FollowA Parent’s Introduction to Asperger’s Syndrome
Approximately 15 of the world’s population has Asperger’s, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention. In the United States, 1 in 68 births result in the baby having this disease. Boy children are more likely to have this disease than girls, with the ratio, with 1 in 42 boys affected as compared to 1 in 189 girls.
Asperger’s syndrome is seen more in boys (1 in 42) than girls (1 in 189). Here is a brief parent’s
introduction to Asperger’s syndrome.
Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome
Engaging in repetitive language.
Poor social skills.
Not being able to modulate the volume of their voice. For instance, they may have to be reminded to lower their voice while inside the library.
Having vocal characteristics that are eccentric such as a monotone pitch, having no rhythm at all or having an odd inflection.
Clumsy motor skills such as not being able to ride a bike or catch a ball.
Traits of Asperger’s Syndrome
Often talk endlessly about things they like, interests and interesting conversation topics.
Become attached to certain schedules and routines like getting dressed in the same order each day.
Very sensitive to sensory input so much so that they get upset in a room with lots of noises or become agitated by intense tastes and smells.
Tend to engage in repetitive behavior like twisting their fingers continuously.
Tend to have narrow interests. For instance, they may memorize storm names but have no interest in weather at all.
Diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome
Diagnosing Asperger’s syndrome is done in two separate parts: developmental screening and team evaluation.
With developmental screening, a child’s regular doctor does a complete check-up.
With team evaluation, a team of neurologist, psychologist, speech therapist and psychiatrist
determines whether or not the child has Asperger’s syndrome. The evaluation includes
assessments, testing and evaluation.
Treatment for Asperger’s Syndrome
There is no current cure for Asperger’s syndrome but there are treatments available.
Parental education teaches parents behavior techniques to be used at home.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of ‘talk’ therapy that helps kids who are anxious to
effectively manage their emotions.
Medications for co-existing conditions that often appear alongside Asperger’s syndrome like
ADHD, Dyslexia, OCD, anxiety, depression and Tourette syndrome.
