Asperger syndrome
Asperger; aspergers; syndrome; autism; spectrum; disorders; obsession; social; problem; behaviour; communication; asperger's; school; preschool; high; secondary;;
Contents
Asperger syndrome is a developmental disability related to autism. It was first identified by Dr Hans Asperger (a paediatrician in Vienna) over 50 years ago. Asperger syndrome and autism are both types of Autism Spectrum Disorder. People with an Autism Spectrum Disorder have problems in the development of communication and social skills and with particular repetitive behaviours.
See the topics 'Autism' and 'Autism spectrum disorders' for more detailed information about these disorders.
What is Asperger Syndrome?
- Asperger syndrome is a developmental disability. This means that children with the syndrome develop their learning and thinking skills in unusual ways and at different ages to other children.
- Asperger syndrome affects brain functioning (how the brain works).
- People with Asperger syndrome find other people confusing and find forming friendships very difficult.
- They may talk fluently about the things they are interested in, but have problems communicating appropriately with other people.
- They do not understand the feelings of other people and they do not seem able to read body language. For example a person with Asperger syndrome may not know that people are showing that they are cross when they are frowning. However, with time, they can learn a lot about 'reading' others.
- They are often unable to understand that communication involves listening as well as talking. Again, with time they can often learn more about this social skill.
- Asperger syndrome is not a disease or illness. A person does not 'catch' it, nor does someone 'recover' from it. It affects people all of their lives. As people get older, they can improve their behaviour, social and coping skills.
- Parents are usually aware that their child is developing differently from other children for some time (often several years) before other people recognise how different the child is.
- Some babies who later are diagnosed as having Asperger syndrome are 'difficult' babies who cry a lot. Others however, are placid, 'easy' babies
- Often a child will be school-age before Asperger syndrome is diagnosed.
- The effects of Asperger syndrome can vary from mildly unusual behaviour to quite aggressive and difficult behaviour.
- Some people who are said to be eccentric loners may have Asperger syndrome.
Causes of Asperger Syndrome
- Like autism, Asperger syndrome is probably caused by a combination of factors.
- Most research indicates that family genetics play a part in Asperger syndrome. In many families where children have Asperger syndrome, there are other family members who have similar behaviours or who have autism.
- Asperger syndrome has been related to problems during pregnancy or birth in some people.
- There is some evidence that a certain part of the brain may work differently in people with Asperger syndrome.
- Currently, about 10 times more boys than girls are diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. It seems likely that more girls than this have Asperger syndrome, but their behaviours may not be so difficult and they are not diagnosed as having the syndrome.
How is Asperger syndrome diagnosed?
A diagnosis for Asperger syndrome is based on a child's behaviour and development. There are no easy medical tests to prove that a child has the syndrome. However, there are a number of recognised standards that are used in many countries to help professionals decide about a diagnosis.
Usually, a diagnosis is made by a multidisciplinary team. This is a group of people who have different professional backgrounds. People who diagnose Asperger syndrome can include a:
- paediatrician
- speech pathologist
- psychologist
- psychiatrist.
Two of these professionals are generally required to be involved in the diagnosis so that the family can access special services. These people should be experienced in recognising Asperger syndrome.
A diagnosis is made by looking at how a child communicates, his/her social interactions (behaviour with other people) and any repetitive behaviours that the child may have.
Communication
- Most children with Asperger syndrome learn to speak, read and write at the usual age (or only a little earlier or later than usual).
- They are often very literal in what they say and how they understand what others say. For example, if told to 'get lost' (meaning 'go away'), a child with Asperger syndrome may leave the place and try to become lost.
- They may not show their feelings through facial expressions or actions, and may not pay attention to these things in others.
- They often have poor conversation skills and may talk too much or too little.
- They have poor listening skills.
- They often interrupt others and take over a conversation to talk about their area of personal interest. Usually they will not notice that other people are not interested in what they are saying.
- They may prefer to work with computers rather than with people, because computers are predictable and do not become upset.
- Children with Asperger syndrome may be able to play imaginative games, but usually act these out by themselves or try to direct the actions of other children.
Social interaction
- Children with Asperger syndrome may not understand how to play with other children, and may prefer to play alone, or with younger children or adults.
