Asperger's Syndrome
Before you read the webpage please read the following notes:
NOTE 1 – We are giving you an overview of this condition in a question and answer format so you have some information for when you talk to a health professional. We have not discussed how to diagnose this condition, the types of treatment available for this condition and how you as the parent can help your child. We will leave that for a professional to discuss with you when a healthcare plan or special educational needs plan is being written for your child once they have been diagnosed.
NOTE 2 – Children can suffer from more than one condition at any one time. This is known as comorbid
NOTE 3 – The exact cause of many of the conditions we have written about is unknown. Research is continuing. There can often be a genetic component which when inherited can make an individual prone to the condition. There are also other factors which can play a part in the development of the condition and can trigger it. We have detailed these factors in each write up.
NOTE 4 – Education for children with special education needs and disabilities is written elsewhere on this website. Please click the link below to access it.
WHAT IS ASPERGER’S SYNDROME?
Asperger’s syndrome is a form of autism. Children with this disorder have problems with social interaction and communication. They can often be rigid with their thoughts and behaviour which can also be repetitive.
Children with Asperger’s syndrome are regarded as children with special educational needs. It is a developmental disorder.
Asperger’s syndrome is on the autism spectrum of disorders.
More boys are diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome than girls.
WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES A CHILD WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME DISPLAY?
Some of the symptoms a child with Asperger’s syndrome may show are:
- Problems with social interaction.
- They can miss social cues.
- They can take things literally.
- They do not like change. They like routine.
- They can sometimes avoid eye contact.
- They can have restrictive thinking and behaviour.
- They can lack instinct.
- They say things which can be inappropriate
- They can easily obsess about a particular thing
- They have very limited interests
- They find it difficult to express their feelings
- They have odd mannerisms
- They can lack empathy
- They can be repetitive
- They are not genuinely interested in people but communicate because they need something and want to relay something.
- They can be clumsy
- They can misinterpret what is being said.
These symptoms can range from mild to severe.
ARE CHILDREN WHO HAVE ASPERGER’S SYNDROME BORN WITH IT OR IS IT ACQUIRED?
The exact cause of Asperger’s syndrome is unknown however, scientists believe there may be a genetic link so it can be an inherited condition.
There are other factors that can contribute and increase the risk of an individual developing asperger’s syndrome such as age of parents when conceived and if the birth mother took any medicines during the pregnancy. .
WHEN DO MOST CHILDREN FIRST DISPLAY THE SIGNS OFASPERGER’S SYNDROME?
Children aged between 3 years to 9 years can start to show the first signs of Asperger’s syndrome.
CAN ASPERGER’S SYNDROME GO AWAY, BE CURED OR PREVENTED?
Asperger’s syndrome once diagnosed can be managed and controlled with treatment. It cannot be cured. It cannot also be prevented.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ASPERGER’S SYNDROME?
There are 4 different types of Asperger’s syndrome. They are:
1. Fixated Asperger’s syndrome – This individual will be preoccupied with the need to control their environment. They can hoard things, have a fear of illness, like routine and they can be unproductive.
2. Disruptive Asperger’s syndrome – Their whole approach of thinking and perception can be destructive. They do not understand right and wrong, they can lie and be deceitful, be impulsive, they violate the rights of others, they can intimidate others, and can be manipulative.
3. Approach Asperger’s syndrome – This individual will easily violate another’s space and can be obsessive about something they want to talk about. They cannot follow rules and they over dramatise situations.
4. Avoidant Asperger’s syndrome – This individual feels inadequate and inferior to others, they are shy, they are socially inept, they are quiet, they are not risk takers, they do not like criticism and they avoid social events. They are very self-conscious.
WHO DO YOUR CONTACT FOR HELP IF YOU FEEL YOUR CHILD HAS ASPERGER’S SYNDROME?
Contact your GP immediately – Your GP will arrange for your child to be assessed for Asperger’s syndrome. Your GP will then arrange for your child to have the correct support, medication, therapy and treatment to manage and control the condition. They will also inform you of any lifestyle changes you may need to make and refer you for further help if you need it.
Contact the school SEN department – The SEN department (special educational needs) at school will take your concerns seriously and help you. Please read the next section below.
IS ASPERGER’S SYNDROME CONSIDERED A SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEED (SEN)?
A child suffering from Asperger’s syndrome can be considered as one with special educational needs (SEN) if the issues the child is suffering from make education and learning much more difficult than other children of the same age.
Talk to the SEN department at your child’s school. There will be a special teacher there called a SENCO (special SEN coordinator) who looks after the welfare of all SEN children at the school and they will be able to advise you further.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
You can contact NSPCC – If your child has Asperger’s syndrome you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has Asperger’s syndrome.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about your concerns if your child has Asperger’s syndrome. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE 16 – CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has Asperger’s syndrome and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.