Aspergers Syndrome

Social skills difficiencies in Aspergers and Autistic children can be taught.  One really good tool is social stories.  What are social stories?  They are stories that provide accurate information about situations these children might find difficult or confusing.  They describe in detail and give information on social cues, reactions that might be given by others, suggest appropriate actions and reactions they should take in the situation, and other events that might occur.   This will help to increase their understanding and make them comfortable in given social situation.  

How does this actually help them?  They can better prepare and predict actions and opinions of others.  They give them perspective on how others are thinking as well as their emotions and behaviors.   They are more prepared for consistant and structured settings such as a classroom setting.  Social stories also allow them time to review and practice before the stress of an actual social interaction.  They can distance themselves and become prepared.     

Identify social areas they might need a social story discussion and either find an existing book or even make a story yourself to discuss the social topic.

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The challenges faced having Aspergers Syndrome can be dramatically increased when you enter into an educational environment.  Public schools provide the added difficulty of social settings as well as the need to produce class work within a time frame which may be difficult for those with motor skills difficiencies or attention and focusing issues. 

First of all it is imparative that the school administrators, teachers and other staff who will be in contact with your child be educated as much as possible.  Even if they are familiar with Aspergers or Autism this doesn’t mean they are familiar with “your child”.  Being a spectrum disorder children with Aspergers will have and even display charactaristics of the disorder differently.  Make sure they understand your childs daily needs as well as explaining routines and changes in their environment.  Make sure an I.E.P. (Individualized Education Plan) is in place to accomodate your child where needed due to their disability.  I would also recommend checking with your child or even stopping by the school to check that these accomodations are being met.   

Second,  educating peers is also extremely important.  Try to enlist the teacher or other administrators of the school to help educate the other students when possible.  Most are unaware there is a disability and are more willing to accept and even help when they are understanding of the situation.  Bullying and teasing should never be tolorated.  Make sure your child knows to report any such situations to yourself or their teachers immediately.

Third,  take time to teach social skills including reading facial cues, gestures, and other non-verbal communications.   If possible get with a professional or group for social skills training.

Fourth,  find a support group.  Finding others to help share knowledge and stories will help all of you.  Many times you can find friends for your children because they will have simular interests and already be connected through having Aspergers. 

Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) is a diagnosis often assigned to those who do not match a specific diagnosis of Aspergers or Autism. It is a condition on the Autism Spectrum and is assigned to those who exhibit some but not all the characteristics of Autism. Characteristics such as social skills problems, repetitive behaviors and sensory problems. They can behave similar to those with classic Autism or Aspergers. With them though one symptom may be much worse and other symptoms more mild.

There is no specific criteria to PDD-NOS and can often become misleading and confusing. Children were studied for levels of function in communication, daily living, social skills, IQ, the age they started talking and stereotyped activities. PDD-NOS children scored between those with Autism and Aspergers but had fewer autistic symptoms then them. They can be higher functioning, have more delayed language and fewer repetitive behaviors then those with Aspergers and Autism.

A PDD=NOS diagnosis should really be used when there is not enough clinical information to make an informed diagnosis otherwise. This might include very young children or those without proper medical documentation.

Http://aarr.stanford.edu/

http://www.autismspeaks.org/navigating/pdd_nos.php

An overwhelming amount of children referred for diagnostic assemssments for Aspergers Syndrome are boys.  Many researchers are finding that girls with Aspergers have the same traits and abilities as boys but are more subtle or maybe less sever in their characteristics.   It is said to be ten times more prevelent in boys then girls.  However researchers are suspecting that because Aspergers manifests differently in girls and may be less obvious they can slip through the cracks when it comes to diagnosis.   They also predict that as more girls are diagnosed the profile of the disorder and symptoms they look for will change as well.   Preliminary genetic studies also suggest that autism may be caused by different genes in boys and girls. 

 Girls may often be seen as having a passive personality at a young age instead of having a social impairment.  They may have less motor impairments, more obsessive interests,  and even though they have social skills problems they seem to want to connect with others more.  Girls obsessive interests are harder to identify though because they are common interests with most girls (horses, puppies, books).  Aspergers girls have more of an interest to fit in with those around them so they will study other girls to “copy” thier dress, behavior and actions.  What appears as shyness in girls is shrugged off as a common, sweet little girl trait. 

