What is Asperger’s Syndrome
What is Asperger’s Syndrome?
Asperger’s is a pervasive developmental disorder involving dysfunction of social skills and behaviors. Children with Asperger’s have an age-appropriate level of cognitive skills and speech skills. These children prefer to isolate themselves from others and usually have emotional behavior difficulties. Children with Asperger’s struggle with social interactions and cues and well as making sense of their environment. They have limited things they are interested in and struggle with change. They may have meltdowns when their environment, routine or ritual has been altered.
What causes Asperger’s?
Asperger’s syndrome is unknown on the exact cause. Several factors can be involved such as chromosomal abnormalities, genetics, neurological deficits, complications at birth or pregnancy and chemical imbalances. Asperger’s Syndrome is seen more in males than females.
Children with Asperger’s have difficulties with sensory processing, coping skills, behavioral regulations, and emotional stability. They will also have coherent thoughts, self-concept of things, and a personality. They may struggle with self-esteem, impulsiveness, lack of control and temperament difficulties. Children with Asperger’s struggle with play, socialization, and learning. Due to needing a strict routine, it may affect their ability to be independent with self-care and daily living skills. Some children may also have comorbid disorders associated with Asperger’s such as depression and anxiety.
How can I help treat my child with Asperger’s?
- Sensory integration therapy- children with Asperger’s need their sensory needs met to help them self-calm and have better regulation of their own behaviors. Providing sensory input can better improve their skills.
- Social skills training- social participation and interaction with others may be a battle, however involving them with social activities is important to prevent them from being isolated.
- Problem-solving strategies- children with Asperger’s have the cognitive skills to problem solve, however getting them to use their cognitive skills may be difficult. Using strategies such as allowing them to problem solve through a simple situation will allow them to slow down and think about a situation.
- Adaptive functional techniques- if getting out of the house becomes difficult due to changes in routine, setting a schedule ahead of time can help the child adapt better. Letting them know what their day will look like; for example: if grocery shopping is included on that day, write in down on a visual schedule for them to see.
- Special education programs- these programs are designed to adapt to the child’s needs and accommodate them within the environment to allow them to be functional.
- Speech and language skills training- even though a child with Asperger’s can communicate, speech-language pathology can help with social skills and how to interact appropriately with others. Therapy can teach them to communicate more effectively.
- Occupational therapy- therapy can help with teaching families and child how to interact as well as behavior regulation and adaptive techniques to modify the environment for effective living skills.