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Asperger's Syndrome is a neurological condition in which the individual exhibits a certain pattern of behaviors along with significantly impaired social skills and problems with communication. There are no significant delays in overall language development, self-help skills or cognitive development in the first three years of life.
This syndrome was first described in 1944 by Hans Asperger, a Viennese pediatrician, and is estimated to affect approximately 1 out of every 500 individuals. Asperger's Syndrome is more common in boys than girls. It is now thought that some very famous individuals, including Albert Einstein, may have had Asperger's Syndrome, enabling them to closely focus on a specific issue.
Symptoms occur in three areas: language or communication, social interaction (engaging in interactive conversations or maintaining friendships) and repetitive patterns of behavior and interest.
Characteristics typically seen in individuals diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome include:
- Problems with nonverbal communication (poor eye contact, inappropriate facial expressions, poor body posture, limited use of gestures)
- Awkward and clumsy motor movements
- Failure to develop expected peer relationships
- An average or above-average IQ
- Difficulty with social skills (inappropriate responses, both socially and emotionally)
- Obsessiveness with routines
- Repetitive activities and motor functions
- Sensitivity to sights, tastes, sounds or smells
- Lack of awareness of others' feelings
- Rocking, fidgeting or pacing behaviors
- Exceptional accuracy in remembering details
- Special interest in math, science or reading and in parts of objects
- Difficulty understanding what has been heard or read
- Living in his/her "own world," that is preoccupied with his/her own perspective
- Use of formal speech
- Loud or monotonous voice
- Problems sleeping or eating
- Perseverates (repeats a word or phrase several times or keeps talking about a particular subject
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In most cases, the cause of Asperger's Syndrome is unknown. In other cases, however, there appears to be a genetic cause when one parent, usually the father, exhibits traits of Asperger's Syndrome. Asperger syndrome has only recently been widely recognized, and hence more and more adults are being diagnosed with this disorder.
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Treatment for individuals diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome may include psychotherapy, along with parent education and training. Social skills training has been found to be beneficial as well. Behavioral modification and individualized educational support provide consistent and structured routines, which are important for individuals with Asperger's Syndrome. Clear guidelines and rules are also needed. Occupational therapy may assist in improving motor skills. Medication is also sometimes used to ease anxiety and depression, to increase attention span or to decrease significant compulsive or ritualistic behaviors.
At IDTC, we attempt to provide a highly stimulating, motivating and reinforcing environment for children with Asperger's Syndrome. Our treatment team identifies symptoms and behaviors in need of active treatment, and considers the strengths and needs of each child in developing an individual treatment plan. The environment is highly structured, and consistent routines are established which become familiar and soothing to the child, providing the safety and security needed to assist them in participating in and benefiting from treatment. Highly prescribed, specific, behavioral intervention systems are used not only to teach skills in all areas of functioning, but to facilitate progress in developing pro-social behaviors, and reducing undesirable behaviors. Primary focus is on developing or improving peer and adult relationships, social interaction skills, independent living skills and internalized control over impulsive or repetitive behaviors that are socially unacceptable. Our education staff offer a curriculum and classroom support specific to the needs of the child with Asperger's Syndrome, designed to enhance the child's strengths and utilizing teaching methods and modalities based on the child's best learning mode.
The staff at IDTC recognize that each child is unique with individual strengths and needs. Our priority is always the well being of each child. If we find that IDTC cannot offer the very best care and services for your child, we are happy to help facilitate placement in another facility.
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Feel free to contact us if you have any specific questions or would simply like more information or resources.
E-Mail (please click on the link): Catharine Crockett, Admissions
Phone: 1-317-815-0505
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Asperger Syndrome Education Network (ASPEN)
Online Asperger Syndrome Information & Support (O.A.S.I.S.)
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This information is provided as a general overview only and is not intended as medical advice. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem, disease or medical condition. It is not provided as a substitute for professional care. If you or your child has any health concerns, please consult the health care provider of your choice.
© Copyright 2005 Indiana Developmental Training Center LLC
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