| If your child has recently been diagnosed with | | | | If your child meets one or more of the above criteria, |
| Aspergers Syndrome, then you likely have more | | | | then your doctor may suspect Aspergers. |
| questions than answers about this little-known | | | | Is my child crazy or mentally ill? |
| diagnosis. | | | | Aspergers Syndrome in and of itself is not a mental |
| This article presents answers to some of parents' | | | | illness; it is a developmental disorder. However, it is |
| most common questions about Aspergers Syndrome. | | | | fairly commonly associated with the following |
| What IS Aspergers Syndrome? | | | | conditions: |
| Aspergers Syndrome, named for Hans Asperger, an | | | | - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) |
| Austrian physician, is a milder form of autistic disorder. | | | | - Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) |
| Both conditions are part of a larger group of | | | | - Depression |
| neurological disorders known in the US as Pervasive | | | | - Bipolar Disorder |
| Developmental Disorders, or PDD for short. The 2 | | | | - Generalized Anxiety Disorder |
| most common symptoms are eccentric behavior and | | | | - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) |
| self-imposed social isolation. Sometimes speech is | | | | How is Aspergers Syndrome treated? |
| affected as well as gait and motor skills. Your child | | | | There aren't any treatments for Aspergers that will |
| may also be exclusively focused on a particular area | | | | make it "go away." However, by using a combination |
| of interest, such as cars or astronomy. The social | | | | of approaches that address the three core symptoms |
| isolation comes from the child wanting to know | | | | of the disorder (poor communication skills, obsessive or |
| everything about his or her area of interest and little | | | | repetitive routines and physical clumsiness); you can |
| else. Conversations are usually focused only on that | | | | help your child live a fairly normal life. It's also important |
| area as well. | | | | to start treatment as early as possible. The treatment |
| What causes Aspergers Syndrome? | | | | approaches your doctor recommends may include: |
| Experts believe that Aspergers and autism have | | | | - Psychotherapy |
| underlying biological causes, but are not clear yet on | | | | - Parent education & training |
| what those causes are. They do know that there are | | | | - Behavior modification |
| certain brain structure abnormalities, but do not know | | | | - Social skills training |
| why they occur. | | | | - Educational interventions |
| How are Aspergers Syndrome and autism different? | | | | - Medications, such as stimulants, mood stabilizers, |
| Aspergers usually begins later in childhood and has a | | | | antidepressants, and SSRIs |
| more hopeful outlook. The child tends to function at a | | | | Is there any cure for Aspergers Syndrome? |
| higher level with Aspergers too. Aspergers children | | | | Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, and |
| tend to be clumsy, but overall have less neurological | | | | children do not "grow out" of it either. It is likely that |
| deficits than autistic children. | | | | your child will always find social situations and personal |
| How does the doctor know for sure that my child has | | | | relationships to be challenging. But many adults with |
| Aspergers Syndrome? | | | | Aspergers are able to live healthy, productive lives, |
| Diagnosis of most any mental/emotional disorder tends | | | | although they may always need support to do so. |
| to be one of ruling out other conditions and noting | | | | What do I need to do as a parent of a child with |
| certain patterns of behavior. There is no definitive test | | | | Aspergers Syndrome? |
| for Aspergers, but there are certain patterns, including: | | | | The most important thing you can do is to get your |
| - Significant impairment in social interaction, as | | | | child into a treatment regime early and then stick with it, |
| demonstrated by: – impaired nonverbal | | | | even during the tough times. It will be worth it in the |
| communication – failure to develop | | | | long run if you take steps to support your child's |
| age-appropriate peer relationships – lack of | | | | progress and help him or her adjust and adapt. You |
| shared enjoyment of activities/surroundings with others | | | | can serve as case manager or coordinator, and try to |
| – unable to reciprocate socially and/or | | | | involve all of your child's caregivers in treatment as |
| emotionally | | | | much as you can. You should teach your child self-help |
| - Repeated patterns of behavior or interest, such as: | | | | skills as he/she grows and develops. Look for |
| – abnormal intensity of interest in one or two | | | | treatment and educational programs that address your |
| specific areas – rigid rituals that serve no | | | | child's problem areas. Get support for yourself too. |
| functional purpose – repetitive mannerisms, such | | | | You won't be at your best with your child if you're |
| as hand or finger flapping – persistently | | | | exhausted and frustrated. |
| preoccupied with parts of objects | | | | Hopefully, these answers have addressed some of |
| - Significant impairment in developmental areas of | | | | your most pressing questions. To learn more, search |
| functioning (social, occupational and other areas) | | | | for information on the Web at reputable sites or look |
| - No significant delay in language | | | | for a book at your local bookstore. Also, talk with your |
| - No significant delay in cognitive development or | | | | pediatrician and never be afraid to keep asking |
| learning of age-appropriate self-care skills | | | | questions until you get answers you can understand. |