Detecting Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's syndrome, by definition includes inability to maintain repetitive patterns or behavior and socially impaired interactions. Clumsiness and underdeveloped motor skills are observed often. High functioning autism is often used in similar descriptions of Asperger syndrome.

Originally labeled Autistic Psychopathy in 1944 by Hans Asperger the cause today is still unknown. It is believed that there may be a possible relationship to an autistic disorder or autism. There's a small portion of the research community and believes that the Asperger syndrome is some form of mild autism.

Typical signs of Asperger in children include; a failure to develop relationships with their peers, inability to show pleasure in other individual’s happiness, emotionally withdrawn and non-reciprocating of emotion in social interactions, and communicates primarily through nonverbal communication gestures. Although seen in girls, the syndrome seems to target or is more common with the boys. It is believed that there may be genetic factors, but there are theories that would suggest that prenatal infections may play a cause in promoting the condition.

Individuals with Asperger syndrome frequently excel in programming and computer sciences, even though socially they are infelicitous. Often Asperger patient’s intelligence is above average. Although some perceived delays may exist, there seems to be no cognitive development delays. Development specific to self-help skills of appropriate age, environmental curiosities, and development of language skills generally do not exist.

The following is a list of typical symptoms that parents should look for if they believe that their child has Asperger's syndrome:

Avoidance of eye contact or nonverbal communication
Specific gestures body postures or facial expressions in lieu of verbal communication.
Unable to develop relationships with peers
Singled out as strange or weird by other children
Lacks interest, and sharing of enjoyment, lack of spontaneity.
Nonresponsive to other individual’s happiness
Socially and emotionally unable to connect
Maintain specific routines in ritual fashion, lacks flexibility
Unable to physically sit still, continuous body movements
Focuses intensely on narrow interests, such as phone books or train schedules
May become preoccupied with objects or parts of objects
Often develops behavioral repetition, which may include self injuries.

Testing to determine whether your child has Asperger would include mental, emotional, and physical evaluations which should all be performed to rule out other possible causes.

Treatment often varies among individual patients. Patients who IQ is higher are often seen with a better prognosis than those patients who have a below average IQ. In cases where the individual patient is severely impaired, treatment may be similar to that of autistic disorder treatments.

Today, studies show that by applying various approaches to treatment patients can achieve social acceptance. Depending on underlying problems and intelligence, individuals will receive various results. Typically, those individuals whose intelligence is above average will show the greatest improvement in social situations.

If your child seems nonresponsive or exhibits, behavioral science, similar to those listed above. It is advisable to contact your health provider and schedule an appointment.

Today's parents need to be diligent in determining causes for unknown behavioral patterns. With proper diagnosis pants can seek proper training and understanding of their child's Asperger's. This will help to eliminate stress in the family and create a cohesive family unit.