Integrated Learning Therapy: Asperger's Syndrome|Autism Spectrum Disorders|Integrated Learning Therapy

Asperger's Syndrom

Autism Spectrum Disorders
What Are the Symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome?
What Causes Asperger's Syndrome?
How Common Is Asperger's Syndrome?
How Is Asperger's Syndrome Diagnosed?

Children with Asperger's syndrome typically function better than do those with autism. In addition, children with Asperger's syndrome generally have normal or above intelligence and near-normal language development, although they may develop problems communicating as they get older.

Autism Spectrum Disorders

The forms of autism are thought to overlap considerably. But the fact that there is wide variation in symptoms among children with autism led to the concept of autism spectrum disorder.

Autism seems to be on the rise, and according to the latest figures - autism spectrum disorders affect 1 in 150 children. Early diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder is important. That's because detection leads to treatment, and with early treatment, a child with autism can gain improved language and social skills.

Asperger's syndrome was named for the Austrian doctor, Hans Asperger, who first described the disorder in 1944. However, Asperger's syndrome was not recognized as a unique disorder until much later.

What Are the Symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome?

The symptoms of Asperger's syndrome vary and can range from mild to severe.
Common symptoms include:

Problems with social skills: Children with Asperger's syndrome generally have difficulty interacting with others and often are awkward in social situations. They generally do not make friends easily.
Eccentric or repetitive behaviors: Children with this condition may develop odd, repetitive movements, such as hand wringing or finger twisting.
Unusual preoccupations or rituals: A child with Asperger's syndrome may develop rituals that he or she refuses to alter, such as getting dressed in a specific order.
Communication difficulties: People with Asperger's syndrome may not make eye contact when speaking with someone. They may have trouble using facial expressions and gestures, and understanding body language. They also tend to have problems understanding language in context.
Limited range of interests: A child with Asperger's syndrome may develop an intense, almost obsessive, interest in a few areas, such as sports schedules, weather or maps.
Coordination problems: The movements of children with Asperger's syndrome may seem clumsy or awkward.
Skilled or talented: Many children with Asperger's syndrome are exceptionally talented or skilled in a particular area, such as music or math.

What Causes Asperger's Syndrome?

The exact cause of Asperger's syndrome is not known. However, the fact that it tends to run in families suggests that a tendency to develop the disorder may be inherited (passed on from parent to child).Genetics through the final dice.

How Common Is Asperger's Syndrome?

Asperger's syndrome has only recently been recognized as a unique disorder. For that reason, the exact number of people with the disorder is unknown, although it is more common than autism. It is more common in males than in females, and usually is first diagnosed in children between the ages of 2 and 6 years.

How Is Asperger's Syndrome Diagnosed?

At ILT, we assess the child's systems-going on a "treasure hunt", as it were, in order to map their sensory systems. Once we have done that-we can begin to strengthen those systems through the HANDLE program and Rhythmic movements. The Listening Program may also be recommended.

We base our diagnosis on the child's level of development, and observation of the child's speech and behavior, including his or her play and ability to socialize with others. We, in all cases, seek input from the child's parents, teachers and other adults who are familiar with the child's symptoms.