Positive Parenting

We all know a family member, friend or acquaintance who seems a little odd, but we can’t quite put our finger on what it could be. So we often dismiss it and accept that this person is a little unusual. Could it be Asperger Syndrome?



What is it?

Asperger Syndrome is an Autism Spectrum Disorder (first described by Hans Asperger in 1944), but it’s often difficult to diagnose until well into adolescence or adulthood.

The three major characteristics are challenges in communication or language use, poor social skills and a restricted range of interests and/or repetitive behaviours. The cause of Asperger Syndrome is unknown, but one theory links it to genetic causes, so if one family member is diagnosed with Aspergers, it’s likely that another family member may have similar traits.

The profile can be puzzling. IQ tests may be average to superior, yet you may notice inconsistent abilities, such as great strengths in some areas along with noticeable deficits in others.



Common traits of individuals with Asperger Syndrome

You may first suspect Aspergers because of social or communication problems.

Although this individual wants to have friends, he will likely have difficulty initiating or maintaining them, often due to an inability to read social cues or understanding what’s socially acceptable or unacceptable.

Poor eye contact, inappropriate body language, insensitivity to others, anxiety in social situations, overly shy or inappropriately extroverted - these may all be traits of Aspergers.

You may see repetitive movements or speech (for example, talking excessively about favourite interests or topics to the exclusion of other subjects), inflexible and rigid behaviour (follows the rules), and uncomfortable with transitions or change.

As far as intelligence goes, although there may or may not be an associated learning disability, intelligence is not affected. They may be very detail-oriented to tasks, almost obsessive about their areas of interest (but not be mistaken for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

They may have difficulty seeing the “big picture� and can focus only on particular parts of a bigger task or activity. Technical or factual information is preferred over the abstract.

Other challenges may be anxiety and depression, attention difficulties, gross and fine motor deficits and poor organizational skills in terms of planning ahead and time management.



Treatment

Your family doctor is the best starting place for diagnosis and treatment, but you may also follow up with psychologists, social workers, early interventionists, and speech-language pathologists for professional opinions and advice. Aspergers Syndrome Disorder may also be diagnosed as Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD).

Treatment may include counseling, social skills training, medication, family intervention, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, special diets and support groups. It’s helpful for anyone working with this individual to be aware of the diagnosis so they can understand them better and interact more effectively.

As with any other diagnosis, the earlier, the better in terms of intervention. Many adults with Aspergers Syndrome have an excellent education, hold professional jobs and enjoy successful lives. If you suspect a friend or family member may have Aspergers Syndrome of another form of PDD, consult your doctor.



Lila Hope-Simpson is the Director of the Home and Heart Nursery School in Wolfville