Education

How to Recognize Asperger’s Syndrome

Considered a “high functioning” form of autism, Asperger syndrome can be difficult to recognize. Here are some signs your child may be on the spectrum.

Asperger syndrome affects a person’s ability to interpret social interactions and often those effected display a limited range of interests. Symptoms of Asperger syndrome are often confused with those of other behavioral issues and parents should consult with their child’s doctor for a diagnosis.

A common characteristic is a social impairment. Although most children lack social graces, at some point or another, children on the spectrum have difficulty interpreting social cues. Holding a conversation or taking turns while conversing is hard for them. They may also dislike being touched and have difficulty making friends.

Along with difficulty in communicating can come a reluctance to make eye contact. A child with Asperger syndrome may look away from you during a conversation or just not quite in your eyes, like at your nose or mouth.

Children with Asperger’s syndrome tend to become fixated on a few interests. An example is if they can watch the same movie repeatedly and become upset if they cannot watch it. Or, if they have just one toy they play with for hours.

Routine is also important to people with Asperger’s. Changes to this routine can unravel a day, and your child may feel incapable of moving forward until they complete a particular part of their routine.

Having advanced speech at a young age can also be a sign of Asperger’s. On the other side of the spectrum, they could also have difficulty speaking or conveying their meaning in words.

Another common symptom is being overly sensitive to bright lights or loud noises.

Knowing and addressing developmental problems your child has is the best way to ensure they grow up happy and healthy. If you suspect your child is on the spectrum, consult their doctor and seek support.

You may also like