What is Asperger’s syndrome?

Asperger’s syndrome (also known as just Asperger’s) was once its own diagnosis. Now it is identified as one form of the autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD). Despite this, many people still use the word “Asperger’s” to describe their diagnosis.

 Asperger’s Syndrome is a developmental disorder that results in communication and behavioral problems. People diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome typically have high intelligence and no speech delays. However, they tend to play, learn, speak, and act differently from others.

Children may appear to show signs of Asperger’s syndrome at an early age. Signs your child may have Asperger’s syndrome include:

1. Obsessing over a single interest.
2. Craving repetition and routine (and not responding well to change).
3. Missing social cues in play and conversation.
4. Not making eye contact with peers and adults.
5. Not understanding abstract thinking.

Your child also may have trouble with pretend play, not want to be held or touched, or have unusual reactions to noises, smells, or tastes. These things may be noticeable to your child’s doctor, teacher, and even to you as a parent. See your doctor if you suspect your child’s communication and social skills are not developing appropriately. Your doctor may refer you to a developmental specialist.

No one thing causes Asperger’s syndrome. However, research suggests that certain factors during pregnancy and after birth may put a child at higher risk of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Those factors include:

1. Genes.
2. A chromosomal abnormality (such as fragile X syndrome).
3. A mother’s use of prescription medicines taken during pregnancy (such as valproic acid for seizures or mood disorders, or thalidomide for anxiety).
4. Having been born to older parents.

This type of autism spectrum disorder appears to be diagnosed more often in boys than girls.

   Asperger’s syndrome gained increased attention before being wrapped into the autism spectrum disorder. With more education and information available, doctors are able to diagnose this disorder in children as young as 18 months old. There is no blood test or medical imaging scan to diagnose the condition. Doctors compare a child’s behavior and development to a milestone checklist against same-age peers.

 Early and regular treatment can help your child cope with the symptoms related to Asperger’s syndrome. It can prepare him or her for adult life. Treatment usually includes a mix of speech, physical, occupational, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The therapy team will decide how often it needs to work with your child. Therapy sessions might look like this:

1. Social skills and speech therapy: Your child may speak well. However, he or she may need to learn important conversation skills. Those skills include learning to take turns while talking, making eye contact with the person he or she is speaking to, showing interest in what the person says, and learning to talk about a variety of topics, not obsessing over one topic. The therapist also might teach appropriate playtime skills, such as taking turns, following rules, and learning to cope with one’s feelings around others.
2. Physical therapy: Some people diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome may appear clumsy. A physical therapist works to develop a person’s core body strength. This will help with running, jumping, pedaling a bike, walking up and down stairs, and other physical movement activities.
3. Occupational therapy: An occupational therapist helps people with Asperger’s syndrome with their fine motor skills (anything requiring the use of their hands). They also work to help your child cope with sensory issues. A person diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome may be sensitive to certain sensory experiences. This might include noise, touch, smell, or visual stimuli. It might include certain materials, such as modeling clay, chalk, sand, and water. It could include sensory issues related to eating different types of food textures and types. Your child’s therapist also will work on hand-eye coordination and teach your child to feed him or herself appropriately. Before your child starts school, an occupational therapist will develop your child’s pre-writing hand strength. Once your child enters school, the therapist will help him or her develop handwriting skills.
4. Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) teaches people with Asperger’s syndrome how to act socially and cope with their emotions. It teaches important skills such as controlling impulses, fears, anxiety, obsessions, interrupting, and tantrums. It’s different for every person, based on his or her needs.
5. Medicine: There is no medicine to treat Asperger’s syndrome. Most medicines treat the anxiety, depression, or inability to focus often related to Asperger’s syndrome. Commonly prescribed medicines for anxiety and depression include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antipsychotic medicine, and stimulant medicines.

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