Asperger’s Syndrome is often diagnosed when a child starts school and the problems become apparent. Here are the signs and symptoms to look for.
Asperger’s Syndrome and Socializing
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome often prefer their own company. They are not interested in fashions, trends and celebrities and may seem to live in their own private world. Any interaction with peers may be one-sided as they tend to talk exclusively about their interests and do not ask any questions. Social responses are often inappropriate.
Asperger’s Syndrome and Thinking Skills
Asperger’s Syndrome children are often of average to high intelligence. They have impressive memories for facts and figures and may be extremely gifted at engineering and electronics. Reading and books are very important to them. In spite of this, they cannot imagine what others are thinking and are unable to interpret non-verbal cues.
Asperger’s Syndrome and Emotions
In a similar fashion, these children cannot interpret other’s emotions and lack empathy. They may display extreme reactions to minor upsets in their own lives.
Asperger’s Syndrome and Obsession
A common sign of Asperger’s Syndrome is an obsession with a particular topic or interest. They may talk incessantly about their passion and show little interest in anything else. Their knowledge is often advanced and they may seek out other children for the purpose of lecturing them about their interest.
Asperger’s Syndrome and Routines
These children like routine and find it difficult to adapt to change. They need preparation and constant reassurance when a move is ahead, such as transferring to a different school or a new house.
Asperger’s Syndrome and the Playground
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome often prefer to play by themselves. When they do play with others, they like to control the activities. If challenged, the result may be an emotional outburst.
Asperger’s Syndrome and Speech and Language
Strange speech patterns are very common and they may have an odd way of speaking. Advanced vocabularies are used and conversations are interpreted literally. Figures of speech and sarcasm are not understood.
Asperger’s Syndrome and Motor Skills
Most Asperger’s Syndrome children have poor motor skills and struggle at sport and coordination. Weak fine-motor skills affect writing and artistic ability.
Asperger’s Syndrome and Sensory Overload
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome may be extremely sensitive to sound and light and unable to handle crowded venues with excessive noise and activity. The textures of certain fabrics may upset them and labels touching their skin may need to be cut out for comfort’s sake.
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome can be helped with appropriate training and therapy and they are capable of leading happy, fulfilled lives. The key to achieving this is acknowledging the condition and seeking professional help.
