Asperger’s syndrome (AS) is a form of Autism. While Asperger’s syndrome is no longer diagnosed, many people still identify with the term. In 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders classified Asperger’s syndrome as part of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
While the signs can vary from child to child, there are common indicators that parents, caregivers, and educators can look out for to help identify if a child may have Asperger’s syndrome. Early recognition of these signs can lead to appropriate interventions and support, enabling children to navigate their challenges and thrive in their development.
Early Signs and Symptoms
Signs of Asperger’s syndrome can be noticed from a very young age. It’s crucial to mention that some children portray behaviours that might align with Asperger’s symptoms; however, these types of behaviours are common among children.
Therefore, it’s vital to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.
Early signs and symptoms can be identified if a child has challenges with activities such as pretend play, and socialising and shows signs of discomfort when being held or touched. Additionally, children with Asperger’s syndrome might also have distinctive reactions to sensory stimuli.
Signs of Asperger’s Syndrome in Young Children
It’s essential to mention that all young children diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome are different. However, symptoms often relate to challenges with social skills and restricted interests.
Other more common symptoms of Asperger’s include:
- Avoidance of social interactions and activities
- Conversations that almost always revolve around themselves or a specific topic rather than others
- Challenges with comprehending emotions
- Speech that sounds flat, high-pitched, quiet, loud, or monotone
- Challenges with nonverbal communication (gestures, body language and facial expression)
- Display of behaviours that challenge after any change in routines
- Excelling at memorising information or facts
- Challenges with fine motor skills
- Challenges with managing emotions resulting in behaviours that challenge
- Hypersensitivity to lights, sounds and textures
Additionally, children with Asperger’s syndrome don’t experience challenges with their language development. However, they experience challenges while using language in a social setting.
With person-centred support, every child with Asperger syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders can succeed and live a fulfilling life.
Repetitive Behaviours and Restricted Interests in Children with Asperger’s Syndrome
Repetitive behaviours and restricted interests are often observed in children with Asperger’s syndrome.
Repetitive behaviours include:
- Engaging in repetitive body movements (hand flapping, spinning, rocking)
- Needing strict routines or rituals
- Challenges with change
- Repetition of words or phrases
Restricted behaviours include:
- Developing a deep interest in a specific topic
- Having specific interests
- Challenges with imaginative play
It’s crucial to mention that these behaviours and their intensity may vary from one child to another. Each child is different; hence the diagnosis and support plan should be bespoke.
Sensory Issues in Children with Asperger’s Syndrome
Children with Asperger’s often experience sensory issues. These challenges are often referred to as hypersensitivity.
Certain lighting, smells, textures, sounds, and tastes might overwhelm people with Asperger’s. Hence, children might pull away from physical touch or cover their ears to avoid loud sounds.
As a result, children might use stimming as a coping mechanism to keep their sensory systems in balance. Hence why children portray repetitive movements, sounds, or fidgeting to stay calm and relieve stress.
Signs of Asperger’s Syndrome in Teens
There are cases when Asperger’s goes unnoticed until the young individual reaches puberty or their teen years.
Some of the more common signs of Asperger’s syndrome in teens might include:
- Challenges with taking turns during conversations
- Challenges with interpreting body language and social cues
- Challenges to empathise with others
- Challenges with completing tasks or following step-by-step directions
- Challenges with organisation
- Portraying behaviours that challenge
- Challenges with regulating emotions
- Obsessive or repetitive behaviours
- Challenges with motor coordination
- Challenges with sensory stimuli to textures, lights, sounds, and taste
How Important Is an Early Assessment?
Early assessment allows for a timely and accurate diagnosis which is crucial for a proper support plan later on.
Getting an early assessment allows individuals and their families to better understand the signs, symptoms, and unique characteristics of Asperger’s syndrome. This directly influences the overall well-being of children diagnosed with Asperger’s.
What’s more, multiple studies suggest that early assessment and intervention can benefit the overall improvement of cognitive and social development.
Therefore, if a child portrays some common signs of Asperger’s – it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.
How To Explain the Diagnosis to Your Child?
When explaining Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis to a child, individuals should first consider their age and maturity. Some children can get a diagnosis as early as 2, while others might not get a proper diagnosis until they are teenagers.
For some kids, being told they’re different can make them feel like something is “wrong” with them. During this time, parents or caregivers must explain that everyone is different and has unique characteristics.
It’s essential for children to build resilience and understand that their diagnosis isn’t a weakness, instead, it makes them unique. Reaching out to communities, support groups, or professional help can be immensely helpful when navigating the journey of explaining the diagnosis to your child.
Difficulties if Left Untreated
When left untreated, Asperger syndrome can lead to additional cognitive challenges and mental health concerns.
Some of the symptoms might progress without proper support. Individuals might have challenges with everyday activities, schoolwork, or socialising. What’s more, untimely diagnosis and support can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. When children get the proactive support they need, it benefits their entire life and mental well-being.
Support For Children With Asperger’s Syndrome
Children with Asperger’s syndrome require tailored support to help them navigate social interactions, manage their emotions, and succeed academically.
Social skills training programs can help children with Asperger’s improve their communication skills and enhance their understanding of social cues. These programs often involve:
- Structured activities
- Role-playing
- Individualised coaching to help children learn how to initiate conversations
- Individualised coaching to help children interpret facial expressions
- Helping children engage in different social interactions
Additionally, many children with Asperger syndrome benefit from counselling or therapy to address emotional and behavioural challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help children develop coping strategies, manage anxiety, and improve problem-solving skills.
What’s more, occupational therapy can assist in addressing sensory sensitivities, motor coordination difficulties, and self-regulation.
By providing comprehensive support in these areas, people with Asperger’s syndrome can develop essential skills, overcome challenges, and thrive in academic and social settings.
Unique Community Services Supports Children With Asperger Syndrome
At Unique Community Services, we’re dedicated to providing specialised support to children living with Asperger’s syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our vision is to create an inclusive and empowering environment where children with Asperger’s syndrome develop their unique abilities and reach their full potential.
Our highly trained clinicians are dedicated to creating individualised Positive Behaviour Support plans that address the unique challenges faced by each child. Improving the quality of life for you and your loved one is our goal, and our team is dedicated to providing positive outcomes.
Our offices are based in Manchester and Leeds, and you can contact each office directly.
If you want to know what else we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
