The Developmental Disorder Known as Asperger's
Syndrome
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.
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.
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