Wednesday 31 August 2011

Asperger's Syndrome Symptoms - Is There Such a Thing As Asperger's Syndrome Treatment?

Asperger's Syndrome Symptoms can be as varied as they are wide, but that is of little assistance to those who are trying to recognize or diagnose Aspergers in a child, loved one, or themselves.

So what are some of the classic Asperger's Syndrome Symptoms?

Symptoms during childhood

Parents often first notice the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome during preschool years when their child begin to interact with their peer group and teachers. The following are some typical symptoms in children to be aware of:

Being unable to pick up on social cues such as body language, eye contact, and maintaining a meaningful conversation. A distinct dislike for changes in routine. An apparent lack of social empathy, often mistaken for age appropriate egocentric tendencies (most kids believe they are the centre of their own universes). An inability to differentiate between changes in speech tone, pitch and accent that would otherwise convey a change in meaning. Aspergers children are apt to adopt the literal over the inferred. Exhibiting a formalized, ritualistic speech seemingly advanced for their age. Your child may seem like 'the little professor'. Unusual facial expressions and delayed motor development. A pre-occupation with interests. This can often be difficult to distinguish from typical adolescent fascination. Look for an almost fanatically engrossed interest and knowledge base in subject matter to the exclusion of others, often spoken about. Sensory integration dysfunction manifested by a heightened sensitivity to external stimuli such as noises, lights or strong tastes.

Whilst the condition is in some ways similar to autism, children with Aspergers often display normal to advanced language and intellectual development but latent social skills. Aspergers children are often described (somewhat unfairly) as 'smart kids with autism'.

Symptoms during adolescent and teen years

Many Asperger's syndrome symptoms persist through adolescence and teen years, and whilst rote learning can assist Asperger's sufferers in dealing with social situations, communication often still remains difficult. Teens with Aspergers often feel shy, or intimidated by social situations and approaching their peer group. They may be aware of their lack of acceptance but unsure as to the reasons why. This can trigger feelings of anxiety, of being 'different', and in extended circumstances, depression.

Often trying to 'fit in' may evoke feelings of frustration and be emotionally draining for teens with Asperger's. Their genuine nature may result in their being the subject of bullying.

If these are the symptoms of Aspergers how do we go from diagnosis to treatment? Whether your child is displaying Asperger's syndrome symptoms in early or later years, there are increasingly advanced methods to effectively deal with the symptoms typical of the disorder and avoid the pitfalls which historically have been indicative of the condition. Many are grounded in utilising rote learning of what might ordinarily be intuitive or naturally developed social growth and awareness. The use of pre-taught responses to certain situations can assist in the reduction of anxiety responses. There are in fact a large number of strategies which can be implemented to effectively deal with almost all situations arising out of Aspergers disorder, and whilst the time investment in overcoming the disorder can be significant, the life quality expectations of the sufferer can be equally advanced.

Want more information? Before spending thousands in consultancy fees, be 'in the know' by discovering insider tips about the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of Aspergers Syndrome Here


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Symptoms of Asbergers Syndrome - an Answer to the Question "Does My Child Have Aspergers?"

How to determine if your child has Aspergers.

Aspergers Syndrome is a neurological condition which is categorized by virtue of it's qualitative impairment in social and behavioral functioning. The symptoms of Aspergers Syndrome, whilst varied, are frequently encapsulated by a distinct, severe and prolonged impairment in social interaction, peculiarities in communication, and an emphasis on repetitive routines or ritualized patterns of behavior.

Whilst there is typically no differentiation in developments such as preliminary linguistic skills, adaptive behavior and self assertiveness in children suffering from aspergers syndrome, parents may recognize latency in motor coordination in young children as a preliminary indication of the condition.

Often parents are simply able to sense that their child's development doesn't accord either with their past experience with child rearing, or their own children's peer group. When the cause for this derivation is unclear, it can be a source of ongoing concern. The concern is a valid one. Many children with aspergers are demonstrably active in early childhood, but as their difficulties with socialization and communication persist into adulthood, they can experience associated psychiatric conditions, and depression.

Recognizing Aspergers Syndrome Behavior

By having some knowledge of what the classic symptoms of aspergers syndrome are, it's possible to ascertain whether your child is exhibiting them to a degree which might necessitate seeking a professional diagnosis.

With children grown beyond infancy, two of the more marked aspergers syndrome symptoms are firstly, the repetitive stereotyped patters of behavior, and secondly, a qualitative impairment in social interactions. The manifestation of these respective symptoms can be recognized as follows:

Impairment In Social Functioning

Children with aspergers syndrome may exhibit a clear difficulty in developing age appropriate relationships with their peer group, and demonstrate an aversion to the use of non-verbal communication cues, such as eye contact, facial expressions, or body language. Similarly, they will have difficulty deciphering such cues, and to that degree operate without the benefit of the integral ability most of us unconsciously apply to all our day to day interactions. To use an example, sarcasm may well be lost on an aspergers child, as will variations in tones and speech patters. They will find inferential reasoning, general problem solving and abstract concepts taxing.

