Asperger’s Syndrome is often thought to be the same thing as Autism. Both disorders can be very distressing for the children who have them and their parents. For this reason, it’s very important to get yourself educated about Asperger’s Syndrome, so you know what you’re up against. And as they say, education is a good weapon. This article will give you all the information you need to start assessing whether your child has Asperger’s or Autism.
Autism is a collection of related developmental disorders. Most frequently, they involve impaired social skills, along with marked difficulties with communication. Interestingly enough, Asperger’s Syndrome is often confused with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Asperger’s has a set of symptoms that are almost identical to ADHD, but the similarities stop there. Below are some points to understand Asperger’s vs Autism.
Lots Of Social Interests
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome will have lots of social interests. But they will not be able to perform the same tricks or “give-offs” typical of ADHD sufferers. This is because Asperger’s involves impairment in nonverbal behavior – the non-verbal aspects of communicating that kids with ADHD do. Children with Asperger’s will not be easily distracted by non-verbal cues, and they will not have great imaginations. They will not engage in repetitive behaviors or show great technological skills.
Asperger’s Syndrome is also marked by a marked absence of social skills. Children with Asperger’s will be unable to reciprocate when others make gestures or offer words of guidance. They may not respond to humor and will not naturally engage in conversations about things they find interesting. They may be prone to barking, and general irritability.
Display Above Average
The majority of people with Asperger’s Syndrome display above average intellectual functioning. That’s rather typical, but they will likely struggle with tasks that require fine motor skills, as well as those requiring higher levels of concentration. They will also likely have problems with learning one particular language. In adults, this can lead to a pronounced lack of fluency in such areas as English, and a tendency toward working in one specific language (for example, into a new one rather than switching back and forth between two).
Linked To Prenatal
The causes of Asperger’s are still largely unclear. There is some speculation that it may be linked to prenatal hormone deficiencies during the time of conception, which could account for a significant percentage of Asperger’s cases. There is also some evidence that suggests genetics may play a role. However, there is no conclusive evidence linking Asperger’s symptoms to autism, and there are many cases of children diagnosed with both disorders living normal lives, exhibiting no noticeable differences in IQ, personality, or behavior.
If you’re worried about your children, take some time and consider all of your options. Autism doesn’t have to mean that your children will have Asperger’s or become autistic. There are plenty of other ways to address the issue. You may need to change your approach to your children. If they seem truly incapable of communicating in any way, try to work with them one-on-one to develop a more high-functioning relationship.
Don’t Lose Hope
Don’t lose hope if your child displays some Asperger’s-like symptoms. There is treatment out there for kids who suffer from autism, and some of it can even help them not exhibit all of the classic autistic characteristics. If you suspect that your son or daughter may have autism, take some time and consider all of your options. Take the necessary precautions so that you can be assured of getting on the right path as soon as possible. The sooner you can get on top of the situation, the sooner you’ll have your child and family back together and on the road to normal, happy life!
