperger Autism when the child first enters preschool and starts interacting with other children:

- changes in their routines appear to upset them

- lights, loud noises, or strong tastes and textures tend to over-stimulate them due to a heightened sensitivities

- preoccupation with only a single or a limited number of interests but they have considerable knowledge of the subject(s)

- the ability to pick up on certain social clues inborn social skills are lacking

- the inability to distinguish minor or subtle differences in others' accent, pitch, and tone of speech which can alter its meaning

- their motor development is oftentimes delayed

- their style of speech is well advanced for their age

- they display unusual body posture or facial expressions

- they lack the ability to be empathetic

- they sometimes avoid eye contact while at other times stare endlessly at others

- they will hold one-sided conversations, talk a lot about a favorite subject, or verbalize their most internal thoughts

Despite the above and the numerous similarities to Autism, Asperger syndrome is normally characterized intellectual development and normal language.

Adolescent and teen year's symptoms

The symptoms of Asperger Autism typically linger well into the child's teen years they may begin learning those social skills they are lacking in. However, the ability to communicate effectively remains difficult. Additionally, the difficulty encountered with reading the behavior patterns of others remains a significant issue as well. Teens suffering with the disorder want to make friends but they may feel intimidated or shy when approaching other teens because they feel "different" from other individuals.

Symptoms evident during adulthood

The adult with the disorder typically has a much better realization and understanding of their personal flaws including their strengths and weaknesses. They are more capable of learning social skills and reading the social cues of those around them. In fact, many individuals with Asperger Autism get married and eventually have children. Despite the fact that improvements are occasionally seen and the disorder tends to stabilize over time, Asperger Autism is a condition that lasts a lifetime.

For the latest videos and training information on child development as well as books and curricula on ADHD children please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.

Original article