Identifying Depression in the Child with Asperger's Syndrome

Among the autistic spectrum disorders, Asperger's syndrome can be one of the most challenging health complications. If your son or daughter has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, there is no doubt you have found this diagnosis challenging to understand. While many children with this syndrome have high levels of intellectual function, their communication skills are often challenged which can result in difficult circumstances in parenting.

Asperger's syndrome is one of the unique forms of autistic spectrum disorders that typically are diagnosed later in childhood when compared to the timing of autism diagnoses. For children who have Asperger's syndrome, the complications of communication are often not a lack of it but, instead, inappropriate communication that seems to offend or be untimely. As a result, and without treatment, children who have this disorder will often become withdrawn, shy, and even develop secondary mental health complications without a parent realizing the condition exists (Williams 45).

Upon confirming your child's diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome, it is important to seek out mental health and occupational therapy services. While occupational therapy is typically recommended, as an option to encourage your child's function and mobility in social settings, the use of psychotherapy is often overlooked. However, because Asperger's syndrome leads to emotional distress in the child who lives with the condition, the mental health specialists needs to be retained and, ultimately, should work in collaboration with an occupational therapist.

Identifying depression, or other secondary mental health complications in your child, can be challenging. As a parent, you may be looking for typical symptoms of melancholy, sadness, or isolation from peers and social activities (Williams 32-34). But, in children who have Asperger's syndrome, these traditional depression symptoms may not be present or, when present, may be accompanied with additional symptoms. In fact, because Asperger's syndrome results in abnormal communication and untimely commenting, children who have developed depression with this condition will often develop bouts of rage and their Asperger's communication style may be worsened even when occupational therapy is used.

Using a collaborative approach to mental health care is the key to treating the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome in children who have the diagnosis. While there is no cure for the condition at this time, many children can learn to live with the condition, and live relatively normal adult lives, when aggressive occupational therapy and mental health services are used. So, when seeking out treatment, always find a team of healthcare professionals who can work with your child and help you identify when depression may also be a health concern.