bluephinWhat is Asperger's - A Snap Shot
August 26th 2006 07:41
When people hear the word Autism they generally associate it with the infamous autistic character, Raymond Babbitt, in Rain Man, played brilliantly by Dustin Hoffman.
However, Autism is not a condition that can be categorized into one neatly edged box. It is now widely accepted that people can display autistic traits to varying degrees which has led the medical profession to develop the ‘Autism Spectrum’.
At one end of the spectrum are those who suffer from Kanner’s Autism which severely affects their ability to communicate and interact with others. At the other end of the spectrum, and perceived as being a milder form of autism, are suffers of Asperger’s Syndrome - AS (or Asperger’s Disorder - AD).
Asperger’s is often diagnosed in children of Kindergarten age, although they may have shown signs of AS previously. It is defined as being a neurodevelopment disorder that can affect, but is not limited to, a person’s ability to communicate, interact socially, and cope with change*. People with Asperger’s often display repetitive behaviours and an intense interest or obsession with a particular topic. They may also repeat things they have heard, which is known as echolalia.
With early diagnosis, a child with Asperger’s may be taught how to better communicate with others. This is generally achieved through role playing and speech therapy. For instance, some children with Asperger’s have little or no understanding of maintaining a conversation. For example, a child may ask a sufferer of AS ‘what did you have for lunch’, and will get a reply of ‘my mummy is picking me up’.
Coping with change is also a difficult task for children with Asperger’s. For example, one 6 year old sufferer, on realizing that his mother had taken a different route to their grandparents became quite aggressive at the change to routine. AS children often need their days mapped out for them and displayed via cue cards and schedules, with any changes discussed well in advance.
Repetitive behaviours can vary for each child. A child may be given an assortment of coloured blocks to play with, only to sort them into colour groups over and over again. Another child may need to turn a tap on and off four times before they are able to wash their hands.
Regardless of the symptoms a child with Asperger’s displays, it is imperative that an early diagnosis is made to enable an early intervention program to be established. Whilst there is no cure for Asperger’s, children can, with help, guidance and understanding, grow into well-adjusted, confident and happy adults.
* Navigating the Social World – by Jeanette McAfee, M.D.
However, Autism is not a condition that can be categorized into one neatly edged box. It is now widely accepted that people can display autistic traits to varying degrees which has led the medical profession to develop the ‘Autism Spectrum’.
At one end of the spectrum are those who suffer from Kanner’s Autism which severely affects their ability to communicate and interact with others. At the other end of the spectrum, and perceived as being a milder form of autism, are suffers of Asperger’s Syndrome - AS (or Asperger’s Disorder - AD).
Asperger’s is often diagnosed in children of Kindergarten age, although they may have shown signs of AS previously. It is defined as being a neurodevelopment disorder that can affect, but is not limited to, a person’s ability to communicate, interact socially, and cope with change*. People with Asperger’s often display repetitive behaviours and an intense interest or obsession with a particular topic. They may also repeat things they have heard, which is known as echolalia.
With early diagnosis, a child with Asperger’s may be taught how to better communicate with others. This is generally achieved through role playing and speech therapy. For instance, some children with Asperger’s have little or no understanding of maintaining a conversation. For example, a child may ask a sufferer of AS ‘what did you have for lunch’, and will get a reply of ‘my mummy is picking me up’.
Coping with change is also a difficult task for children with Asperger’s. For example, one 6 year old sufferer, on realizing that his mother had taken a different route to their grandparents became quite aggressive at the change to routine. AS children often need their days mapped out for them and displayed via cue cards and schedules, with any changes discussed well in advance.
Repetitive behaviours can vary for each child. A child may be given an assortment of coloured blocks to play with, only to sort them into colour groups over and over again. Another child may need to turn a tap on and off four times before they are able to wash their hands.
Regardless of the symptoms a child with Asperger’s displays, it is imperative that an early diagnosis is made to enable an early intervention program to be established. Whilst there is no cure for Asperger’s, children can, with help, guidance and understanding, grow into well-adjusted, confident and happy adults.
* Navigating the Social World – by Jeanette McAfee, M.D.
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Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog
I wouldn't be surprised if I had it, and if most of my geek acquaintances do as well... at least in a mild form.
Comment by Cinico
Small Business Scope
You know, they do say that adults who are 'misfits' possibly could have Asperger's as it wasn't widely recognized back in their school days. So if you classify yourself as socially defunct chances are.........please seek medical advice though and thanks for your comment!
Comment by Fingertip Titans Unite
Idiots Among Us
Fingertip Titans
I have my suspicions about someone close to me. it would be very helpful to know how to relate to him better.
How would you spot the signs?
Comment by Cinico
Small Business Scope
There are a few things that you could look for that may indicate an autism spectrum disorder such as Asperger's but again you wouldn't be able to say that's what it was with much certainty without a medical diagnosis. Some of the things I've noticed are:
* difficulties in communicating ideas and thoughts
* interrupting and not realising it's inappropriate
* talking obsessively about a particular topic and not realising the person they are talking to is not listening
* finger flicking or hand flapping
* repetitive behaviours
* extreme dislike of certain textures (eg. in clothes or food)
* must have things the same way ie. be a stickler or function better with a routine
* unusual eye contact
These are just a few of the things I can think of.
Thanks for dropping by again.