A child's level of spontaneous engagement in shared interests and social activities can be a further symptom of aspegers syndrome. Often children with aspergers syndrome can be animated in their discussion but demonstrate a lineal focus on topics of interest to them, almost to the point that their communication seems eccentric, or at times inappropriate. An asperger child's apparent inability to reciprocate a shared interest goes beyond what might be described as age appropriate egocentricity.

An individual with aspergers syndrome may also lack obvious capacity for empathy, and this inability to appreciate the emotions of others serves, perhaps unfairly, to reinforce their social awkwardness insofar as their behavior is outwardly perceived. Speech and linguistic irregularities such as stilted, formal or monotone language may also be an indication of aspergers syndrome behavior.

Repetitive Patterns Of Behavior

An all-encompassing pre-occupation with a topic to the exclusion of others is one of the more distinguished symptoms of aspegers syndrome. A sufferer's obsession can lead some children to become fixated on a particular item or topic. Frequently the child will want to know everything relating to their interest, and may develop what can objectively appear to be an admirable knowledge base in relation to it. However, in discussion, facts or explanations may be divulged with incessant randomness, and an obvious point or direction in the dialogue is at times absent.

Another form of aspergers syndrome behavior are stereotyped repetitive motor mannerisms, such as hand or finger movements, and an inflexibility to changes in their routine. A pre-occupation beyond normal levels of curiosity in parts of larger objects may be one of the symptoms of aspergers.

Being able to recognize asperger syndrome symptoms can be an important factor in early diagnosis, treatment and behavior management. Unlike the subjective withdrawal characteristically associated with autism, people with aspergers syndrome are vulnerable to becoming isolated as a consequence of their underdeveloped social skills. This is notwithstanding any desire they may in fact have for continued interaction with their peers.

Taking Notice Of The Signs

For parents, teachers, or those otherwise concerned with the care, welfare and development of a child who may be suffering from aspergers, the above behavioral considerations become integral in not simply classifying a child as a 'bad' child. Aspergers syndrome may co-exist with other conditions, including Attention Defecit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD). Proper diagnosis can assist in waylaying the development of anxiety or depression associated with aspergers syndrome.

Want more information? Before spending thousands in consultancy fees, be 'in the know' by discovering insider tips about the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of Aspergers Syndrome Here


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Aspergers's Syndrome Adult - Should You Have to Explain Yourself?

Picture this scenario.

Tom and Brad have been friends for their entire life. They are the same age, both adults, and work together. They are in the middle of a conversation that has been going for almost 30 minutes during their lunch break, both are talking animatedly and both are clearly comfortable.

With about 20 minutes of lunch hour left, a work colleague who is a friend of Brad approaches their table and joins the conversation. But now only Brad and their colleague are talking. Tom has become quiet, withdrawn, and speaks only twice in the next 15 minutes, once to say goodbye.

If this is a scenario familiar to you then you'll appreciate that Aspergers Syndrome in an adult can result in some complex emotions arising out of even simple social situations. At times speaking to one person seems fantastic, but when an unknown quantity is added to the equation feelings of shyness and withdrawal take over. Worse still, often this creates feelings of frustration (why am I being so quiet?) or guilt (they think I don't like them) or self doubt (even if I did speak, I'd be forcing it and I'll be ignored). There can be a prevailing sense of needing to explain yourself, but not wanting to, or being unable to. The reality is, you shouldn't have to either.

Coming to terms with this type of predicament becomes far easier when considering whether the issue is not one of shyness, but a lack of control. An unfamiliar person creates a situation of uncertainty. Being in unfamiliar territory can feel uncomfortable. Which ever way you approach it, the issue is one of a lack of control creating unwanted feelings.

But since adult Asbergers sufferers can't always control their environment, what can be done? A huge advantage is being able to recognize the reason for feelings of anxiety, shyness or a sense of withdrawal for what they are, and why they are causing a certain response to a particular situation. Being able to consciously accept what is happening and understanding why you are reacting a certain way to a situation can at least provide some internal control. The next step is being able to actually use that internal control to help express yourself externally the way you want to, rather than the way you might otherwise do.

Want more information? Before spending thousands in consultancy fees, be 'in the know' by discovering insider tips about the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of Aspergers Syndrome Here


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Tuesday 30 August 2011

Coping With Aspergers Syndrome - Top 5 Factors to Safeguard Your Child's Welfare

Asperger's syndrome can constitute a challenging, and at times lonesome disorder for both children and their parents. Inherent in the disorders nature are difficulties associated with socializing and communicating with your toddler. Problems children have with peer communication and associated social behavior can also entail less play dates and birthday invitations. It can result in additional and frequently unwanted public scrutiny from those who simply do not understand that a child's meltdown constitutes part of an impairment, and is not the consequence of "defective parenting."