It is said that Aspergers in boys is hard to miss because they easily are identified as quirky.   They can have obsessive interests but often those interests are in one particular and even odd areas.  Boys have been observed as causing more disruptive behaviors in the classroom setting.   The appearance of shyness in a boy brings attention to their situation. 

http://www.newsweek.com/id/168868/page/1

Whether it is your child with Aspergers or other children needing to be informed explaining Aspergers Syndrome can be confusing and complex for them.

The key is explaining it on a level they will understand. Books are one of the best tools because you can find them for any age level. I have two books I have purchased to help my daughter understand Aspergers Syndrome that I would recommend.

The first is “All Cats Have Aspergers Syndrome” by Kathy Hoopermann and is perfect for even very young children. This book discusses things you see cats do with similarities in children with Aspergers. Things like “loud sounds and sudden movements scare them”, or “even small things fascinate them”. This was a very fun book to read and the pictures are perfect for young children.

The second book is for children as well, but is based on a school aged boy talking about himself with Aspergers Syndrome. It is “Can I Tell You About Aspergers Syndrome?” by Jude Welton. We bought this book for her to do a book report on. It helped her as well as her teacher understand her condition better.

Here are some ways to explain Aspergers. It is named after the man Hans Asperger who worked with children. It isn’t an illness but is called a type of autism. This means their brains can do some things really well, but some things are harder to do. Both boys and girls can have Aspergers but might act differently. They will always have Aspergers if they are diagnosed, but can learn most things they need to know to live like everyone else.

Some highlights from “Can I Tell You About Aspergers Syndrome?” that can be used in helping explain Aspergers to children could be:

1. Most people naturally know a lot about what other people are feeling and thinking. They watch faces, the way a body moves, and things people do to see that. Aspergers makes it harder to do this naturally. They don’t understand just by watching someone. They can be taught to read

   these signs.

2. They can get confused if someone says something silly but doesn’t mean it that way. People with Aspergers will think what you are saying as what you mean.

3. They may not know when others are making fun of them or teasing them because it is a part of reading body language and how they are talking.

4. They may say things that are not nice or confusing but do not know they have done it that way.

5. It may be difficult for them to take turns and play nicely because they have difficulty with groups called “social situations”. This is also something most people do naturally, but Aspergers people sometimes have to be taught this also. Explain rules of games and help them take turns.

6. Sometimes they like and even need to play quietly by themselves. This can be comforting to them and make them feel better.

7. Sensory problems are when things like taste, touch, smell, and sound bother them. Not everything or everyone has these problems, but many things can really bother them. They may get upset or frustrated if these things are bothering them.

8. They like routines which means to try to do the same things the same way as much as possible.

9. If things need to change they should be told what will happen.

10. They sometimes can’t always control their movements and may be clumsy. This could be in things like catching a ball, learning a dance, or even walking and running a little differently.

11. They may not realize that others like things and will only talk about and want to do things they want to do.

12. They may have things they like so much that when they grow up they could do that as a job. Things like outer space, dinosaurs, computers, medicine.

13. Sometimes making choices between things can be hard and make them stressed.

     

For many people with Aspergers Syndrome this wonderful world can actually feel like a confusing place to live. Having routines helps to minimize stress and confusion associated with everyday events. A routine is something that happens in the same way or same order every time. This allows them to “know” what is going to be happening. This to them is comfortable and safe.

Change means things will happen that they are not expecting and they may find that difficult to understand and cope with. Change is easier to deal with when they are prepared for it in advance. Many people with Aspergers do not like surprises. Doing new things are still exciting, fun and wanted, however it is still easier to handle when they know what to expect. For many it might be helpful to not only explain everything, but write it down so they can review it if they need to. Minor changes such as having dinner later or doing homework at a different time are easier to handle, however large changes like moving, a new baby, new teachers, new schools, and so on should be explained in depth.

Routines to consider could be for:

1. Morning routine getting ready for school

2. Morning routine for weekends or when out of school

3. Daytime routine when home (lunch,nap,television,reading,etc.)

4. School routines (usually they have routines, but you need to ask to be notified if there will be changes when possible)

5. Night routine (homework, dinner, bath, bedtime)

6. Make a daily or chore chart

7. Car riding (may prefer a specific seat each time)

8. Scheduled outside activities such as sports, dance, private lessons

Explaining changes or plans:

1. Let them know what will be happening and that you already have a plan for it.

2. Always ask if they have any concerns or questions.

3. Ask if they have anything that might help them feel more comfortable with the situation.

4. Show them pictures, do internet research or use other materials to help explain the situation.

5. Observe their behavior afterwards to see if they exhibit any anxiety or begin acting differently.

It has been said in research that children with Aspergers Syndrome and Autism have a 73% prevelance of sleep problems versus the 50% for typical children.   With many of the traits of Aspergers Syndrome being sensory related, hyperactivity, and just overall having their brains in overdrive it is no wonder they have a problem settling down and going to sleep.  It has also been speculated that some children with Autism/Aspergers with sleep problems may be deficient in Melatonin. 

