Asperger's syndrome, which in the new Statistical Diagnostic Manual (DSM) is placed in level 1 of the autism spectrum, falls within the Pervasive Developmental Disorders and is characterized by a deficit in communication and socialization skills. People with Asperger's syndrome have a medium-high IQ and it is not excluded that they may be successful as adults, but they have considerable difficulties in interacting with others and have limited non-verbal skills. The symptoms of Asperger's syndrome are common to those of many other disorders, so its diagnosis is sometimes difficult.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Signals
Step 1. Pay attention to non-verbal communication
Since early childhood, the majority of subjects with Asperger's syndrome show substantial differences in the way they communicate. These differences are the most obvious symptoms, especially when they are still children, even before they have acquired the tools to communicate more effectively. Try to detect the following characteristics in the communicative style:
- Tendency to avoid eye contact.
- Limited use of facial expressions and / or poor prosody and pragmatics.
- Clumsy or clumsy body language and limited gestures.
Step 2. Identify the signs of selective mutism, the main characteristic of which lies in the child's refusal to communicate in particular contexts and social situations, especially if there are people with whom he is not comfortable
Generally he expresses himself without any inhibition with his parents and siblings, while he shows a total block when he finds himself interfacing with teachers or with strangers. In many cases, selective mutism disappears over the years.
Sometimes, the person may have difficulty speaking due to sensory overload or a meltdown. However, the inability to communicate in situations that present an excessive load of environmental stimuli should not be mistaken for selective mutism, but in any case the latter is also a sign of Asperger's syndrome
Step 3. Try to understand if the child has difficulty in correctly interpreting the communication signals of his interlocutors
His approach is generally dominated by insensitivity to the feelings, intentions and implicit communication of others. He may confuse various facial expressions, gestures, and body movements that express happiness, sadness, fear, or suffering. Here is how his difficulties might manifest themselves:
- The subject does not realize that he has said something offensive or behaved in a way that embarrasses others.
- The child with Asperger's syndrome may assume violent attitudes while playing, not realizing that pushing and other forms of physical aggression can harm his peers.
- The subject repeatedly asks others how they feel (for example: "Are you sad?", "Are you sure you are tired?"), Because they cannot understand their moods. If the other person replies to him in an insincere manner, he could get confused and try to get an answer at all costs, instead of postponing.
- When pointed out that his behavior was inappropriate, he may be surprised, saddened, and apologize repeatedly, because he probably had no idea; he may even feel worse than the person he hurt with his brusque ways.
Step 4. Notice his tendency to monopolize the conversation
Conversations with people with Asperger's are often one-sided, especially if they focus on topics they are particularly interested in or on moral issues such as human rights. The child or adult with Asperger's can talk continuously, ignoring the interlocutor who tries to intervene; he can't even understand that the other person is getting bored.
Some people with Asperger's are sometimes aware of this tendency and are afraid to address topics of interest to them. If they notice that their interlocutor avoids talking about their favorite topic, or are afraid of boring someone, they try to stifle their instincts, for fear of not being accepted
Step 5. Many have an obsessive interest in certain topics
For example, someone with Asperger's who is passionate about football might memorize the names of all the players of the major teams. If he loves writing, he could write novels and give detailed advice on the subject from a young age. Later, thanks to these passions, he could embark on a brilliant career.
Step 6. Assess whether the individual is having difficulty making friends
People with Asperger's Syndrome often cannot easily make friends and relate to others, despite their best efforts, due to their limited communication skills. The lack of eye contact and the somewhat awkward mode of communication are sometimes misinterpreted as signs of rudeness and asocial behavior, although in reality they wish to deal with the outside world.
- Especially children may not show their desire to interact with others, but this attitude changes as they grow up and feel the need to get along with their peers and integrate into a group.
- Some end up having only a few close friends, the only ones who are able to fully understand them, or surround themselves with acquaintances with whom they cannot get in perfect harmony.
- People with autism are more prone to bullying and tend to trust those who take advantage of them.
Step 7. Look for coordination problems
The movements of children with Asperger's syndrome may seem clumsy or awkward. They often trip or hit their heads against walls and furniture. They rarely excel in physical activities or sports.
Part 2 of 3: Confirm the Diagnosis
Step 1. Learn about Asperger's Syndrome to make informed decisions
The correct diagnosis, as well as the most appropriate treatments for Asperger's syndrome, are still uncertain and under study. You may consult with various doctors and psychotherapists, only to be confused by the different approaches that each of them adopt. If you do some research on your own, you will be able to better understand the various approaches and make the right decision for you or your family member.
- Read testimonials from people with autism. There is a lot of incorrect and misleading information on the subject, however people suffering from this disorder are the only ones able to provide more accurate data on autism spectrum disorders and the most effective treatments. Read the literature produced by autism protection organizations.
- The site of the World Organization for Autism (AOM), created to promote the interests of people with autism, constantly publishes updated information on the diagnosis, treatment and coexistence with subjects affected by Asperger's syndrome.
- To get a deeper knowledge of the disorder, you could also read some books written by the sick, such as "Years without understanding the antiphon" by Giorgio Gazzolo. If you know English, you can read Cynthia Kim's “Nerdy, Shy, and Socially Inappropriate” and “Loud Hands: Autistic People, Speaking,” a collection of essays written by autistic authors.
Step 2. Keep a journal in which to write down any symptoms you can spot
Each of us sometimes experiences difficulties in social relationships or other symptoms of Asperger's syndrome, but if you take note of each attitude, you will notice unusual patterns that repeat themselves over and over again. If the person really has Asperger's, the symptoms will show up over and over again, not just a couple of times.
