Asperger Autism Syndrome – What It is and How to Deal with It

Asperger Syndrome, or AS, is a nervous disorder wherein there is a marked impairment in a child’s communication abilities, exhibition of obsessive behavior and stereotyped patterns of behavior, activities and interests. Being one of the several Autism Spectrum Disorders, or ASD, some characteristics are shared by children with autism behavior and children with AS. One of the things that set the two apart is the communication abilities of those with AS are maintained.

Children afflicted with AS normally show signs of advanced stage of communication skills, often with an exceptional pattern resembling that of an adult’s. However, they show an almost fanatical interest on a particular topic, excluding others which they are not interested with. This is one of the definitive signs exhibited by children with AS. They are also known to perform obsessive activities repetitively and show unusual characteristics in interacting with others. They find it difficult to socialize, especially working together with children their own age, and at times displaying inappropriate manners. Children with AS usually have a hard time interpreting or understanding non-verbal communication tools, such as humor and sarcasm. Their motor skills are generally uncoordinated – displaying awkward gait and other clumsy physical movements.

Diagnosis and management of AS in children:

As with other disorders, early detection is vital for immediate management, such as in diagnosing autism or AS in children. As soon as the disorder is diagnosed, children afflicted with AS go through behavioral rehabilitation. They are also trained on how to successfully interact or socialize with others, especially with their peers. Desensitizing is advised so they can deal with non-verbal communication tools appropriately.

Adult autism, provided the afflicted individual went through early diagnosis and management of the disorder, also eventually learns how to deal with the signs and symptoms of AS. He or she can more or less have normal lives – normal jobs, healthy relationships with others, and independence.

There is no single treatment for AS, and the interventions are limited by the currently existing data about the causes of AS.

Persons with AS tend to have problems in dealing with others, expressing themselves in a non-verbal manner and make out non-verbal communication cues such as body language. They tend to take everything literally because of this communication impediment. They are also often seen clumsy because of their impaired motor skills.

It is best if the child with AS diagnosed with the disorder as early as possible, so the management may be implemented as early as well. Various courses of therapy are available for the disorder so that the various signs and symptoms may be reduced. The parents and the caregivers of children with AS must get training on how to properly handle caring for such children.