Basic Facts About Asperger's Syndrome in Children

Asperger's syndrome can cause problems in daily life but children can be helped to cope better and function in society. An early diagnosis is helpful as experts can start working with a child from a young age.

What are the Signs of Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's syndrome often becomes apparent within the first three years of a child's life. Each individual will be affected in different ways and at different levels. The three main groups of symptoms include speech and communication skills, social skills and repetitive behaviors. It is a complex condition and statistics show it is more common in boys than in girls.

Asperger's Syndrome and Speech and Communication

Communication is a core deficit in Asperger's syndrome and is manifested in several ways. Because Asperger's is a high-functioning form of autism, the child is normally able to speak but with impairment. Common problems include the following:

• The child speaks in a flat monotonous tone that lacks expression

• All communication is taken literally and figures of speech are not understood

• Language may be advanced and formal for the child's age

Asperger's Syndrome and Social Skills

Body language is an important social skill and children with Asperger's syndrome struggle to understand it. This is compounded by difficulties in the following areas:

• Inability to read facial expression

• Misreading or not noticing social cues

• Not understanding the concept of personal space

• Peculiar stiff facial expressions

• A tendency to be self-focused and to monopolize conversations

• Inability to engage in imaginative play

• Some children may have sensory problems that cause them to shy away from crowds and loud noises

Asperger's Syndrome and Repetitive Behaviors

Children with Asperger's syndrome are prone to repetitive behaviors and obsessions from a young age. These commonly appear in one of more of the following ways:

• Rocking, spinning or hand flapping

• Obsession with certain toys or parts of toys. Mechanical objects are common as are dinosaurs

• Incessant talking about a special interest or hobby to a degree that is abnormal

• Routines are very important and the disruption of these can cause an emotional meltdown

Asperger's syndrome is a complex developmental disorder but when diagnosed early, there are a large number of treatments and therapies that can help the child function more normally. Many go on to find employment and some will even marry. The signs and symptoms of Asperger's syndrome are an important guide when making a diagnosis of the condition.

Reference:

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome , Tony Attwood, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2007