Asperger Syndrome

WHAT IS ASPERGER SYNDROME?

Asperger Syndrome (“Aspergers”) is a form of Autism. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘High Functioning’ Autism but this is also sometimes said to be controversial.

Asperger Syndrome was named after an Austrian child psychiatrist called Hans Asperger who, in the 1940s, first identified a personality disorder affecting children, which he felt also came under the umbrella of Autism. Unfortunately, his work was not really taken notice of by the English-speaking world, although he had an influence over child psychiatry in Europe.

In the late 1970s Judith Gould and Lorna Wing conducted a study which concluded that Autism existed on a 'continuum' or 'spectrum'. In 1981, Lorna Wing first used the term Asperger Syndrome to describe a distinct sub-group of her patients with Autism. As a result, the term Aspergers became more widely used and is now often thought to be a more acceptable form of diagnosis for parents as it may not carry the same social stigma that is sometimes attached to the term Autism.

Some people with Aspergers may initially seem to have fewer problems with language and communication than those with Autism and are often of average or above average intelligence. However, children with Aspergers usually experience high level language and communication difficulties resulting in isolation, which can in turn lead to feelings of frustration, anger and a lack of self-esteem.

The following symptoms may exist in a child with Aspergers:

• Inability to read body language;
• Appearing self-centred and lacking in feeling for others;
• Using language which is often monotonous and repetitive;
• Problems with the ‘three Rs’  (i.e. reading, writing and arithmetic);
• Extreme sensitivity to smell, noise and light, often resulting in frustration and sudden outbursts;
• Obsessing about certain subjects sometimes leading to a deep knowledge of them;
• Usually having average to above average intelligence;
• Difficulty with understanding metaphors and sarcasm;
• Tending to take things literally;
• Impaired motor difficulties resulting in coordination problems and difficulties, for example, in sport;
• Unusual behaviour traits and mannerisms;
• Having little, or no, imagination and/or the ability to put themselves in another person ’s situation;
• Inability to cope with unexpected situations ;
• Having an overwhelming need for organisation and structure.

THE MAIN DIFFICULTIES FOR PEOPLE WITH ASPERGERS

People with Aspergers have difficulties in three main areas: social communication, social interaction and social imagination.

Social Communication
A child who has a difficulty with social communication has difficulty expressing themselves emotionally and socially. For example they may have difficulty knowing where to start or end a sentence, difficulty understanding gestures and facial expressions and difficulty understanding sarcasm and metaphor. In order to help a child with Aspergers, who is struggling with social communication, sentences should be kept short, clear and concise.

Social Interaction
A child who has difficulty with social interaction has difficulty initiating and sustaining friendships. Children with Aspergers may want to be sociable but can find it difficult. This can lead them to feel anxious. A child with Aspergers can behave in what may seem an inappropriate manner, find other people confusing and unpredictable and seem withdrawn or aloof.

Social Imagination
A child who has difficulty with social imagination has difficulty imagining alternative outcomes and understanding subtle messages. Children with Aspergers can find it difficult to play imaginative games and often enjoy more logical, systematic subjects such as mathematics. A child with Aspergers may also find predicting what will happen next challenging and may struggle to interpret subtle messages that are usually conveyed through facial expression and body language.

Children with Aspergers can typically have difficulty with senses such as touch and can develop special interests to an obsessional degree. They may easily become angry, frustrated, depressed as a result of their condition and particularly the isolation which results. Most children with Aspergers also experience poor co-ordination and difficulties with fine motor control.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ASPERGERS?

The causes of Aspergers are still being investigated. There is strong evidence to suggest that Aspergers can be caused by a variety of physical factors, all of which affect brain development. There is also evidence to suggest that genetic factors are responsible for some forms of Aspergers.

CAN YOU HELP SOMEONE WITH ASPERGERS?

There is no known cure for Aspergers. The best approach is to provide an appropriate and structured environment, as people with Aspergers respond particularly well to organisation, order and routine.

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Although the information we have provided here is meant to be helpful to you, Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy or reliance placed upon it. If you have any concerns about your child, you should seek professional educational or healthcare advice as soon as possible.