Aspergers

People with aspergers display some of the milder symptoms of autism. Although they have some unusual behaviors and social challenges, they do not usually have any impaired intellectual abilities or delays in language. In asperger’s disorder verbal IQ is usually higher than performance IQ, while the opposite is usually the case in autism.

Diagnostic Criteria

Some of the criteria necessary for a person to be diagnosed with asperger syndrome are an all absorbing narrow interest, speech and language challenges, imposition of interests and routines on self and others, non verbal communication problems such as inappropriate expression and limited use of gestures, and impaired social interaction.

Treatment

In mainstream medicine there is no specific cure for asperger syndrome; all treatment addresses symptoms and is rehabilitational. There are both psychosocial and psychopharmacological interventions such as psychotherapy, behavior modification, and medications.

Tips for Parents

When faced with the child development of a person with asperger syndrome, it is most important to do your own research of both traditional and alternative methods. Use what is available to enable your child to function and learn, while exploring treatment modalities that will get at the cause of the difficulty. Here is an excellent resource on autism and asperger syndrome.

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SBI!