Asperger's autism, recognising the signs

Asperger's syndrome is a complex disorder that is often confused with autism because of certain similar behaviours. The main features of Asperger's syndrome are difficulties in acquiring social skills and behaviours that contrast with demonstrably good language development and intellectual functioning. Causes There is general agreement that Asperger's syndrome is primarily genetic in origin, but no cause has yet been identified. Diagnostic criteria Asperger's syndrome is often diagnosed later in development than autism, because language and cognitive functions are within the normal range, so that early signs of difficulties in social skills go unnoticed. A formal diagnosis may not be made until primary, secondary or even adult life, once differences in individual social skills become more noticeable. Diagnosis is based on an exhaustive, multidisciplinary approach involving the gathering of information from a number of sources: Parents - the child's family genes and developmental history; Professionals (e.g. teams of child psychiatrists and child psychologists) - using standardised assessment instruments such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-G) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R). A behaviour checklist will also be completed by parents and teachers to document various behaviours (social interaction, communication, behaviour and coping skills); Auxiliary professionals - an in-depth assessment of cognitive and language functions using appropriate standardised tests; Diagnostic teams - will often ask the family to undergo genetic testing to rule out related disorders such as Fragile X syndrome. Areas of difficulty Asperger's syndrome can affect children in a variety of ways. The main difficulties experienced include the following: Difficulty in reciprocal social interactions and in understanding the rules that govern these interactions (e.g. interpretation of facial expressions and body language, respect for alternation in conversations); Social withdrawal; Rare eye contact; Low sense of social responsibility; Few facial expressions (absence of certain common mimics or extreme expressions); Speech abnormalities (e.g., little modulation in voice accent, monotone or exaggerated tone, speaking too loudly or too softly); The content of speech or preferences in activities may be limited to one or two particular areas of interest, affecting the ability to communicate with others and to take an interest in other subjects; High level of anxiety, especially in social situations; Perfectionism; Preference for structured contexts and resistance to changes in habits or environment; Unusual sensory interests (e.g. aversion to certain sounds or textures, or seeking out particular sounds or textures); Hand and finger gestures or other complex gestures (e.g. small hand movements, head, neck or finger movements); Difficulty paying attention. Important strengths of children with Asperger's syndrome Good or rapid language development in early childhood (e.g. use of formal language and complex vocabulary at a young age); Excellent verbal memory for facts, especially in certain areas of interest; Good factual memory can help with success in subjects such as mathematics and science; Expertise in certain areas of interest; Ability to acquire certain skills (e.g. social skills) that are difficult for the subject with specialised teaching and the use of concrete and visual methods.