- They find it difficult to understand the non-verbal language of others (such as facial expressions, gestures and body movements) or the rules of social behaviour. They often appear rude or uncaring because they interrupt, have trouble taking turns, move too close to other people or rarely make eye contact (look someone in the eye).
- They may be extremely sensitive to criticism and need continual reassurance.
- They may have an exaggerated sense of what is right or fair, especially in relation to how other people should treat them.
- They may be unable to predict what other people will do in response to their actions.
- They may think that the things that others do accidentally (such as bumping them) are done deliberately to upset them.
- Some children may not seem to care what other people think. Yet, others may get into trouble because they are desperate to have friends. It is easy for other children to 'set them up' by asking them to do the wrong thing because they do not easily understand how to behave in different situations. They may be bullied a lot.
Repetitive behaviours
Children and adults with Asperger syndrome often have unusual and difficult behaviours.
- The world is often very confusing for people with Asperger syndrome, and they may try to make the world less confusing by having rules and rituals (ways of doing things) which they insist upon.
- They may become quite angry and aggressive when things do not happen as they want or expect. They may have prolonged tantrums.
- People with Asperger syndrome can become overwhelmed by too much noise and movement. Confusing places (such as shopping centres) or confusing events (such as parties) may be very stressful and may trigger inappropriate behaviours, such as tantrums.
- They usually have narrow areas of interest and may learn all there is to know about one special thing (such as cars, trains, computers, astronomy, insects, etc).
- These narrow interests frequently become obsessions for people with Asperger syndrome.
- Because of this obsessiveness, some people with Asperger syndrome will become true experts in their area of interest.
- People with Asperger syndrome may seem very bright because they have developed a depth of knowledge in one area. However, they may have limited abilities in other areas.
Treatment for Asperger Syndrome
- There is no cure or specific treatment for a person with Asperger syndrome, but individually tailored educational programs can be helpful.
- Specific training (such as social skills training or relaxation therapy) can also be helpful.
- A diagnosis of Asperger syndrome may help a family or a school to access special services, such as teacher support time or disability allowances.
- People with Asperger syndrome can develop to their full potential when others understand the effects of the syndrome on behaviour and learning, and provide a supportive environment.
- Sometimes medication can be useful to manage anxiety, depression and aggressive outbursts that may be caused by the stress of social and communication difficulties.
What you can do
- Parents do not cause Asperger syndrome and should not blame themselves.
- Children with Asperger syndrome will act differently from your other children. You will have to learn new and different ways to help and teach this child.
- Your child will probably need clear routines and if there have to be changes he will need lots of warning.
- If you think your child has Asperger syndrome, or one of the other disorders within the autism spectrum, it is best to have an assessment as soon as possible. There may be a waiting time for an assessment.
- You do not have to wait for a diagnosis before you can get help. You can seek support from professionals such as a psychologist, paediatrician, speech pathologist or behaviour therapist.
- Stress management techniques may be helpful to control anxiety in older children and adults.
- If anxiety is so overwhelming that it is interfering with your child's ability to manage normal activities, medication may be helpful. You will need to see your doctor to arrange this.
- Support from other parents can be important.
Siblings (brothers and sisters)
It can be difficult for siblings to have a brother or sister with Asperger syndrome.
- Their behaviour can be difficult to live with because they don't relate to others well.
- They may have frequent tantrums when things don't go the way they want them, and this can be embarrassing.
- Parents often have to spend a lot more time with the child who has Asperger syndrome, so that siblings can feel they are missing out.
- Siblings may have to watch out more for their brother or sister to protect them from others, such as protecting them from being bullied.
- Some siblings may need to learn how to keep themselves safe if the child with Asperger syndrome is having difficulty controlling frustration or anger.
Understanding more about Asperger syndrome may help a sibling interact more successfully with their brother or sister. The topic 'Disability - brothers and sisters' may also be helpful.
Some people find peer support groups good. Check on the internet to see if there are support groups in your area.
The books by Tony Attwood and Kate Strohm listed below may be useful.
