It is considered, from clinical experience, children and adults with Asperger's syndrome have a different, not defective way, of thinking. The person usually has a strong desire to seek knowledge, truth, and perfection with a different set of priorities than would be expected with other people. There is also a different perception of situations and sensory experiences with other people. There is also a different perception of situations and sensory experiences. The overriding priority may be to solve a problem rather than satisfy the social or emotional needs of others. The person values being creative rather than co-operative. The person with Asperger's syndrome may perceive errors that are not apparent to others, giving considerable attention to detail, rather than noticing the 'big picture'. The person is usually renowned for being direct, speaking their mind and being honest and determined and having a strong sense of social justice. The person may actively seek and enjoy solitude, be a loyal friend and have a distinct sense of humor.
Dr. Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician, originally described Asperger's syndrome in 1944. The syndrome has more recently been classified as an autistic spectrum disorder. This is classification is important as it allows for treatment to be offered to everyone with Asperger's rather than only those who can afford the different therapies necessary to optimal living skills. Children and adults with Asperger's have an intellectual capacity within normal range, but have a distinct profile of abilities that has been apparent since early childhood. The profile of abilities includes the following characteristics:
The most distinguishing symptom of Asperger's syndrome is a child's obsessive interest in a single object or topic to the exclusion of any other. Children with Asperger's syndrome want to know everything about their topic of interest and their conversations with others will be about little else. The expertise, high level of vocabulary, and formal speech patterns make them seem like little professors. Other characteristics of Asperger's include repetitive routines or rituals; peculiarities in speech and language; socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior and the inability to interact successfully with peers; problems with non-verbal communication; and clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements.
Is there any treatment? The ideal treatment for Asperger's syndrome coordinates therapies that address the three core symptoms of the disorder: poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness. There is no single best treatment package for all children or adults with Asperger's but most professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better.
An effective treatment program builds on the child or adults interest, offers a predictable schedule, teaches tasks as a series of simple steps, actively engages the child's attention in highly structured activities, and provides regular reinforcement of behavior. It may also include social skills training, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication for co-existing conditions, and other measures.
With effective treatment, children can learn to cope with their differences, but may find certain social situations and personal relationships challenging. Many adults with Asperger's syndrome are able to work successfully in mainstream jobs, although they may continue to need encouragement and moral support to maintain the success made in their differences. Not so much different than you and I.
Taking care of the written word,
dannielyn
http://takingcareofthewrittenword.com
dannielyn@takingcareofthewrittenword.com
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