- Write down the detailed description of what you observe, in order to offer prospective doctors and psychotherapists as much information as they need to get a correct diagnosis.
- Remember that some symptoms of Asperger's syndrome are common to other disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is important that you prepare yourself to accept that the person may be suffering from another disorder (or several disorders), so that they receive the appropriate treatment.
Step 3. Take an online test
On the web you can find many tests whose purpose is to give a reliable indication of the traits of Asperger's syndrome. They consist of a series of questions regarding social activities, leisure time, the strengths and weaknesses of the individual, in order to detect the presence of the most common symptoms of the disorder.
The results of these online tests are not a substitute for diagnosis and / or expert opinion, but may indicate the need for further clinical investigation. If the test reveals a tendency to autism, you should consult your doctor to investigate the matter
Step 4. Ask your doctor for advice
After taking an online test and identifying if you have a problem, make an appointment with your doctor to tell them about your symptoms and share your concerns. Also show him the journal in which you noted the unusual attitudes. He will likely ask you a number of specific questions. If you confirm the diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder or Asperger's syndrome, get a referral to a specialist doctor.
The first meeting with a doctor could be a debilitating experience, because you have probably never shared your concerns with others before. Talking about it openly could change everything. But remember that regardless of whether the problem is with you or your child, the right thing to do is to take action, rather than ignore the problem
Step 5. Consult a specialist doctor to get a more accurate diagnosis
Before going to an appointment with the psychiatrist or psychologist, do a research to find out if he specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. The specialist visit usually consists of an informative interview and a test with questions similar to those of the online test. After making the diagnosis, the specialist will give you directions on how to proceed.
- During the visit, do not hesitate to ask him specific questions about the diagnosis and the therapeutic approach.
- If you are not completely sure of the correctness of the diagnosis, seek a second medical opinion.
Part 3 of 3: Taking the Next Steps
Step 1. Work as a team with a team of trusted professionals
To tackle the problem of Asperger's syndrome it is necessary to work on several fronts, making use of the collaboration of teachers, educators, doctors and psychotherapists. It is essential to rely on the outside help of competent and compassionate professionals. First of all, you should find a psychologist or psychotherapist with whom you can tune in and place your trust, who can support you on a long and difficult path, helping you to face the many challenges that autism entails.
- If after a few therapy sessions, it seems to you that something is wrong or makes you uncomfortable, do not hesitate to find another psychotherapist who is better suited to your or your child's needs. Trust is a key element in the treatment of Asperger's syndrome.
- In addition to finding a trusted therapist, you should seek the support of educators, nutritionists, and other professionals who can help you meet your or your child's specific needs.
- Do not go to a specialist who adopts corporal punishment, restrains patients by force, prevents them from eating, believes that "a little bit of crying" (panic) is normal, does not allow you to attend psychotherapy sessions or supports organizations considered destructive by the autistic community. Autistics who undergo this kind of treatment could develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Generally, if you enjoy psychotherapy sessions, they are probably valid. If, on the other hand, he seems more anxious than usual, disobedient or scared, then they do him more harm than good.
Step 2. Seek psychological support
Living with a person with autism is not at all easy and learning to deal with the problems that derive from it requires a particular and constant commitment. In addition to consulting doctors and psychotherapists to find the most appropriate treatments, contact a psychological support group for people with autism. Surround yourself with people you can turn to if you have any doubts or concerns or simply to talk about your problems.
- Search online for associations for the support of family members of individuals with autism, located throughout the country.
- Join a study group that deals with autism spectrum disorders, to have access to many resources, to keep you informed on the most advanced therapeutic approaches and to compare yourself with other people.
- Join an association made up of parents, family members and guardians of people with autism, such as the National Association of Autistic Parents (ANGSA), which is a non-profit organization.
Step 3. Plan your life in a way that meets the child's special educational needs
People with Asperger's syndrome encounter greater difficulties in dealing with the problems of everyday life than neurotypical ones, especially in the context of social relationships. However, they may be able to have amazing friendships and love affairs (for example, they may get married and have children), as well as pursue a brilliant career. If you pay more attention to the person's needs, help him overcome obstacles and praise his successes, you will give him the opportunity to live a fulfilling life.
- The ideal way to simplify the life of a person with Asperger's is to respect a fixed routine that is able to offer him a feeling of security and greater stability. Therefore, even in the case of a slight change, try to explain the reason and prepare it properly.
- A person with Asperger's syndrome might learn to interact with others through simulation. For example, you could teach him to greet other people and shake their hands, making eye contact. The psychotherapist will be able to show you the most effective tools and tactics to succeed.
- Indulging his passions and allowing him to cultivate them is a great way to support a person with Asperger's. Try to pique her interests and help her emerge.
- Show your affection for the person with autism. The greatest gift you can give her is to accept her for what she is.
Advice
- When addressing the problem of your disorder with someone, it would be preferable that you expose your most common symptoms to them, specifying that these are particularly intense in the case of Asperger's syndrome (for example, everyone makes mistakes in their interpersonal relationships, but in subjects with Asperger's are more frequent).
- Offer to share links to some articles. Read blogs of autistic authors, find your favorite articles and bookmark them to print or email them to curious people. This may be useful for those who are inexperienced with Pervasive Developmental Disorders and who put you in trouble, due to their ignorance.
- If you suspect that someone is suffering from Asperger's syndrome, identify the symptoms, take online tests and learn more.
Warnings
- Asperger's syndrome could be accompanied by other disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive, anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), etc. If you are concerned that you have any of these conditions, tell a loved one or your doctor.
- If people refuse to believe you, don't give up. Asperger's syndrome is a neurological disorder that should be properly diagnosed and addressed, so it is vital to consult a specialist to confirm your suspicions.
