Asperger syndrome is a biologically caused neurodevelopmental disorder that begins to manifest itself during childhood. It occurs when abnormalities occur in brain development that disrupt the formation of the highly complex neural networks that govern behavior, language and communication, causing a disorder that makes it difficult for people to interact socially.
First symptoms to detect Asperger’s Syndrome
These difficulties in a behavior marked by restricted, stereotyped and difficult to modify interests, in addition to a decrease in their abilities to socialize and communicate. It is precisely these difficulties that allow the diagnosis to be made, and which define the rest of the autism spectrum disorders. Asperger syndrome is also known as high-functioning autism.
Children living with Asperger syndrome develop a normal use of language in terms of vocabulary and syntax, but find it difficult to use it in the same way as other children. They have pedantic conversations, as if they were a savant, and their intonation is very monotonous; in addition, they often give the impression that they ignore their interlocutor. Even so, they have no problem expressing themselves verbally. But their topics of conversation are often the same, since they have great facility to know many facts about the topics that interest them.
As for their relationship with their environment, it should be noted that children with Asperger’s have a strong attachment to their mother or father. But when they try to open up to others, the situation becomes complicated. Their understanding of the intentions and emotional state of the person they are dealing with is often wrong, so their own social responses are often abnormal. It is for this reason that as children they often play alone, as it is difficult for them to gain understanding from others.
Although it is known that the disorder has a biological origin, in most cases the cause cannot be determined. Its diagnosis is therefore clinical, based on its own manifestations and on the experience of a professional expert in child neurology and knowledgeable about the problem.
What role does the family play in the development of the child with Asperger’s?
The family always plays a fundamental role. In the first phase, the family is essential in detecting the first symptoms of the syndrome; and then in the way they deal with the child’s communication, social and emotional difficulties.
Parents, educators and different health professionals must get involved so that the child with Asperger’s syndrome understands why his or her way of interacting with others is complicated. They must learn to recognize their deficits in order to learn how to understand their environment and their peers.
Most adults with Asperger Syndrome tend to become increasingly independent, although due to persistent social difficulties, they often continue to need support.