Preschool and school
Children with Asperger syndrome have different educational support needs. Additional support may be provided for your child while at preschool or school. Some of this support may come from specialist agencies. This is organised through the preschool director or school principal.
- When you enrol your child at a preschool or school, the staff will talk to you about his/her needs.
- They will want to know about any special routines or interests that your child has and how s/he communicates.
- They will also want to know about the ways that you have learned to manage your child's behaviour.
- Teachers will think about the best way to teach your child and may make changes to the classroom that will help your child.
- You should let preschool or school staff know if your child is sensitive to certain sounds, smells or being touched. This will help them develop appropriate plans for your child.
- Get to know your child’s teacher and meet regularly, along with your child, to talk about any issues that arise.
- Set strategies and routines in place for your child which can be followed at home and at school, eg regarding acceptable behaviour, consequences, dealing with anger and frustration.
- It may be helpful for you to arrange to attend a staff meeting to inform staff about Asperger syndrome and what this means for your child.
Secondary school
- Secondary school can be very stressful for students with Asperger syndrome because of the daily challenges of having several different teachers, having to move between classrooms and have different timetables each day. These changes can cause considerable confusion and anxiety for someone who is very resistant to change.
- As other students become more sophisticated with interpersonal relationships, it can become more difficult for a student with Asperger syndrome to be involved in friendship groups, although they may be able to participate well in special interest groups such as science groups. When managing social interactions is difficult, some solitary time can be needed and should not be seen as a 'problem'.
- Teenagers are usually able to manage stressors better, and behaviour problems at school may be less of an issue. However the tiredness that comes from this control may lead to the the teenager 'falling apart' at home.
- Fatigue after school is often a problem, and facing up to homework at the end of the day can be very stressful.
- You may need to negotiate with teachers about the learning objectives of homework and what your teenager actually needs to do.
- Since many students with Asperger syndrome can focus well in some classes (especially those that are built on 'facts') they may not need the repetitive learning tasks that other students need for some subjects.
- Most people with Asperger syndrome can form strong bonds with significant others, marry and have children.
- Their anxieties and difficulties with the sublteties of relationships can be confusing and distressing to partners and their children. If partners and children are able to learn more about Asperger syndrome, they are often more able to understand the behaviour and live more comfortably with the person who has Asperger syndrome.
- People with Asperger Syndrome also have a need to understand relationships better and learn more about how their behaviour and emotions can affect others.
- Reading Tony Attwood's book on Asperger syndrome can be a useful start for this.
- Peer support groups can also be helpful for partners and children. Check on the internet to see if there are support groups in your area.
South Australia
- Autism Association of South Australia Inc
Tel. 8379 6976
Autism Infoline 1300 288 476
http://www.autismsa.org.au/
- Child Assessment Team
C/- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health
Address: Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders Drive, Bedford Park, 5042
Tel. 8204 5511
- Child Development Unit
C/- Women's and Children's Hospital
Address: 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, 5006
Tel. 8161 7000
- Child Development Unit
C/- Lyell McEwin Hospital
Address: Haydown Road, Elizabeth Vale, 5112
Tel. 8182 9000
- Early Intervention Network Coordinators - provide information and support for families with children 0-8 years with developmental delay, disabilities or at risk of developmental delay.
Contact Child and Youth Health regional offices or the Central Office.
Tel. 8303 1500.
- Playgroup SA Special Needs Coordinators
Address: 91 Prospect Rd, Prospect 5082
Tel. 8344 2722
Country callers: 1800 171 882
http://www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/sa/
- Disability SA- assists people with significant and permanent disabilities to access assistance, information and community services.
Tel. 8366 7333
http://www.dfc.sa.gov.au/pub/Default.aspx?tabid=160
- Carer Resource Centre - provides information and advice on available services for carers, particularly respite services.
Address: 58 King William Road, Goodwood, 5034
Postal Address: PO Box 410, Unley, 5061
Tel. 8271 6288
Country callers: 1800 242 636
www.carers-sa.asn.au/resource.htm
- Disability Information Resource Centre - provides contact details for a number of support groups for individuals with physical disabilities.
