What is Asperger's Syndrome?

Symptoms of Asperger's can include the following:with friends.
Children with the disorder,will tend to focus on one orPhysically the child may appear clumsy and exhibit
two very narrow concepts and can be obsessed withpoor coordination and difficulty developing certain
a particular concept such as statistics,schedules,andmotor skills. The child may also experience sleep
even particular animals.As an example,your child maydisorders and emotional issues. Parents may notice
show a fascination with sports statistics and have littleAsperger's symptoms in children as early as 30
or no understanding in the sport itself.months of age.
A child with Asperger's may exhibit trouble withCurrently most children with Asperger's are diagnosed
interacting and communicating with others in a socialbetween the age of four and eleven. Obtaining
setting.professional guidance is essential if you notice your
The child may lack the ability to evaluate the reactionchild is showing the signs and symptoms.
of others to their communication attempts. DuringYour child's pediatrician should be monitoring the child's
social interactions the child may not appear todevelopment and can help determine if further testing
understand the other person or even be unresponsive.is needed. Asperger's is thought to be a milder form of
The child may not show the expected emotionalthe group of autistic spectrum disorders and the
response to the other party, which can appeartesting should help rule out other conditions.
insensitive to those trying to interact.Currently there is no cure for Asperger's, however
Children with Asperger's may speak in an emotionlessthere are treatments that can help your child adjust to
tone or even display awkward gestures in theirthe syndrome. Approximately one fifth of the children
communication attempts. The seemingly odd behaviorsaffected may 'grow out" of the condition with no
of the child interferes with the normal communicationfurther problems. Proper diagnosis and counseling can
and social interactions and can cause issues with thehelp those with continued problems.
child's schooling and the ability to make and interact