www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com
HOO’s HEALTHY Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder that belongs to the group of disorders defined as the Autism Spectrum. Kids with AS usually have good speech and grammar and no impacts to intellectual ability, and students with AS usually can perform well in school. However, a child with AS may be prone to rigid, repetitive behaviors and may tend to focus on a certain interest or activity. He may easily memorize the information on a preferred activity or interest. This obsessive, narrow focus on one particular activity or topic can interfere with everyday life. Other symptoms of AS include difficulty socializing with others, becoming easily upset to a change in routine, clumsy movements, trouble with handwriting, difficulty controlling emotions and trouble understanding the perspective of another person. Some cases of AS are diagnosed early in life, around age three, but most are diagnosed between the ages of five and nine. Boys are three to four times more likely to develop AS than girls. The exact cause of AS is unknown, though some research suggests there is a genetic basis for the disorder and also some brain abnormalities in RESOURCES: http://bit.ly/3jUWnOm and http://bit.ly/3icVX5M
W h a t is : ASPERGER'S SYNDROME patients with AS. AS is now officially grouped with the other disorders on the autism spectrum, and the formal diagnosis of someone with AS is Autism Spectrum Disorder. To diagnose AS, a team of healthcare professionals use questionnaires about the patient’s development and spend time with the patient to gauge the patient’s skills. Both intellectual and language skills are evaluated along with the patient’s ability to interact appropriately with others. Unlike some other Autism Spectrum Disorders, patients with AS usually do not have delays in speech or intellectual development. However, kids with AS may have attention deficits. A combination of different types of therapy, such as medication, cognitive behavior therapy, occupational therapy and social skills training may be used to treat AS. The goal of the treatment for AS is to help the patient cope with the symptoms and to learn to interpret social cues appropriately.
23