ASPERGER

ASPERGER SYNDROME

What is it?
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by an alteration in the way of communicating with others, in the use of language and in social interaction. In addition, these children have very restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.

Asperger syndrome becomes an ASD of mild intensity. Although the basic difficulties are the same, the affecting degree is clearly different. Their intelligence is usually normal, their symptoms less intense and with the necessary support they can achieve autonomy in adulthood. It is estimated that between 3 and 7 out of every 1,000 children suffer and it is more common in boys than in girls.

What the Asperger cause?
The Asperger is not caused by any type of food or vaccine; and it doesn´t have anything to do with an inadequate education neither. Its base is biological and there is a hereditary component. Therefore, there are frequent cases of ASD, of different intensity, in the same family.

In Asperger’s syndrome, there are differences in its structure and function of some specific regions of the brain. As a result of an alteration of the migration of neurons in the fetus, which would cause communication abnormalities between the neurons that control his/her thinking and behavior.

Symptoms of Asperger Suspicion

  • Children with Asperger syndrome usually have the following signs and symptoms:
  • They have few social skills and little relationship with children their age, as well as difficulties to get friends.
  • They show difficulties in maintaining the normal rhythm of a conversation: they do not establish good eye contact, their gestures and facial expressions are a little appropriate for the situation or they are not aware of the feelings and intentions from others.
  • They usually have restricted conversations and activities to certain topics (only dinosaurs, trains, chess …).
  • They use perfect, formal, even pedantic language (such as “little teachers”), but without the rhythm, intonation, emotion or pauses that facilitate their understanding.
  • They interpret language literally. That’s why they don’t understand jokes, irony, or metaphors.
  • They do not tolerate changes in their routines and these alterations generate a lot of anxiety.
  • They are «clumsy» children in motor matters: they take a long time to walk, ride a bike, run.

Other less frequent symptoms

  • Unusual memory for details. They remember all train stops, telephone numbers of a guide.
  • Balancing or repetitive movements in situations of high anxiety and that are difficult to handle.
  • Most symptoms occur in early childhood, although they may go unnoticed until social demands are more intense.
  • If your child has several of the symptoms or behaviors described, talk to your pediatrician.

How the Asperger diagnosis is made?

The process is initiated by the suspicion of the parents or by the detection of the Primary Care pediatrician in a routine review.

The pediatrician will collect the current and past symptoms of the child, the milestones of his language and social´s motor development. Then, and if there is suspicion of this syndrome, you will be referred to a child and youth psychiatrist, who will make a more complete evaluation with two elements:

  • Interview to their parents when the symptoms were identified for first time, how was the motor, language and behavior development of the child (routines, habitual leisure, response in specific social contexts).
  • Psychological Evaluation and communication skills. In this way you can know the areas where the degree of the child´s deficiency is most pronounced.

Differential diagnosis

We must distinguish Asperger’s syndrome from other pathologies that limit the child’s communication, such as:

  • Intellectual Disability.
  • Sensorial Disorders, such as deafness.
  • Language´s Specific Disorders (LSD). They are difficulties for the acquisition and use of language due to profound alterations in understanding.
  • Language development is much lower than that of children their age, so they have trouble relating to others and in studies. The main difference with ASDs is that they want to communicate, to share emotions; understand nonverbal communication (gestures, looks, tone of voice); and they usually improve a lot with time and adequate support.
  • Social Communication Disorders (pragmatic). It is an alteration in the social use of language as a media. They are characterized because they are not available to modify the conversation according to the context, they don´t respect the communication rules, they don´t understand what is not explicitly said.

For more information, visit your doctor; not self-medicate; or write us.

What is its treatment and follow-up?
The treatment of Asperger’s syndrome must be carried out by a multidisciplinary team composed of psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, social workers, speech therapists, educators … and all this together with the family.

This disorder has no cure, but with the right support you can achieve a good quality of life. Therefore, it is recommended that the child receives early help. Initially in Early Care Centers and then in a school according to their needs. Ideally, an ordinary educational center with experienced teachers in these patients, integration classrooms and supports. It is important that families explain their children’s needs and routines to teachers, speech therapists and other caregivers.

At home, it is important to ensure a stable and predictable environment (in which the same routines are always maintained). Using cards with images can make it easier for these children to learn norms and activities. Divide the tasks into several parts. Use a simple, clear and concrete language. Promote their autonomy.

It is also recommended:

  • Teach them social and communication skills: how to start a conversation, how to respond to a compliment, how to express their needs,
  • Promote positive reinforcement. Flattery and reward instead of punishment.
  • Explain to the child’s siblings and relatives how to relate to the child.
  • Sometimes they may require psychological therapy to help you manage their emotions, anxiety and inappropriate behavior in social situations.

Prediction

In adulthood, people with Asperger maintain their difficulties especially in the social environment and in the relationship with their peers. Their appearance and intelligence are normal. They can get to do a job and be independent in the future. And some of them may have special skills in areas of interest.