Asperger's Syndrome is a form of autism, but there are substantial differences that make it difficult to discriminate, especially among children. A child with Asperger's often has high speech properties and a normal IQ. However, you will be able to recognize this syndrome by observing its behaviors and social interactions. If you identify any Asperger-related symptoms in your child, contact your pediatrician.
Steps
Step 1. Social Setting:
observe how your child interacts with others.
- If he takes the initiative but is having trouble maintaining the interaction level, he could suffer from Asperger's. For example, a signal is if the child leaves the room while playing with another child.
- Asperger's sufferers tend to prefer playing alone and may even be frightened in the presence of other children. He may interact with others when he wants to talk or if he needs something.
- Be concerned if your child interacts strangely with others, such as interpreting each word literally or avoiding eye contact. Lack of posture, facial expressions or gestures can be considered signs to be carefully evaluated.
- Imaginary play is often different in a child with Asperger's. In this case, for example, your child may not like or try hard to understand party games. He may prefer games with an established script, such as staging a story he loves or a show; or he could create fantasy worlds but have problems with role-playing games. He may appear as "in his own world" rather than ready to play with others. He may also try to force others to play his games.
- A child with Asperger's may have trouble understanding other people's feelings. For example, the need for privacy is not a clear concept. Disinterest in other people's feelings could be regarded as lack of sensitivity, when in reality it is something beyond the child's control.
Step 2. Consider who your child chooses to socialize with
A child who is constantly looking for an adult to converse with rather than another child may suffer from Asperger's.
Step 3. Notice if your child speaks in a flat, monotone tone, one of Asperger's eloquent cues
In some cases, it will be a weird or higher pitch. The way a child pronounces words and the rhythm of his speech can be damaged by Asperger's.
Step 4. Pay attention to when your child starts putting words together and if the language develops as it progresses normally
For most children, this is about 2 years old.
You will also notice a certain property of language and an inclination to verbalism. For example, your child may be able to list every item in the room for you. However, the speech may sound overly formal or planned, as people with Asperger's syndrome use words to list facts and not to express thoughts or feelings. A 'verbal' child may also have problems with speech in certain contexts. If he cannot speak in situations that are foreign or external to the family, do not dismiss it as shyness just because he behaves differently around the house
Step 5. Check if your child asks questions spontaneously or just answers
A child with Asperger's will only ask questions on topics that interest him.
Method 1 of 2: Repetitive Behavior
Step 1. Observe your child's ability to adapt to change
A child who has the characteristics of Asperger's does not accept changes well and prefers rules and well-structured days.
Step 2. Think about whether your child is obsessed with anything in particular
If you or others call it a "living encyclopedia" regarding a certain topic, you will have yet another obvious Asperger sign.
Your child's interest in a particular topic should cause concern if it is abnormal in focus or intensity
Step 3. Observe any repetitive motor behaviors, such as twisting hands, clapping, or moving the whole body
A child with Asperger's may also have difficulty with some motor skills such as grabbing and throwing a ball.
Method 2 of 2: Sensory Sensitivity
Step 1. Determine if your child has an exaggerated reaction to touch, sight, smells, sounds or tastes
- Although sensory sensitivity varies, children with Asperger's will usually have much more intense reactions to ordinary sensations.
- It may take a doctor to determine if the senses are actually impaired or if the response is part of a learned reaction. Research has shown that children with Asperger's syndrome when faced with a sensory detail can react based on their level of anxiety rather than giving an authentic response to that stimulus.
Advice
- It may be difficult for most parents to understand the signs of neurological damage in their child. Take note of comments from friends or family members, especially if they relate to social skills, language and behavioral development, as well as any public moments that cause embarrassment.
- Girls with Asperger's often exhibit it slightly differently than boys. If you work with a therapist or doctor, it is best to find out first if she has experience with Asperger's syndrome in girls, to have a targeted diagnosis.
