Asperger's syndrome (AS) is a problem of child development.
It is a brain disorder.
It is one of the pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Other PDD's include autism, Rett's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and PDD-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
It is sometimes called high-functioning autism.
It causes a wide range of developmental problems in young children.
AS usually affects a child's social skills, communication skills, and behavior.
Unlike an autistic child, a child with AS has fewer problems with language. He usually has average to above average intelligence.
He usually functions well in every day life. But, he has problems interacting with others.
A child with AS wants to fit in and make friends. He just does not know how to do it.
What causes it?
The cause is unknown.
It may have something to do with genetics, or how the brain works.
Parents do not cause AS.
Who can get it?
Anyone can get AS.
It is more common in boys than in girls.
Parents of a child with AS are more likely to have another child with AS.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of AS are similar to those of other behavioral problems. It is very important that a doctor sees your child if you think he has AS.
Social Skills
Lacks social skills.
Has problems making friends.
Seems unaware of others' feelings.
Unable to carry on conversations.
Communication Skills
Cannot start a conversation or keep one going.
May have problems with nonverbal communication or body language.
Avoids eye contact.
Does not use or understand hand gestures.
Does not change his face when talking with others.
Example: Not smiling when telling something funny.
Does not understand other people's facial expressions.
Example: Not understanding why someone would smile at a joke.
May have a short attention span.
Repeats a word or phrase over and over again.
Words may be very formal and loud.
Behavior
Clumsy.
Does not like changes in every-day routines.
Only interested in a few things.
Example: Collecting rocks, or listening to music.
May have obsessive behavior.
Collects categories of things such as rocks or paper clips.
Knows categories of information like Latin names of flowers or football statistics.
May have problems with reading, writing or math skills.
Lacks organization skills.
Repeats certain behaviors over and over again.
How is it diagnosed?
AS cannot be diagnosed at birth.
It is usually diagnosed between 3 and 9 years old.
AS can be difficult to diagnose because the child can function well in every-day life.
A doctor should see the child as soon as any signs or symptoms are noticed.
He may need to be seen by a developmental pediatrician or psychiatrist (special doctors who are trained to diagnose AS).
The doctor will watch your child and ask you about his symptoms. How have his social and language skills changed over time? His behavior?
He may need tests.
Is it contagious?
No. AS is not contagious.
How is it treated?
There is no cure.
Treatment depends on the level of functioning of your child. A child with higher intelligence will have a better outcome.
Types of treatments include:
Behavioral modification
Education and training
Language therapy
Medicines for specific behavioral problems
Parent education and training
Psychotherapy
Sensory integration training--the child is treated to be less sensitive to things that bother him a lot
Social skills training
It is important if all of the child's caregivers are involved in the treatment. This can include family members, close friends, babysitters, teachers, etc.
How long does it last?
There is no cure.
With treatment, your child can learn to live with the condition.
Many children are able finish high school, attend college and get a job.
Your child will most likely continue to have problems. But, he will be able to make friends and have long-lasting relationships.
There is an increased risk of developing a mental disorder, depression or anxiety.
Can it be prevented?
AS cannot be prevented because we do not know what causes it.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor if your child shows behaviors of AS from the signs and symptoms list above.
Call your doctor, your child's doctor, your child's school, or a support group for help. There are many organizations that can help you cope and teach you how to manage life with a child with AS.
Your child has a legal right to receive special services at school. Talk to your doctor or teachers for more information. They can help you decide what school setting and education plan will be best for your child.
Call your doctor if you have any questions about your child's condition.
Quick Answers
Asperger's syndrome (AS) is a problem of child development.
The cause is unknown.
Anyone can get AS. It is more common in boys than in girls.
It is usually diagnosed between 3 and 9 years old.
AS usually affects a child's social skills, communication skills, and behavior.
Unlike an autistic child, a child with AS has fewer problems with language. He usually has average to above average intelligence.
He usually functions well in every-day life. But, he has problems interacting with others.
It is not contagious.
There is no cure. With treatment, your child can learn to live with the condition.
There is no known way to prevent it.
Call your doctor, your child's doctor, your child's school, or a support group for help.
References
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 1999, August. (cited 2004, July 14. URL: http://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/69.htm
Autism Society of America. Asperger Syndrome. (cited 2004, July 14). URL: http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Aspergers
MEDLINEplus. Medical Encyclopedia: Asperger' s syndrome. 2002, May 24. (cited 2004, July 14). URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001549.htm
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. NINDS Asperger Syndrome Information Page. 2003, October 6. (cited 2004, July 14). URL: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/asperger_doc.htm
"Virtual Pediatric Hospital", the Virtual Pediatric Hospital logo, and "A digital library of pediatric information" are all Trademarks of Donna M. D'Alessandro, M.D. and Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Virtual Pediatric Hospital is funded in whole by Donna M. D'Alessandro, M.D. and Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D. Advertising is not accepted.
Your personal information remains confidential and is not sold, leased, or given to any third party be they reliable or not.
The information contained in Virtual Pediatric Hospital is not a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.