..........Ekyprogressives post.

I got this information at WWW.KIDSHEALTH.ORG and the Nemours foundation.

As you may or may not already know. My oldest son has Aspergers syndrome along with Attention deficit hyperactivity dissorder and Speach and language interpretation dissorder and social interaction difficulties.
The bit that gets me is that 99.9% of the people we meet reguard him as being rude and bad mannered. Richard looks like any other able bodied child. Not as many people would expect a child with a mental disability to look like. If you watch him a little bit longer you can spot the autism through his behaviour not his looks.





Asperger Syndrome

Asperger syndrome (AS) is a neurobiological disorder that is part of a group of conditions called autism spectrum disorders. The term "autism spectrum" refers to a range of developmental disabilities that includes autism as well as other disorders with similar characteristics.

They are known as spectrum disorders because the symptoms of each can appear in different combinations and in varying degrees of severity: two children with the same diagnosis, though they may share certain patterns of behavior, can exhibit a wide range of skills and abilities.

As a result, general terms such as "low-functioning," "high-functioning," "autistic tendencies," "pervasive developmental disorder," and others are often used to describe children whose behaviors fall within the spectrum. Kids with AS share many of the same symptoms as those with "high-functioning autism."

It's estimated that more than 400,000 families are affected by AS. Because milder cases are being identified more frequently, the incidence appears to be increasing. However, like other autism spectrum disorders, AS is often difficult to diagnose and treat.

What Is Asperger Syndrome?
The disorder is named after Hans Asperger, a Viennese pediatrician who, in 1940, first described a set of behavior patterns apparent in some of his patients, mostly males. Asperger noticed that although these boys had normal intelligence and language development, they had severely impaired social skills, were unable to communicate effectively with others, and had poor coordination.

According to the Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the United States, the onset of AS is later than what is typical in autism — or at least it is recognized later. Many kids are diagnosed after age 3, with most diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 9.

AS is characterized by poor social interactions, obsessions, odd speech patterns, and other peculiar mannerisms. Kids with AS often have few facial expressions and have difficulty reading the body language of others; they might engage in obsessive routines and display an unusual sensitivity to sensory stimuli (for example, they may be bothered by a light that no one else notices; they may cover their ears to block out sounds in the environment; or they might prefer to wear clothing made only of a certain material).

Overall, people with AS are capable of functioning in everyday life, but tend to be somewhat socially immature and may be seen by others as odd or eccentric.

Other characteristics of AS include motor delays, clumsiness, limited interests, and peculiar preoccupations. Adults with AS have trouble demonstrating empathy for others, and social interactions continue to be difficult. Experts say that AS follows a continuous course and usually lasts a lifetime. However, symptoms can wax and wane over time, and early intervention services can be helpful.

Signs and Symptoms
Because the symptoms of AS are often hard to differentiate from other behavioral problems, it's best to let a doctor or other health professional evaluate your child's symptoms. It's not uncommon for a child to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) before a diagnosis of AS is made later.

These signs and symptoms might be present in a child with AS:

inappropriate or minimal social interactions
conversations almost always revolving around self rather than others
"scripted," "robotic," or repetitive speech
lack of "common sense"
problems with reading, math, or writing skills
obsession with complex topics such as patterns or music
average to below-average nonverbal cognitive abilities, though verbal cognitive abilities are usually average to above-average
awkward movements
odd behaviors or mannerisms
It's important to note that, unlike kids with autism, those with AS might show no delays in language development; they usually have good grammatical skills and an advanced vocabulary at an early age. However, they typically do exhibit a language disorder — they might be very literal and have trouble using language in a social context.

Often there are no obvious delays in cognitive development or in age-appropriate self-help skills such as feeding and dressing themselves. Although kids with AS can have problems with attention span and organization, and have skills that seem well developed in some areas and lacking in others, they usually have average and sometimes above-average intelligence.

What Causes Asperger Syndrome?
Researchers and mental health experts are still investigating the causes of autism and AS. Many believe that the pattern of behavior that characterizes AS may have many causes. There seems to be a hereditary component to AS, and research indicates that in some cases AS may be associated with other mental health disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Researchers are also looking into whether environmental factors that affect brain development might play a role.

