What is Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger Syndrome is a developmental disorder characterised by difficulties in these main areas: ? Social interaction ? Communication ? Imagination ? Sensory sensitivity ? Motor clumsiness ? Special interests and Routines The first research into the field was by Austrian psychologist Hans Asperger in 1943. It is only in the past 20 years that there has been greater awareness and treatment in line with concerted effort and research into what is now called Asperger Syndrome by specialists such as Tony Attwood and Lorna Wing. Asperger Syndrome was officially classified as a psychological disorder in 1994. SOCIAL INTERACTION People with Asperger Syndrome have great difficulty in understanding social etiquette and non-verbal signals. These people try hard to be sociable and do not dislike human contact. They need to be taught what is second nature to others?that is, to understand body language, voice intonation and facial expressions. COMMUNICATI0N The language development of an Asperger child may be delayed. People with Asperger Syndrome often sound very precise and speak in monotone. They can sometimes come across as insensitive to what the other person has said. They often lack the understanding that it is their turn to talk. A major problem with communication however is with their actual interpretation of words and taking them too literally, e.g. ?Raining cats and dogs?, ?Bend over backwards?. IMAGINATION Many Asperger children enjoy the repetition of certain actions for example, arranging toy cars according to colour, making a pattern with wooden blocks, etc. Very little imaginary play occurs at a young age although this does happen as the child gets older. The problem then is that their peers have grown out of that particular kind of play. SENSORY SENSITIVITY Many people with Asperger Syndrome have an extremely exaggerated response to sensory stimuli and all five senses are affected. For example, a particular taste or smell might make the person throw up; the brushing or washing of hair can cause great anguish. MOTOR CLUMSINESS People with Asperger Syndrome often appear to be clumsy and have poor co-ordination for example, inability to tie shoelaces or ride a bike. SPECIAL INTERESTS AND ROUTINES Many people with Asperger Syndrome develop an obsessive interest and can therefore gain expert knowledge. They might be fascinated with train timetables, a certain television program or weather forecasts. This can be an area of frustration for the person who wonders why others do not Share the same fascination! However, this fascination often leads to good employment opportunities in that particular area of interest. VULNERABILITY People with Asperger Syndrome are very vulnerable. Adolescence brings about the struggle to cope with the confusion, stress and isolation in their almost ?alien? world. Suicide becomes a very real concern. Some other typical problems faced by those with Asperger Syndrome include: ? They are more prone to bullying, teasing and exploitation because their behavior is seen as eccentric, peculiar or non-conformist. ? Trouble with seeing the ?bigger picture? due to their focus on specific detail. This can be a problem because they often cannot see the consequences of their actions or put things into context. ? Extreme stress and confusion if a routine changes, e.g. the bus coming at a different time, the local shop not stocking a particular brand any more. ? A problem with planning because it requires the ability to think hypothetically and predict consequences. ? Many people with Asperger Syndrome have trouble putting their thoughts into words and cannot articulate their frustration's, fears or how their disability affects them. Many people with Asperger Syndrome show an aptitude in scientific, computer, technical or mathematical subjects because of their logical and factual nature. Asperger Syndrome has been described as a form of genius because the tendency for individuals to develop and nurture their ?special interests? can result in great achievement. Just some of the traits associated with this condition are: ? Honesty ? Reliability ? Dedication ? Determination A different outlook on the world can prove to be both refreshing and valuable. Once those around them understand the condition of Asperger Syndrome, support and help can be provided. The person can concentrate on developing the positive elements of this condition and control the negative aspects. The future is looking good with more and more people becoming aware of this condition and more research being done. CLOUD 9 CHILDREN?S FOUNDATION 1 Fairway Drive, PO Box 30 979 Lower Hutt, New Zealand tel: 0064 4 920 9400 dir:0064 4 920 9473 fax:0064 4 920 9499 Hotline:0064 4 920 9488 Toby James, Foundation Co-ordinator email :[email protected] www.withyoueverystepoftheway.com AIMS OF THE CLOUD 9 CHILDREN?S FOUNDATION: ? Give mutual support to parents, carers, families, siblings and to children and adults with Asperger Syndrome ? Encourage research into Asperger Syndrome ? Promote awareness and engage in community education ? Information on services available and how to access them ? Information to parents, teachers, teacher aides and professionals ? Family outings and camps ? Educational seminars and workshops ? A website dedicated totally to Asperger Syndrome For more information on the Cloud 9 Children?s Foundation visit our website on: www.withyoueverystepoftheway.com or contact the Foundation co-ordinator: [email protected]