Asperger's Syndrome Symptoms - Is There Such a Thing As Asperger's Syndrome Treatment?

 Asperger's Syndrome Symptoms can be as varied as they are wide, but that is of little assistance to those who are trying to recognize or diagnose Aspergers in a child, loved one, or themselves.

So what are some of the classic Asperger's Syndrome Symptoms?

Symptoms during childhood

Parents often first notice the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome during preschool years when their child begin to interact with their peer group and teachers. The following are some typical symptoms in children to be aware of:

• Being unable to pick up on social cues such as body language, eye contact, and maintaining a meaningful conversation.

• A distinct dislike for changes in routine.

• An apparent lack of social empathy, often mistaken for age appropriate egocentric tendencies (most kids believe they are the centre of their own universes).

• An inability to differentiate between changes in speech tone, pitch and accent that would otherwise convey a change in meaning. Aspergers children are apt to adopt the literal over the inferred.

• Exhibiting a formalized, ritualistic speech seemingly advanced for their age. Your child may seem like 'the little professor'.

• Unusual facial expressions and delayed motor development.

• A pre-occupation with interests. This can often be difficult to distinguish from typical adolescent fascination. Look for an almost fanatically engrossed interest and knowledge base in subject matter to the exclustion of others, often spoken about.

• Sensory integration dysfunction manifested by a hightened sensitivity to external stimuli such as noises, lights or strong tastes.

Whilst the condition is in some ways similar to autism, children with Aspergers often display normal to advanced language and intellectual development but latent social skills. Aspergers children are often described (somewhat unfairly) as 'smart kids with autism'.

Symptoms during adolescent and teen years

Many Asperger's syndrome symptoms persist through adolescence and teen years, and whilst rote learning can assist Asperger's sufferers in dealing with social situations, communication often still remains difficult. Teens with Aspergers often feel shy, or intimidated by social situations and approaching their peer group. They may be aware of their lack of acceptance but unsure as to the reasons why. This can trigger feelings of anxiety, of being 'different', and in extended circumstances, depression.

Often trying to 'fit in' may evoke feelings of frustration and be emotionally draining for teens with Asperger's. Their genuine nature may result in their being the subject of bullying.

If these are the symptoms of Aspergers how do we go from diagnosis to treatment?  Whether your child is displaying Asperger's syndrome symptoms in early or later years, there are increasingly advanced methods to effectively deal with the symptoms typical of the disorder and avoid the pitfalls which historically have been indicative of the condition.  Many are grounded in utilising rote learning of what might ordinarily be intuitive or naturally developed social growth and awareness.  

The use of pre-taught responses to certain situations can assist in the reduction of anxiety responses.  There are in fact a large number of strategies which can be implemented to effectively deal with almost all situations arising out of Aspergers disorder, and whilst the time investment in overcoming the disorder can be significant, the life quality expectations of the sufferer can be equally advanced. 

For advice available online for the treatment of Aspergers and strategies for managing the disorder, we highly recommend the Autism, Aspergers & ASD guide