Contrary to the incorrect assumptions some may make about people with the disorder, AS is not caused by emotional deprivation or the way a person has been brought up. Because some of the behaviors exhibited by someone with AS may be seen by others as intentionally rude, many people wrongly assume that AS is the result of bad parenting — it isn't. It's a neurobiological disorder whose causes are not yet fully understood.

Currently, there is no cure for the disorder — kids with AS become adults with AS. But many lead full and happy lives, and the likelihood of achieving this is enhanced with appropriate education, support, and resources.

Diagnosing Asperger Syndrome
Asperger syndrome can be very difficult to diagnose. Children with AS function well in most aspects of life, and so it can be easy to attribute their strange behaviors to just being "different."

According to mental health experts, if your child has AS, early intervention is very important. Intervention involving educational and social training, performed while a child's brain is still developing, is highly recommended.

If your child exhibits some of the symptoms and behaviors that are typical of AS, it's critical to seek help from your doctor. He or she can refer you to a mental health professional or other specialist for further evaluation.

When a specialist assesses your child, a thorough "psychosocial" evaluation will be performed. This includes a careful history of when symptoms were first recognized, the child's development of motor skills and language patterns, and other aspects of personality and behavior (including favorite activities, unusual habits, preoccupations, etc.).

Particular emphasis is placed on social development, including past and present problems in social interaction and development of friendships. A psychological evaluation and assessment of communication skills are usually conducted to determine your child's strengths and skills that may be deficient.

Treating Asperger Syndrome
Because AS can present patterns of behaviors and problems that differ widely from child to child, there isn't a "typical" or prescribed treatment regimen. However, your child may benefit from the following forms of treatment:

parent education and training
specialized educational interventions for the child
social skills training
language therapy
sensory integration training for younger kids, usually performed by an occupational therapist, in which they are desensitized to stimuli to which they're overly sensitive
psychotherapy or behavioral/cognitive therapy for older children
medications
It will help if you involve all of your child's caregivers in the treatment. The health professionals who are caring for your child should know what the others are doing, and you will often find yourself acting as the "case manager" in this scenario. Teachers, babysitters, other family members, close friends, and anyone else who cares for your child also should be involved.

It's important to know that many people can provide assistance. Finding the right program for your child is key and getting help early is important. Kids with AS can and do experience great gains with the appropriate treatment and education.

Helping Your Child
Although AS presents challenges for affected kids and their parents, you can help your child adjust and offer support in many ways:

Look into educational or training programs for parents. You're your child's first teacher and you'll continue to be the cornerstone in supporting his or her development.
Teach your child self-help skills. Learning these skills helps kids achieve maximum independence.
Because it's not always obvious that a child has AS, alert others to the fact that your child has special needs. As a parent, you may have to take on the role of educator when dealing with teachers, medical personnel, and other caregivers.
Find a program that addresses your child's specific needs or areas of "deficiency." The Autism Society of America (ASA) encourages family members to talk to the program director to determine if the curriculum or program addresses their child's particular issues.
Choose special programs or treatments that focus on long-term outcomes and that take the developmental level of your child into consideration.
Remember that your child is part of a family unit and that his or her needs should be balanced with the those of other family members.
Get support for yourself and other family members. You can't help your child if you are not meeting your own emotional and physical needs. Your community may offer support groups at a local hospital or mental health center. There is considerable state-to-state variation in the types of government-sponsored services and other programs available to children with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Your Child's Future
Currently, few facilities are specifically dedicated to providing for the needs of kids with AS. Some children are in mainstream schools where their progress depends on the support and encouragement of parents, caregivers, teachers, and classmates. However, some go to special schools for kids with autism or learning disabilities.

Many people with AS can function well in most aspects of life, so the condition does not have to prevent your child from succeeding academically and socially.

You may feel overwhelmed and discouraged if your child is diagnosed with AS. Remember that your child's treatment team can provide enormous support and encouragement for your child — and your family.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: April 2008
Originally reviewed by: Anne M. Meduri, MD

Comments:

As I said before, all it takes is a bit of patience and a kind heart, and those kids are wonderful! I have one right now and I want to see her successful in life. She's a really good girl at heart!