Fortuitously, as Aspergers syndrome acquires widespread identification and attention, sources of assistance for parents of sufferers are becoming more prolific. The following comprises some suggestions as to how to start actively coping with Aspergers in your family:

Acquire knowledge about the disorder. As a stark comparison to even a decade ago, many pediatricians are well versed with Asperger's syndrome and the elements pertaining to a positive diagnosis. In addition, there are numerous books and internet sites committed to the disorder. Take the time to undertake the research so as to better understand the challenges being faced by your child, and the variety of services in your school district and community that may provide respite and assistance.Learn to understand your child. The symptoms of Asperger's syndrome may follow a broad pattern but will be different for every child, and often depending on the circumstances in which the child finds themselves. Often your child may struggle to verbalize their struggle, or fully comprehend much less rationalize the reasons for their behaviour. However, with time and perseverance, you will be able to interpret which situations and environmental triggers are causing difficulties for your child. This in turn will assist in establishing and which coping strategies work. Consider the use of a diary to elucidate patterns in behavior or recurring problems.Aquaint yourself with relevant local professionals. Their advice will be integral in making key decisions in relation to your child's welfare, treatment and education. Use the advice available from those professionals and where possible, school counselors and teachers, to evaluate the options you have to develop a regime which can be most beneficial to your child. Contact social services and ask to have explained the federal regulations and potential benefits concerning children with impairments.As many children have no overt signs of a disability, you will need to pro-actively advise and at times educate other family members, parents, and other adults involved with your child as to your child's special needs. This can avoid situations which may arise by virtue of a misunderstanding or miscommunication, which can nevertheless promote anxiety in your child, and otherwise exacerbate the difficulties your child may already be experiencing.Assist your child in the challenge of creating passion from obsession. A typical behavior symptomatic of Aspergers disorder is the tendency to become fixated on a topic of narrow scope. This can prove frustrating and at times distracting to those upon whom your child's incessant discussion is influcted. However, an intense focus can also invigorate a child's connection to their education or social network. Frequently, this focus can enable a child to form lifelong pursuits of activities which permit them to actively contribute to their peer group, which in turn can ameliorate the isolation frequently experienced by individuals with Asbergers, and associated feelings of depression.

Want more information? Before spending thousands in consultancy fees, be 'in the know' by discovering insider tips about the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of Aspergers Syndrome Here


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Managing Aspergers Syndrome Behavior

For many, the proper diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome may give rise to the larger problem of how to manage Aspergers syndrome behavior.

There are guidelines which can be of assistance in establishing practices designed to help those with aspergers syndrome develop skills which can lessen the impact of the disorder. These include the following:

Teaching basic skills and concepts should be undertaken with sufferes of aspergers syndrome in an explicit and deliberate manner with an explanation as to how the parts fit into a larger whole.Social awareness may need to be instructively promoted rather than intuitively learned, with focus being given to specific examples of appropriate behavior in discreet situations. A clear emphasis on the difference between the perceptions of a person with aspergers syndrome as distinct from others should be explained.Regular visitation of problem solving techniques, with a focus on providing step-by-step strategies to effectively recognise and deal with common everyday difficulties.The practice of simultaneously interpreting visual and auditory stimuli should be cultivated with a view to assisting an aspergers syndrome sufferer in classifying non-verbal behavior, and understanding how that behavior correlates with verbal communication. The implications of eye-contact, non-verbal communication such as hand gestures, facial expression, and obvious body language should be explored. Changes in tone, inflection, and figurative language should be instructed broadly, with increasing specificity over time.Self sufficiency may be enhanced by increasing the adaptive skills of those with aspergers syndrome. Rote learning of specific activities, such as travel or meeting strangers, should be verbally instructed and rehersed in order that sequential repetition can give rise to learned behavior. Subsequent reinforcement of those routines should be undertaken by coordination and communication with those responsible for the indivuals ongoing care, welfare and development. Consistency in routine will be a significant factor in it's assimilation by the individual into behavior patters.Self awareness and evaluation may need to be independently encouraged to both enable individuals with aspergers syndrome to percieve appropriate behavior in different social circumstances, and to assist with self esteem when such situations are successfully managed. Again, pre-learned strategies applied in practice to specific examples will compliment the cognitive abilities of those with aspergers.The establishment of a 'safety-net' for circumstances where an aspergers syndrome individual encounters a novel situation should be implemented, with a pre-planned course of action to be undertaken.The link between certain anxiety provoking experiences and resulting feelings of frustration and depression should be explicitly taught in a 'cause and effect' manner in order to engender within the aspergers syndrome individual some insight into their own emotions. This can also assist in gaining empathetic response by enabling the individual to have some awareness of the feelings of others. The individual with aspergers syndrome should be encouraged to monitor their own speach patters, and be instructed as to the interpretation which others may place upon it.To assist with age-appropriate communication with their peer group, aspergers syndrome individuals may be assisted by instructions on how to manage topics of discussion, the importance of topic expansion, closing discussions, and gaining comfort in mutual engagement.Ultimately, a combination of learned behavior may be explored to establish guidelines to prevent disruptive behavior, assist in more intuitive decision making, and participate in open forms of communication.

The integration of these types of behavior management strategies can be assisted by their coordination both in the home, and in the case of children, at school. With proper management and professional assistance, a pro-active and integrated approach to managing aspergers syndrome behavior can be of both short term and long term benefits to those afflicted by it.

Want more information? Before spending thousands in consultancy fees, be 'in the know' by discovering insider tips about the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of Aspergers Syndrome Here


View the original article here