|
If you know of a child who is having a greater degree of language
impairment than other children or has diminished communication
skills and also exhibits a restrictive pattern of thought and
behavior, he may have Asperger’s syndrome. This condition is
more or less similar to that of classic autism. The main difference
between autism and Asperger’s syndrome is that the child suffering
from Asperger’s syndrome retains his early language skills.
The peculiar symptom of Asperger’s syndrome is a child’s obsessive
interest in a single object or topic to the exclusion of any
other. The child suffering from Asperger’s syndrome wants to
know all about this one topic.
Sometimes their speech patterns and vocabulary may resemble
that of a little professor. Other Asperger’s symptoms include
the inability to interact successfully with peers, clumsy and
uncoordinated motor movements, repetitive routines or rituals,
socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior, and last,
but not least, problems with non-verbal communication.
Asperger’s syndrome sufferers find difficulty mingling with
the general public. Even if they converse with others, they
exhibit inappropriate and eccentric behavior. The Asperger’s
syndrome patient may always want to talk about his singular
interest.
Developmental delays in motor skills such as catching a ball,
climbing outdoor play equipment or pedaling a bike may also
appear in the child with Asperger’s syndrome. Children with
Asperger’s syndrome often show a stilted or bouncy walk, which
appears awkward.
The therapy for the Asperger’s syndrome mainly concentrates
on three-core symptoms: physical clumsiness, obsessive or repetitive
routines, and poor communication skills. It is unfortunate
that there is no single treatment for the children suffering
from the entire three-core symptoms. But professionals do agree
that the syndrome can be cured when the intervention is carried
out at the earliest possible time.
The treatment package of Asperger’s syndrome for children
involves medication for co-existing conditions, cognitive behavioral
therapy, and social skills training. The Asperger’s syndrome
treatment mainly helps to build on the child’s interests, teaches
the task as a series of simple steps and offers a predictable
schedule.
Although children suffering from Asperger’s syndrome can mange
themselves with their disabilities, the personal relationships
and social situations are challenging for them. In order to
maintain an independent life, the Asperger’s syndrome sufferers
require moral support and encouragement to work successfully
in mainstream jobs.
Studies are on the way to discover the best treatment for
Asperger’s syndrome, which includes the use of functional magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) to identify the abnormalities in the
brain which causes malfunction of the same, which in turn result
in Asperger’s syndrome. Clinical trials are being conducted
to identify the effectiveness of an anti-depressant in Asperger’s
syndrome individuals. Even the analysis of the DNA of the Asperger’s
syndrome sufferers and their families may cause a break through
in the treatment of the Asperger’s syndrome.
By Rachel Evans. To find out how you can get more information and sign up for a Free Newsletter dedicated to Autism please visit Essential Guide To Autism.
|
