Archive for July, 2010

What Everybody Ought To Know About Asperger’s Syndrome

Does your child have a very tough time in social situations? It might be that your kid has Asperger’s syndrome. What is meant by “a very difficult time in social situations”? Well, maybe you have noticed some of the following symptoms that characterize persons with Asperger’s syndrome:

* An incapability to pick up on social cues, such as reading others’ body language.

* A tendency to continue long, one-sided conversations without even noticing whether or not the listener is listening or trying to change the subject.

* Difficulty understanding the usually delicate differences in speech which can change how other’s message is received. For example, kids with Asperger’s might not realize when a joke is being told, or may miss the irony intended and, instead, may take a comment at face value.

* Their own speech might be lifeless and tough to understand because of a shortage of pitch or tone.

* Uneasiness with some changes in routines.

* May either stare at others, or avoid eye contact.

* May appear to not have empathy.

* Can be preoccupied with only one or two interests, which they are highly educated about. This preoccupation limits on obsession. They may talk a lot about this interest, and often carry on one-sided conversations.

* Motor growth might be delayed, with trouble learning to ride a bike, dine with a spoon or fork, or other hand/eye coordination tasks, as well as that of handwriting.

* Easily overstimulated by lights, loud noises, or other stimuli.

A child with one or two of these symptoms does not essentially have Asperger–after all, these symptoms may illustrate a majority of children you know. The key to analysis is having a combination of these symptoms AND having severe trouble with social situations. Parents might first observe this when their child starts to interact with other kids. Is maybe your child not able to make friends with other children?

Aspergers syndrome is grouped with other ASD, which encompass issues with communication and other social skills. But Aspergers syndrome is usually regarded to be at the less severe end of this spectrum. Although in few ways Aspergers is similar to autism, kids with Asperger’s generally have ordinary academic and language development. And they typically try harder to make friends and to interact with others.

Kids with Asperger’s syndrome vary in the harshness of their symptoms, and in the number of the symptoms they exhibit. Because of this, no two children with Asperger’s are the same. Aspergers underlying causes, thought to be genetically based, cannot be “cured.” Rather, treatment, in the form of either communication and social skills training or cognitive behavior therapy, could help your child learn to more easily fit into their social world.

The Real Secret To Asperger Syndrome

Asperger syndrome is a neurological condition resulting in a wide variety of behaviors. Motor development, speech and thought patterns could all be affected with this condition. The unusual behaviours and speech patterns usually isolate individuals with Aspergers from society. People with Asperger syndrome or AS might violently act out because of anxiety, despair or strain. Diagnosis and therapy are available to change symptoms and behaviours.

The condition was initially noted by Austrian paediatrician Hans Asperger in 1944, but since all his findings were written in German, it was not till the early 1980’s that the condition became widely known. Asperger’s became an certified illness with diagnosis in the early 1990’s. Studies show that 2 out of 10,000 kids are affected with the condition and boys are 3 to 4 times more likely to get the illness than girls. Many children are diagnosed by the 3rd birthday, but some acquire symptoms as young as infancy.

Suspicions arise when a child experiences developmental delays as evidenced by learning to crawl or walk later than usual, or having difficulties with learning to ride a bike or catch a ball. These children may appear clumsy and develop a odd gait that ranges from stiff to bouncy. Individuals show a restricted capability to use gestures when talking and might demonstrate diminished or odd facial expressions.

The teenagers start to develop bizarre speech patterns, that range from overly formal to monotone. They also have trouble comprehending how to adjust volume levels in several situations. A lot of times they verbalize statements repeatedly. There is a restricted capability to comprehend the difference between literal and figurative language.

Though not always able to express themselves, these kids have high levels of intellect. Many become infatuated with a specific item or topic, absorbing enormous amounts of facts in an effort to fully cover the subject.

Due to impaired knowledge, speech and motor skills, these kids lack proper social skills. Few show no desire to relate with others. Out of annoyance people develop nervousness and depression, often causing defiant or aggressive behaviour.

Aspergers syndrome might co-exist with other conditions as well as ADHD, tic disorders OCD.

Odd fetal brain cell development resulting in odd neural circuitry and transmission are considered to cause the disorder. Some scientists have discovered an excess of certain proteins. Although the condition is genetic, no single gene is responsible, so the condition and symptoms vary for each individual.

Diagnosis is determined by trained physicians who treat the condition in a variety of ways. Various methods of cognitive behavioural therapy, language and speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy, social skills training, and medication are some of the treatment options. Parent support groups and training allow families to share facts and experience to better cope with the situation.

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