asperger syndrome book

 

 

 

 

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Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger Syndrome, or AS, is mild form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). If you don't remember hearing about it when you were growing up, that's probably because it's a newer diagnosis. It first appeared in the diagnostic manual of the American Psychiatric Association in 1994, 50 years after it was discovered by Austrian physician Hans Asperger.

Asperger's is similar to autism, but there's one major difference. Unlike kids with other forms of autism, children with Asperger’s learn to speak on time and may even have a large vocabulary for their age. Despite these strengths, they often have trouble holding conversations. They typically have “repetitive or restrictive patterns of thought and behavior,” narrow interests and gross motor delays, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Children with AS often become obsessed with a favorite object or topic, such as trains, maps, computer and video games, historical facts, cars, numbers, statistics and cartoon characters.¹ They try to learn everything they can about their special interest, memorizing many facts.

Asperger's has been called the "little professor" syndrome because the children become very knowledgeable about their favorite topic and because of their advanced vocabulary. Their conversations may be one-sided, however, as they list facts without trying to engage the person to whom they are speaking.

Sometimes adults regard the child’s eccentric behavior as a symptom of high intelligence. Because of their relative strengths, children with Asperger’s are often diagnosed at a later age than children with autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Children with AS may not be diagnosed until elementary, middle or high school, while most children with autism are diagnosed in the toddler and preschool years. Early diagnosis is important because it allows the child to receive help at a younger age.

Besides narrow interests, other symptoms of Asperger’s Disorder may include:

Despite a good vocabulary, a child with AS may feel isolated by his poor conversational skills and his trouble understanding the rights and feelings of others.

Michael, a 7-year-old with Asperger's, only wants to talk about trains and play his favorite video game. He insists that other children do things his way because it's the "right way." Michael makes comments he regards as truthful -- "your coat is ugly," "you're terrible in math" -- without understanding that his words are hurtful.

Other children may interpret Michael's demands and remarks as bullying, although Michael doesn't intend to be mean. His behavior may make him a target of teasing and bullying by others when he's older.

Like children with other autism spectrum disorders, Michael will benefit from therapies that focus on language, communication, social skills and behavior management.

If a child with Asperger's is extremely sensitive to sound, light, touch. taste or textures, he also may be helped by sensory activities to improve the way he processes information from his senses. Sensory problems are common in Asperger's, Brenda Smith Myles says in Asperger Syndrome and Sensory Issues.

To be effective, any treatment program should build on the child's interests, be predictable, use a schedule, break down complex tasks into simpler steps, keep the child focused by using structured activities, and reinforce positive behavior, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Like other autism spectrum disorders, Asperger's affects more boys than girls. Your pediatrician can refer you to a child psychologist, psychiatrist or developmental pediatrician for a diagnosis. Some symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome can be confused with those of other disorders, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder. It's helpful to see a diagnostician who is familiar with autism.

Kids with Asperger’s usually have fewer academic problems than children with autism, but they still may qualify for Early Intervention services in the preschool years and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) at school.

Parents can ask their local early intervention office or school to evaluate their child. If the evaluation shows a significant problem, the child can receive free therapies and academic help.

A speech-language pathologist can help with social and conversational skills. A physical therapist or occupational therapist can work on improving motor skills, sensory processing and handwriting. A psychologist can provide advice about easing anxiety and handling difficult or aggressive behavior.

The existence of Asperger's as a separate disorder may change. American psychiatrists have proposed combining autism, PDD and Asperger's into a single category of Autism Spectrum Disorder, with new diagnostic criteria.

Recommended books about Asperger's Disorder:

Asperger's SyndromeThe Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome by Dr. Tony Attwood. In one of the best books on AS, Dr. Attwood relies on research and personal accounts of people with Asperger's to present a positive, enlightening picture. He includes information on sensory and coordination problems, teasing and bullying, friendships and long-term relationships, problems with empathy, mental health concerns, and careers.

The OASIS Guide to Asperger Syndrome: Completely Revised and Updated: Advice, Support, Insight, and Inspiration by Patricia Bashe and Barbara Kirby, the founder of the popular Asperger web site, OASIS.

Can I Tell You About Asperger Syndrome?Can I Tell You About Asperger Syndrome?: A Guide for Friends and Familyasperger by Jude Welton, illustrated by Jane Telford. A boy named Adam, who has Asperger Syndrome, explains Asperger's to his friends from his point of view. Adam wants children to understand the challenges and talents of someone with Asperger's. For children ages 7 to 15.

What It Is to Be Me!: An Asperger Kid Bookasperger by Angela Wine, a parent of child with AS.

Look Me in the Eye book coverLook Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger'sasperger by John Elder Robison "is the moving, darkly funny story of growing up with Asperger's at a time when the diagnosis simply didn't exist. A born storyteller, Robison takes you inside the head of a boy whom teachers and other adults regarded as 'defective.' This is the story of Robison's journey from his world into ours, and his new life as a husband, father and successful small business owner," says Future Horizons.

Rebecca Moyes, an educator and parent of a child with Asperger's, tackles the educational challenges of AS in her book Addressing the Challenging Behavior of Children With High-Functioning Autism/Asperger Syndrome in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers and Parentsautism.

Simples Strategies That Work for Asperger SyndromeBrenda Smith Myles Ph.D. takes on the important issue of social skills for people with Asperger's in her books The Hidden Curriculum and Simple Strategies That Work! Helpful Hints for All Educators of Students With Asperger Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism, and Related Disabilitiesasperger.

Model Me Kids has videos and lessons that teach social skills for Asperger's Syndrome, including Model Me Confidence and Bullying Prevention, Model Me Friendship and Model Me Organization & Motivation.

Also helpful for the newly diagnosed or undiagnosed:

Asperger's organizations and websites:

¹"Early Diagnosis of Asperger's Disorder: Lessons from a Large Clinical Practice." Perry, R. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 2004;43(11):1445-1448.