A Look at Asperger's Syndrome

Associated Content Producer Jennifer Weiss wrote an interesting article on working as a TSS (therapeutic staff support). Some companies such as Family Behavioral Resource focus on different things such as autism. There is more to autism than what people think. When most people think of the term Autism they tend to think of Robert DiNiro's character in Rainman. There are many aspects to Autism including different diagnosis's of the disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are disorders that affect communication in different ways. Some of disorders on the spectrum include Autism, Rett's, PDD-NOS, Asperger's Syndrom, and Childhood Disintrigrative Disorder. Common characteristics of people on the spectrum includes communication difficulties, social delay and repetitive actions. The Asperger's Syndrome diagnosis is a qualitative impairment in social interaction that manifests itself in at least one of these ways: marked impairment in the use of nonverbal behaviors such as eye to eye gaze, facial expressions, body postures, and social interactions. They can also have a failure to develop peer relationships that are appropriate to the developmental levels they should be at. There is also a lack of spontaneous seeking to share interests, enjoyment, interaction with other people especially pers.

Asperger's Syndrome is marked by restrictive repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities such as a preoccupation with a restricted interest. For example for children with Asperger's are preoccupied with trains (Thomas the train engine, Lionel Trains etc.), things that rotate, some could be interested in movies, books, animals, politics. Some have a hard time communicating with peers and talk about things that most children their age aren't interested in such as CSPAN, theater and other things of the sort. Some people with Asperger's would have repetitive motor mannerisms such as hand or finger flapping or even tapping. Some symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome include not picking up on social cues and may lack inborn social skills, such as being able to read others' body language, start or maintain a conversation, and take turns talking. There is also a great dislike any changes in routines, appearing to lack empathy. They may not be able to recognize subtle differences in speech tone, pitch, and accent that alter the meaning of others' speech. This means the child may not get a joke or take things that are said literally. A child with Asperger's may have a limited use of gestures and facial expressions, clumsy body language, sometimes inappropriate expressions and peculiar or stiff gaze.

The cognition or theory of mind is impaired as well. This means that those diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome have the inability to take perspective of situations, they can be on extreme ends of the spectrum for reading, spelling and number skills. Scripted play also tends to be a characteristic meaning quoting movies, televisions show and possibly books. Some kids are able to script but have it appear to be a part of normal everyday conversation. There is also typically a sensory sensitivity such being sensitive to sounds, touch, temperature, pain, visual even taste. Some of the motor clumsiness would include possible facial tics, imbalance, rhythm, and difficulty in fine motor skills. There is no known cure for Asperger's Syndrome or other Autism Spectrum Disorders. But there are ways of treatment such as possible medication (to help with some other issues relating to having the disorder), social skills training meaning helping children learn how to interact with peers and in social situations. For example a possible treatment plan could include having two children play together and prompt the spectrum child on social cues and conversations skill as they learn. Sometimes occupational, physical and speech therapies are included in a treatment plan.

Diagnosis is generally made later than the other ASD; this is possibly because there is increased social demands on the child as they get older. Some of the bases for therapy is to develop a strong relationship with the child, gaining his or her trust. A therapist or TSS should be reinforcing to the child. Reinforce the correct answers they make and the progress they make as they learn the social skills they need. Start from where the child is. If you start with things the child doesn't understand how will they be able to learn the steps they need to get to that point. Use humor, make learning fun for the child make them laugh at different things. I tend to make it seem like the child is teaching me things with the way I talk and how I present the lessons for them. Focus on their strengths not their weakness. You can use a child's strength to strengthen their weakness. Always..always keep in mind that every child is different. What works for one child may or may not work for another.

Autism is often misunderstood and stereotyped in many different ways. There is some speculation that Sandra Bullock's character in "Its All About Steve" is made to be an adult with Asperger's Syndrome. It is hard to understand what it is like to live with Asperger's or other aspects of Autism. Studies are being done every year on newer ways to provide therapy for children who fall on the spectrum. As more studies are completed more children become high functioning. Youtube has many videos from children with Asperger's talking about what it is like to live with it. I recommend watching a few to get a better understanding.