Symptoms in adulthood
Other conditions
Many children with Asperger's syndrome also have coexisting conditions and may
have symptoms of these conditions also. They include:
Your doctor will take a medical history by asking questions about your child's
development, including information about motor development, language, areas of
special interest, and social interactions. He or she will also ask about the mother's
pregnancy and the family's history of medical conditions.
Testing can help your doctor find out whether your child's problem is related to
Asperger's syndrome. Your primary care provider may refer your child to a specialist
for testing, including:
Securing services
Start by contacting your local school district to find out which services are available
for your child. Become informed about your child's educational rights. Federal law
requires public schools to provide appropriate educational services for people ages
3 to 21 who have disabilities (including Asperger's). Also, there may be state and
local laws or policies to aid children with Asperger's.
You will meet with school personnel to identify goals and establish an individualized
education program (IEP). IEPs are designed to fit the child's specific needs based
on the evaluation of his or her level of disability.
School programs
Look at what is being offered at different schools to find out which services your child
needs and where you can best find them. Qualities to look for include:
Treatment strategies
Treatment is geared toward improving communication, social skills, and behavior
management. A treatment program may be adjusted often to be the most useful for
your child.
Take advantage of your child's strengths by encouraging him or her to explore
interests at home and at school. Activity-oriented groups and focused counseling
can also be helpful.
Children with Asperger's syndrome benefit from daily routines for meals,
homework, and bedtime. They also like specific rules, and consistent expectations
mean less stress and confusion for them.
Many people with Asperger's syndrome do best with verbal (rather than
nonverbal) teaching and assignments. A direct, concise, and straightforward manner
is also helpful.
People with Asperger's syndrome often have trouble understanding the "big
picture" and tend to see part of a situation rather than the whole. That's why they
often benefit from a parts-to-whole teaching approach, starting with part of a concept
and adding to it to demonstrate encompassing ideas.
Visual supports, including schedules and other written materials that serve as
organizational aids, can be helpful.
Be aware that background noises, such as a clock ticking or the hum of
fluorescent lighting, may be distracting to your child.
Children with autism spectrum disorders (which include Asperger's syndrome)
may be especially interested in video games, computers, or other screen-based
media such as TV. If possible, keep televisions, video games, and computers out of
your child's bedroom. When children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have
these devices in their bedroom, they are more likely to sleep fewer hours. This is
especially true when video games are in the bedroom. If your child doesn't get
enough sleep, his or her ASD symptoms may be worse.
Children with Asperger's syndrome often mature more slowly. Don't always
expect them to "act their age."
Try to identify stress triggers and avoid them if possible. Prepare your child in
advance for difficult situations, and teach him or her ways to cope. For example,
teach your child coping skills for dealing with change or new situations.
Your child may not understand the social norms and rules that come more
naturally to other children. Provide clear explanations of why certain behaviors are
expected, and teach rules for those behaviors.
Encourage your child to learn how to interact with people and what to do
when spoken to, and explain why it is important. Give lots of praise, especially when
he or she uses a social skill without prompting.
Practice activities, such as games or question-and-answer sessions, that call
for taking turns or putting yourself in the other person's place.
Help your child understand others' feelings by role-playing and watching and
discussing human behaviors seen in movies or on television. Provide a model for
your child by telling him or her about your own feelings and reactions to those
feelings.
Teach your child how to read and respond appropriately to social cues. Give
him or her "stock" phrases to use in various social situations, such as when being
introduced. You can also teach your child how to interact by role-playing.
Foster involvement with others, especially if your child tends to be a loner.
Teach your child about public and private places, so that he or she learns
what is appropriate in both circumstances. For example, hugging may not be
appropriate at school but is usually fine at home.
Use visual systems, such as calendars, checklists, and notes, to help define
and organize schoolwork.
Orient your child to the school setting. Before the school year starts, take time
to "walk through" your child's daily schedule. You can also use pictures to make your
child familiar with the new settings before school starts.
Be aware of and try to protect your child from bullying and teasing. Talk to
your child's teacher or school counselor about educating classmates about
Asperger's syndrome.
Ask your child's teacher to seat your child next to classmates who are
sensitive to your child's special needs. These classmates might also serve as
"buddies" during recess, at lunch, and at other times.
Encourage your child's teacher to include your child in classroom activities
that emphasize his or her best academic skills, such as reading, vocabulary, and art.
Set up homework routines for your child by doing homework at a specific time
and place every day. This will help your child learn about time management.
Use rewards to motivate your child. Allow him or her to watch TV or play a
favorite video game or give points toward a "special interest" gift when he or she
performs well.
Some children with Asperger's have poor handwriting. Typing schoolwork on a
computer may be one way to make homework easier. Using computers can also
help children improve fine motor skills and organize information. Occupational
therapy may also be helpful.