Aspergers Syndrome is a
developmental disorder classified under "pervasive development
disorder" (PDD). In lay terms this means that individuals with Aspergers
Syndrome have delays in development of multiple basic functions especially
around socialization and communication. It is estimated that 1 in 277 of all
children suffer from Aspergers Syndrome.
Aspergers Syndrome and Autism are
different grades in a spectrum of development disorder. It is similar to
classic Autism in a variety of ways but differs mainly because Aspergers
Syndrome individuals are usually higher functioning. IQ tests may show superior
intelligence or even a very high memory capacity in individuals diagnosed with
Aspergers Syndrome. Some of the differences from Autism include:
 |
| Asperger Syndrome |
□ Onset of symptoms is usually later in Aspergers Syndrome
□ Social and communication deficits are less severe in Aspergers
Syndrome
□ Circumscribed interests are more prominent in Aspergers
Syndrome
□ Verbal IQ is usually higher than performance IQ (in autism, the case
is usually the reverse)
□ Family history is more frequently positive in Aspergers Syndrome
Due to lack of physical
manifestations, and variability in presentation, Aspergers Syndrome is often
not identified in early childhood; in fact many individuals are not diagnosed
until they are adults!! Although children with Aspergers Syndrome tend to look
exactly like other children, they behave differently. These results in the
following:
□ Siblings feel embarrassed around peers; often times frustrated by not
having the relationship they expected with their sibling and most importantly
feel angry because children with Aspergers Syndrome require a lot of
parent's time.
□ Frustration for parents; Parenting a child with Aspergers Syndrome
can be frustrating, tiring and demanding. It is hard enough for parents to
understand why their beloved child has this disorder. It is even more
difficult to understand and relate to the child behavior triggered by no
"apparent" cause. Child with Aspergers Syndrome may start hitting
family members, shout and scream without any apparent cause.
As a result of this parents and
siblings can get overwhelmed in coping with the behavior arising as a result of
Aspergers Syndrome. Other times it may even disrupt peace at home. This further
worsens the Childs behavior and hence a vicious circle ensues.
Although children with Aspergers
Syndrome tend to look exactly like other children, they behave differently.
These results in the following:
□ Siblings feel embarrassed around peers; often times frustrated by not
having the relationship they expected with their sibling and most importantly
feel angry because children with Aspergers Syndrome require a lot of parent's
time.
□ Frustration for parents; Parenting a child with Aspergers Syndrome
can be frustrating, tiring and demanding. It is hard enough for parents to
understand why their beloved child has this disorder. It is even more
difficult to understand and relate to the child behavior triggered by no
"apparent" cause. Child with Aspergers Syndrome may start hitting
family members, shout and scream without any apparent cause.
As a result of this parents and
siblings can get overwhelmed in coping with the behavior arising as a result of
Aspergers Syndrome. Other times it may even disrupt peace at home. This further
worsens the Childs behavior and hence a vicious circle ensues. Although there
is no definitive "cure" Aspergers Syndrome, treatment is given around
the core symptoms of:
□ Poor communication skills
□ Obsessive or repetitive routines
□ Physical clumsiness
A typical treatment program to
Aspergers Syndrome generally includes ;Social skill training; Cognitive
behavior therapy; Medications, mainly for depression, anxiety, and ADD/ADHD;
Occupational or physical therapy; Specialized speech therapy; Parent training
and support
To overview; It is important that
parents have a good understanding of what Aspergers Syndrome is? It is
important for the child that siblings and family are explained about the
syndrome (to help them deal with it better). Furthermore focused activities
should be planned with the child everyday e.g. swimming, shopping etc; Parents
should attempt to make the child's childhood as "normal" as possible
(It is tempting for the parents and siblings to cuddle the child with Aspergers
Syndrome) - this is important so that the child can have similar childhood as
their siblings e.g. sibling rivalry, fighting over toys, TV shows etc. Dealing
with a child with Aspergers Syndrome can get challenging. With some help and
guidance, it can help the parents and the child a long way, in how to deal with
day to day scenarios and to keep peace in their families.
Shaikh MD
His site Aspergers Syndrome
[http://www.aspergerssyndrome-about.blogspot.com] focuses on Aspergers Syndrome
and different social aspects related to it.
