Contents:
- Medical Video: Autism & Pediatric Diseases : Symptoms of Asperger's Autism
- What is Asperger's syndrome?
- What are the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome?
- How do you treat a child with Asperger's syndrome?
Medical Video: Autism & Pediatric Diseases : Symptoms of Asperger's Autism
Common behavior disorders experienced by children, one of which is Asperger's syndrome. However, sometimes Asperger's syndrome is considered the same as other behavioral disorders, such as ADHD. This is because the symptoms of Asperger are usually similar to ADHD. In fact, Asperger and ADHD are two different things.
Therefore, it is important for you, especially parents, to know the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome in order to distinguish it from behavioral disorders other.
What is Asperger's syndrome?
Asperger's syndrome is still classified as one type of autism but in a mild form. Autism affects how one understands language, communication, and socializing. Children with Asperger syndrome tend to have social and sensory problems, but have intelligence and language skills that are above average. So, children with asperger are not the same as children with autism.
According to the Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the United States, Asperger appears at a slower time than other types of autism. Many children with Asperger are newly diagnosed after the age of 3 years, and most are newly diagnosed when they are between the ages of 5-9, reported by KidsHealth.
Asperger may be caused by a brain disorder, where structural and functional differences are seen in the brain of a child with Asperger's syndrome. In addition, genetic factors may also be one of the causes of Asperger in children. It is important to understand that Asperger has nothing to do with the environment or the way children are raised.
What are the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome?
There are many symptoms that children can show with Asperger. Symptoms between children with Asperger may also be different. However, the main symptom of Asperger is a social situation problem. Children with Asperger usually have poor social interactions, unusual language patterns, have few facial expressions, and unusual behavior.
In addition, several other symptoms of Asperger's syndrome are:
- Having a little social interaction with other people, often he feels awkward and even afraid when eye contact with other people
- It's hard to understand social cues, for example it's difficult to read other people's body language, can't wait their turn to talk, it's hard to start or maintain a conversation
- Cannot recognize differences in tone of voice, so children with asperger may not understand sarcastic jokes or comments. He may speak in a flat tone and his style of speech also seems formal.
- Sensitive or high sensitivity to sensory stimulation, for example, asperger children are disturbed by bright light, whereas according to others it is normal, or they may cover their ears because they are disturbed by environmental sounds while others think they are normal
- Having a motoric delay, like being late can use a fork or spoon, ride a bicycle, and others.
- Having a limited interest in something, usually they are only interested in unusual things.
- Obsessed with complex things
- Having nonverbal cognitive abilities is below average, while the verbal cognitive abilities are above average
Children with Asperger may not show delay in language development. They usually have good grammar skills and a lot of vocabulary from an early age. However, they usually have unusual language skills, for example it is difficult to use language in a social context.
How do you treat a child with Asperger's syndrome?
Every child with Asperger may be different, so treatments for managing Asperger's symptoms in children will also be different. Parents and doctors may have to try several therapies to find one that is appropriate for children.
Care for children with Asperger usually includes training in social skills so that children can interact with others; language therapy so that children are able to communicate well; cognitive behavioral therapy to help children change their thinking so they can control their emotions; and applied behavior analysis to inhibit unwanted behavior.
In addition, medication may also sometimes be needed to help deal with symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. Not to forget, fulfilling nutrition is also needed by children with asperger to support their growth and development. Supplementation may help meet the nutrients, if needed.
