Asperger syndrome, which is also referred to as Asperger’s, is a developmental disorder within the autism spectrum. It is often difficult to diagnose due to differing sets of diagnostic criteria.
Children with Asperger’s (AS) tend to be more anxious than their non AS peers. The challenges presented to them as seen in the main characteristics that serve to diagnose their condition (impairments in communication, repetitive behavior, social impairments, sensory sensitivity, and extreme difficulties with change or the ability to transition) make their world can be a very frightening and confusing place. Add the fact that they are very often anxious to the mix and you have a child that is confused, worried, stressed and often frightened.
Since continued stress can lead to over exhaustion, which then often leads to onset of allergies and physical illnesses, it’s very important to keep a close eye on the stress level of children afflicted with AS. Stress and anxiety are often demonstrated through a combination or a variety of behaviors. Things that signify the onset of anxiety to be on the lookout for are sweaty palms, racing heart, insomnia, irritability, higher than usual inability to pay attention, stomach pain, tightening of the muscles.
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome inherently have difficulty verbalizing their emotions, which of course can compound effects of anxiety. The AS child often becomes extremely anxious but is unable to tell you why, they may not even be able to pinpoint it themselves. However they can often tell you that they have a stomach ache or that they have muscle cramps, or feel a tightening in their chest. These are clues that need to be taken note of. Your child may be telling you in their own way that they just don’t feel that they can manage a park activity you had planned for him that afternoon.
Asperger’s children are noted as having obsessive-compulsive behaviors, repetitive behavior, and a perfectionist attitude. One of my other children may go into my son’s room to return a pencil, placing it on the desk. When my son returns to his room, after a quarter-second scan of his room he will realize that something is different than it was when he left, triggering a severe bout of anxiety.
Here are some techniques that may be helpful in supporting an AS child:
Exercises involving their entire body, such as rolling on the floor or tug a war.
Redirection
Deep pressure activities, such as laying under cushions or a heavy blanket.
Physical energy burns, such as walking, jumping rope, swimming, running.
Chewing will relieve pressure in their jaw.
Listening. This is probably the most important of all. Listening with an ear to not only hear, but to decipher what your child is really trying to tell you.
Anxiety levels for children with AS are often cycles, which often makes it more difficult for caregivers to identify triggers. Cycles may last anywhere from four to six weeks and often follow the lunar calendar. Something that causes a small bout of anxiety one week may trigger a extreme anxiety the next.
Bouts of anxiety can be very nerve wracking for an AS child. They often experience physical symptoms instead of an emotional response, which then triggers anxiety. As my son grows older he has been able to put into word some of the feelings he’s had about past situations. He tells me that during stressful events he was often scarred and confused by his physical symptoms. He didn’t know what they were about or why they were occurring, or that they were signs of anxiousness related to the thought of being involved in an event or situation. He felt out of control.
Children with AS want to be just like their non AS counterparts. They want to participate in social events or outings. They want to be like everyone else. So when an asperger’s child tells you that they don’t want to go to the park event you’re planning for that afternoon, it’s important to listen to them. In their mind they’ve already gone through all of the scenarios that could help them cope, but have come to the conclusion that they just can’t cope with that today. Forcing him to go will only intensify his anxiety.
