Parenting Aspergers Syndrome Children

The term Asperger's Syndrome (AS) was first coined by Hans Asperger, an Austrian physican, in 1944. Asperger's Syndrome is a Pervasive Development. A Pervasive Development is a group of conditions in which there are developmental delays in many basic skills. In Asperger's Syndrome, the developmental delay in the basic skills are primarily centered around social interaction and social functioning. Asperger's Syndrome is often called high-functioning autism too. However, unlike autism, the deficits in social interaction and social functioning are usually less severe. 

More common in boys than girls, it is estimated that more 400,000 families are affected by Asperger's Syndrome. Most children aren't diagnosed until 5 to 9 years of age. According to the DSM-IV, "Asperger's Syndrome is characterized by qualitative impairments in social interactions; restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and actvities; and significant impairments in social, occupational, or other important areas of social functioning. However, there is no significant delay in language; cognitive, age-appropriate self-help skills; adaptive behavior; or curiosity about the environment. Furthermore, the criteria for other specific Pervasive Disorders or Schizophrenia are not met."

To put this in layman's terms, people with Asperger's Syndrome may display some of the following symptoms but not necessarily all of them.

• Poor social interaction - This may include a lack of interest in interacting with peers and a limited use of nonverbal communication. It is difficult for them to read the body language of others, and they may avoid eye contact. When they do talk, it may be one-sided conversations about what they're interested in, and they may not be able to read the speech inflections of others.
• Obsessions - They tend to become very interested in a limited number of subjects.
• Odd speech mannerisms
• They may be hypersensitive to loud noises, bright lights, and different tastes, smells, and touches.
• Peculiar mannerisms - This may include unusual facial expressions or postures.  
• Clumsiness
• They can be rigid and don't like changes in routines.

Scientists do not know with certainty what causes Asperger's Syndrome. While it is believed to be hereditary, environmental factors, brain damage, birth injuries, and childhood diseases may be responsible too. Some believe measles-mumps-rubella vaccinations may be responsible too, but no stuies have found a definite link yet. It is often associated with other mental disorders like depression or bipolar disorder.

There are no medications to treat AS. However, if there are associated psychological disorders, there may be medications available to treat them. If your child has Asperger's Syndrome, the first thing a parent should do is learn as much as they possibly can about AS. Early intervention is important. Treatment strategies should be aimed at improving communication, social skiils, and behavior management. Individual therapy can help them become more aware of their emotions and learn problem solvng strategies. Fortunately, they may be able to learn the rules for eye contact, social distance, and social sklls. The earlier you begin, the better.

Unfortunately, there is not alot of information on the internet about raising children with AS. Joining a support group can be beneficial for both you and your child. Other parents can give you emotional support and teach you things they found effective in dealing with their child.

Some helpful tips in dealing with children with AS are:

• Keep instructions simple.
• Limit choices to two or three.
• Give them unconditional love regardless of what they do.
• Since inflexibility in routines can be a problem, warn them advance when there will be a change. Try to make minor changes in their routines occasionally too, so they can become more adept at handling changes.
• Consistency is important. Try not to make any idle threats.
• Learn to identify their stress triggers so you can try to distract them.
• Teach them constructive methods to deal with stress.
• Praise them when they use appropriate social skills.