Aspergers Syndrome is often a hard one to diagnose and particularly if your child doesn't show all of the 'more common' symptoms. For example, my own son has not had a diagnosis of Aspergers as yet although he does show some symptoms, but his psychiatrist is finding him difficult to diagnose as he doesn't have the 'most common' symptoms such as repetitive behavior or obsessiveness.

So what exactly is Aspergers?

Aspergers is an Austism Spectrum Disorder - it is thought to be a much milder form of Autism and is often referred to as 'high functioning autism'. The main difference between Autism and Aspergers is that people with Aspergers do not have language delay and they also have average to above average intelligence.

Symptoms of Aspergers

The main symptoms of Aspergers Syndrome are:

• A lack of social skills. Although Aspie's want to socialise they usually find it hard to, it is like they just don't fit in, they aren't sure how to socialise. They find it hard to pick up on social cues and are not good are reading body language.


• They dislike changes in routines.


• Lack empathy for others.


• Have difficulty recognising differences in speech tone and therefore may not understand jokes or may take sarcasm the wrong way.


• Avoid eye contact.


• May have unusual facial expressions or postures.


• Will often be preoccupied with one or two interests which they are usually very knowledgable about. They will often have a collection of items regarding their interest and be quite obsessive with it.


• They may talk a lot about their own interests even though others are not interested in that topic.


• May have delayed motor development or seem clumsy or awkward.


• May have a heightened sensitivity to loud noises, lights or tastes.

Diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome

Diagnosis will differ between patients depending on the severity of their symptoms. A doctor may be able to see immediately that a child has Aspergers in some cases, while in other children with mild symptoms the diagnosis can be quite difficult.

To diagnoses Aspergers the child needs to be assessed which will include a developmental history and some observation. This needs to be done by a medical professional and preferably one that has experience with Autism and Aspergers.

Treatment for Aspergers

There are no medications to treat Aspergers and there is no cure, but there are many things that you can do to help your child with Aspergers learn to deal with their differences and also manage them.

Social skills are a main concern for those with Aspergers and there are ways to help develop your childs social skills and help them to fit in with others better.

Early diagnosis and early management of Aspergers will give your child the best headstart in life. If Aspergers is not treated or managed, the child can become angry with his inability to socialise and express his emotions in an acceptable way. There is also a risk of them developing anxiety or depression, so it is definately recommended to work together with your childs doctor to manage their Aspergers.

For more information visit http://ourexceptionalkids.com/