Come along on friday and see him for yourself.

comment by lynnie on May 26, 2008 12:01 PM ()

well done you

reply by tracy on May 26, 2008 12:04 PM ()

We have to ensure the safety of other students! If there are medical problems parents have to declre it. If Richard was to be hit in the face for no reason by a student of 'different' personality obviously you would want to know why that student was alowed to be taught in a regular class.
I know students who have aspergers 'can be' wonderfully loving people, but if you forget something or somebody else upsets them they 'can and will express themselves' in many ways than one.
I only attempted to gain more of an understanding from your post. No Offence

Sounds like James and Dylan all over
The other boy has only been comming for about 4 wks, we're just letting him find his feet right now. But I thought the time was right to ask his mom gently about this indirectly - without using any incinuating expressions. Asked her about his school sports etc. She seems really frigging weird! So Rightous! I'm like, 'eh! Woman, hello???? I know i'll prob have to let this bot go unless his mom confirms something that I KNOW she KNOWS! I'm not stupid, I think she was suprised by Kihon noticing an understanding dificulty. I think the main issue here is getting here to acknowledge that there may be a case here. Maybe I should check this out with his school???

tracy, I am beginning to see how it is when you have a child who is 'different'. kota has not been diagnosed with anything yet, he is going to a therapist. so far the counselor has only said his social skills have not developed. we have only been 3 visits and she will continue to see him and perhaps diagnose him. and yes people (school) see him as intentionally rude and disruptive.

comment by elkhound on May 26, 2008 11:14 AM ()

Keep on loving him reguardless. You are doing a cracking job with him. You have no problems with him, you understand him, the teachers don't. PUSH TO GET HIM ASSESED. It can only help him. Read the instructions I have given Lynnette, see if you can get the teachers to adopt some of these methods and see how he responds. One command at a time. Call his name before you issue a single command. Ask him to explain exactly what it is that you want him to do straight after an instruction to ensure he has understood you. Keep it simple. If he behaves badly, explain why you think he has been bad, Offer him another solution than bad behaviour in a simple way.

I'm no expert. I am learning as I go along. I have learned that we expect far too much understanding from our young children, without us taking the time to taech them what it is that we want from them. Try listening to your own commands and see how obvious they are. This goes for the teachers commands too.

I am here if you want help or if you just want to vent

reply by tracy on May 26, 2008 11:30 AM ()

So far theres nothing noted that is blatently wrong with him, he's easily excitable, most occasions he doesn't realise when it's time to sit down and listen, he keeps being excited - it's hard to describe. It's like a hyperactivity, he just keeps expressing himself even though the other kids don't want to know. Does that make sence to you? I know his mother can see this but she won't confirm a disorder? Her daughter is acting normal - like the other kids - he just keeps going??? They're in the Club across the road from you. I don't want to loose him as a student, but unless his mom confirms something I can't teach him

There's a boy in my club with all the symtoms of aspergers, I approached his Mum about this 'n' that without directly adressing aspergers for the sake of sounding incinuating; Everyone else can see a significant difference in his behaviour but she blatently ignored any concern. I can't imagine why. I do think that maybe she doesn't want people to see him as different or to be treated as different, but for insurance purposes I have to have confirmation if theres a child with different needs. We can teach him no matter what, but if she doesn't confirm or realise there may be some extra attention needed, how am I supposed to teach him? How do I work around this, the boys sister is normal, why does is mom refuse to confirm it? The boy is 7yrs old.

Thanks for the addition. It is a fairly rare form of Autism, many haven't heard of it.

comment by ekyprogressive on May 26, 2008 8:23 AM ()

Thank you for your help. I feel as if I am banging on the same drum all the time like a stuck record, but up until two years I had never heard of the Autism spectrum. I thought Autism was severly brian damaged kids in wheel chairs moaning and groaning. I admit to being ignorant, and it is something I regret.

reply by tracy on May 26, 2008 10:48 AM ()

Richard has a lot on his plate for such a young man. I know with your help he will turn out a fine young man. The teacher in eky's article was an idiot. I think we all need to learn how to interact better with people who have challanges.

comment by elfie33 on May 26, 2008 8:17 AM ()

Na, Richard is totally unaware that there are problems with him what so ever. He has had the year of his life in this new school. Friendly teachers and every child likes him. That is all he needs.

Thanks for stopping by.

reply by tracy on May 26, 2008 11:43 AM ()