| Are you the parent of a young child that may | | | | 3. While a child with AD acquire language skills |
| have some signs of autism but does not have a | | | | without delay, they often have abnormalities in |
| lot of them? Have you been told by a Doctor or | | | | how they use language. |
| special education personnel that your child may | | | | 4. Children with this disorder may also have |
| have Aspergers Syndrome (AD)? Would you like | | | | unusual sensory experiences, like sensitivities to |
| to learn about characteristics of the disorder so | | | | light or sound. This disorder is called Sensory |
| that you can pursue private evaluations? This | | | | Integration dysfunction. |
| article will be discussing the characteristics of this | | | | 5. Motor clumsiness is another characteristic of |
| syndrome so that you will be able to advocate | | | | this disorder. Children with this disorder may be |
| for appropriate educational services for your child. | | | | delayed in learning skills that require motor |
| This disorder was initially described by Hans | | | | dexterity such as riding a bike or opening a jar. |
| Asperger in 1944. He found a number of cases | | | | 6. Children with this disorder do not show a |
| whose clinical characteristics were similar to | | | | significant delay in cognitive development. |
| autism, but differed in the fact that the speech | | | | 7. Some children with this disorder are extremely |
| was less commonly delayed, motor clumsiness | | | | bright with very high IQ's. |
| was much more common, and initial cases seem | | | | The best way to determine if a child has |
| to only occur in boys. | | | | Aspergers is to have your child evaluated by a |
| In 1994 The American Psychiatric Association | | | | competent trained professional such as a |
| added Aspergers syndrome to its Diagnostic and | | | | Neuropsychologist or a Clinical Psychologist. Many |
| Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, often | | | | school psychologists are not trained to diagnose |
| referred to as the DSM IV. It is listed by itself in | | | | this disorder, so it may be best to have your child |
| its own category and not under the autism | | | | privately tested. Two of the instruments that |
| umbrella, but under the broader Pervasive | | | | may be used are the Autism Diagnostic Interview |
| Developmental Disorder. | | | | Revised (ADI R), and the Autism Diagnostic |
| Characteristics of this disorder are: | | | | Observation Schedule (ADOS). |
| 1. Major impairment in social interaction which may | | | | It is important to note however that this disorder |
| show in lack of empathy, difficulty with | | | | may be Co Morbid with other disorders. This |
| spontaneity, difficulty in developing friendships with | | | | means that the child may have other disorders as |
| peers, ability to show social reciprocity which is | | | | well. These may be ADHD, Bi Polar Disorder, |
| back and forth communication, and impairments in | | | | Learning Disabilities, or Obsessive Compulsive |
| eye contact, posture and gestures. | | | | Disorder. The earlier the treatment for this |
| 2. Restricted repetitive patterns of behavior, | | | | disorder and co morbid disorders, the better it will |
| interests and activities. This can be shown by | | | | be for your child. Appropriate special education |
| preoccupation with one area of interest that is | | | | services can help your child be ready for post |
| abnormal in intensity or focus. The child may be | | | | school learning and independent living, as the |
| very inflexible when it comes to daily routines or | | | | Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) |
| rituals, and also may show an extreme | | | | requires! |
| preoccupation with a part of objects. | | | | |