How to Identify Aspberger Syndrome in Your Child

Does your intelligent, very active, talkative child with a great vocabulary seem to lack in some areas of social skills? Have you been noticing lately that he is very intense and focused on one toy but totally ignores all the others around him? Does she decide to talk on one subject and you can't stop her or change the subject, all the while she is so intent that she totally ignores all other persons around her? Well your child may have Asperger's (pronouned AWZBERGER's)Syndrome, which is the mildest form of Autism. This syndrome was first discovered by an Austrian Researcher Hans Asperger in 1947. He was watching children at play and noticed that 11 boys at the academy while all intelligent with high vocabularies played differently. It seemed they showed social development disorders which he decided to work with, and helped the students progress. Asperger's Syndrome, as a result, can be treated today with educational and social skills training, behavioral therapy and medication.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Watch your child at play. Does he have an obsessive interest in a single object or toy, totally ignoring all the other toys around him? A child naturally chooses one toy but eventually moves on to discover the other toys around him.
2. Listen to your little girl when she is speaking on a topic. Does she focus so intently on that subject that you can't change the subject, interrupt, or move her on to another topic? In the meantime is she ignoring all other persons around her and continues to focus solely on that topic with one person?
3. While your little one displays a large vocabulary and possesses good or above average language skills, have you noticed that there are some problems starting to arise in his following directions? Your child may start to have trouble understanding non-verbal communication, such as body language and pointing to a place you want her to go.
4. Stumbling is another characteristic of Asperger's Syndrome. But it is constant stumbling, not just the occasional tripping. You will notice she has uncoordinated movements and delays in motor skills.
5. Sensitivity to light, sound, textures and tastes are another sign of Asperger's Syndrome.
6. Obsessive or repetitive routines and rituals are another symptom of this disorder which when your child is small may appear cute but as they get older you will notice the need for repeating routines over and over does become a problem.

Tips & Warnings

• Just because your child may show signs of any of the symptoms listed here does not mean he has Asperger's Syndrome. Don't panic. Consult your doctor who will then make a decision and put your mind at ease either way.
• If this syndrome is not caught when your child is a toddler, you still may see signs of the disorder in your older child and teenager as well.
• While these are only some of the signs and symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome, always remember only a skilled professional and your doctor can make the final decision. Never try to diagnose a decision on your own.
• Do not try to handle the Syndrome on your own. There are definite treatments in both social skills and if needed medical treatments to help your child life a happy, healthful life.