Address: 195 Gilles Street, Adelaide, 5000
Tel. 8236 0555, TTY 8223 7579
Country callers: 1300 305 558
www.dircsa.org.au
- Gowrie Resource Centre and Bookshop
Address: 43 Dew Street, Thebarton, 5031
Tel. 8352 5246
Other community contacts
- Your local doctor
- Community health centres
- Child and Youth Health clinics
- Private speech pathologists, psychologists and occupational therapists (see the Yellow Pages for contact details).
- When choosing a preschool or school, you may wish to seek advice from the special education staff within the Department of Education, Training and Employment, Association of Independent Schools of South Australia or Catholic Education SA.
- Department of Education, Training and Employment Disability Services. Contact your local District Officer (see local telephone directories) or the State Office for general information. Telephone 8226 1527. Country callers should phone 1800 088 158.
- Association of Independent Schools of South Australia Special Education Advisers. Contact the Special Learning Needs Coordinator. Telephone 8179 1400.
- Catholic Education SA Special Education Consultants. Contact the Supervisor of Special Education. Telephone 8301 6600.
- See also our Links page - Disability
Attwood Tony, 'The complete guide to Asperger syndrome', Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London, 2006.
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843104957
Books for parents
- Brett D 'Annie Stories: helping young children meet the challenges of growing up' Jessica Kingsley Publishers 1997
- Fling Echo R, 'Eating an artichoke: a mother's perspective on Asperger syndrome', Jessica Kingsley, London, 2000.
- Frith Uta, 'Autism and Asperger syndrome', Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1993.
- Myles Brenda Smith & Simpson Richard L, 'Asperger syndrome: a guide for educators and parents', Pro-ed, Austin, Texas, 1998.
- Myles Brenda Smith & Southwick Jack, 'Asperger syndrome and difficult moments: practical solutions for tantrums, rage, and meltdowns', Autism Asperger Publishing Co, Shawnee Mission, Kansas, 1999.
- Willey Liane Holliday, 'Pretending to be normal', Jessica Kingsley, London, 1999.
Books for children
- Gagnon Elisa & Myles Brenda Smith, 'This is Asperger syndrome', Autism Asperger Publishing Co, Shawnee Mission, Kansas, 1999.
- Ives Martine, 'What is Asperger syndrome, and how will it affect me?', National Autistic Society, London, 1999.
- Santomauro Josie, 'The mystery of a special kid', Josie Santomauro, The Gap, Queensland, 1999.
Books for siblings
- Bleach Brand F 'Everybody Is Different: A Book for Young People Who Have Brothers or Sisters With Autism'. Autism Asperger's Publishing Company
- Davies Julie, 'Able autistic children: Children with Asperger syndrome: A booklet for brothers and sisters', University of Nottingham, Nottingham, 1995.
- Strohm K, 'Siblings: brothers and sisters of children with special needs', Wakefield Press 2002.
www.wakefieldpress.com.au/books/siblings.html
Many books about Asperger syndrome for adults and children are available from Jessica Kingsley Publishers
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/index.php/cat/autism
Autism Information Center (USA) - National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/
Baron-Cohen Simon, 'Mindblindness: An Essay on Autism and the Theory of Mind', MIT Press, Massachusetts, USA, 1995.
Cumine Val, Leach Julia & Stevenson Gill, 'Asperger Syndrome: A Practical Guide for Teachers', David Fulton, London, 1998.
Gould Judith & Wing Lorna, 'The Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO)', London 1994.
Gray Carol, 'Gray's Guide to NeuroTypical Behaviour: Appreciating the Challenge We Present to People with Autism Spectrum Disorders', Michigan, USA, 1996, pp 9-13.
Schopler Eric & Mesibov Gary, 'High-functioning individuals with autism', Plenum Press, New York, 1992.
Schopler Eric, Mesibov Gary & Kunce Linda, 'Asperger Syndrome or High-functioning Autism', Plenum Press, London, 1998.
Thomas George, 'Asperger syndrome: practical strategies for the classroom', National Autistic Society, London, 1998.
Wing Lorna, 'The autistic spectrum: A guide for parents and professionals', Constable, London, 1996.
Prepared in collaboration with:
Department of Education, Training and Employment
Ministerial Advisory Committee on Students with Disabilities
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.