After observing my daughters inability to get to sleep easliy most nights we identified her problems were due to sensory issues and just not being able to wind down.   Identifying their particular issues will help you make a plan to provide a soothing and inviting atmosphere for sleep.  Establishing a bedtime routine is essential especially with sleep problems associated with Aspergers.  Look into the following suggestions that could help you identify what will work best for them:

1.  Identify if noise is a problem.  Is there a need for a rhythmic noise like a fan in the background?  White noise provides a steady monotone sound that helps filter out distracting noises.  Maybe on the flip side there is noise that is a sensory problem that could be removed such as a ticking clock?  Ear plugs may also help in this situation.

2.  Is light an issue?  Do they need a nightlight?  Do they need complete darkness to help settle their brain as there will be no visual simuli available?

3.  Is there something to the touch that is bothering them?  Certain fabrics can be texturally sensative and annoying.  Pillows not piled up correctly, or a bed not made correctly can be a distraction.  Are they itching all the time and focusing only on that?

4. Is their brain still on overdrive?  Do they have something on their mind that will not allow it to slow down until they resolve it?  Often turning off the television, music, electronic devices and other outside stimuli can help them wind down.  Reading often is a good replacment as it helps them relax and focus.  Often soft flowing music set low can help them relax.

5.  Taking a hot shower or bath can help some children relax, however may have the opposite effect on others.  Often scents like lavender used with a bath helps with relaxation.

6.  Medications have been used as well.  Melatonin is an over the counter supplient found near most Vitamins in stores.  Melatonin is a natural substance that the human body makes to induce sleep.   Discuss ANY use of medication for sleeplesness with a doctor!

7.  Identify foods that should be avoided before bedtime.  There are also many foods that you can find in an online search that naturally help with the sleep cycles of your body as well. 

8.  If they are figity or need to be physically calmed  down often a “weighted blanket” can be used.  This is simply a custom made cushion or blanket filled with a heavier filler material like poly-pellets, sand, or even beads.  The deep pressure of the blanket helps calm and promote sleep.

Motor skills deficiencies and clumsiness are often the traits noticed first in children with Aspergers Syndrome. Aspergers is a neurological disorder that can cause developmental delays with motor skills.

Occupational Therapists can often work with developmental delays through techniques and exercises giving added strength and coordination. Some examples of motor skills difficulties and clumsiness to watch for are:

1. Has a peculiar or awkward walk or run

2. Poor balance

3. Difficulty in coordinating extremities (tying shoes, riding bike)

4. Difficulty imitating someone/something

5. Difficulties in skipping

6. Difficulty throwing or catching a ball

7. Poor handwriting, coloring and even cutting skills.

8. Has unusual grasp on pencil

9. Not enough pressure when writing or drawing

10. Rushes through tasks involving fine motor skills

My daughter suffers from dysgraphia which is in the dyslexia family and is a handwriting disability. We noticed the size, spacing and technique in her writing was severely lacking. She is currently working with a school district instructor daily working on writing techniques and hand exercises.  She also has the “clumsy” running, dancing, and ball catching difficulties.  Although overall she crawled, walked and talked early looking back we do notice motor skill difficulties that were present. Identifying and seeking treatment early can dramatically help children learn the necessary skills they will need as they enter into the school years.

How many famous people that  have had an impact on history and the world actually had Aspergers Syndrome?

I asked myself this question the other day as I sat discussing with my daughter about her condition with Aspergers and ADHD. We were discussing that with or without her medication she still has the ability to control some of her actions. Since one of her favorite shows is Extreme Make-Over Home Edition and I have heard that the host Ty Pennington has ADHD and is an ADHD Spokesperson I used him as an example of how someone who is wild and crazy with ADHD can pull it back and still control their actions when needed. I couldn’t believe how excited she got knowing that someone that famous and popular had her same condition. This made me decide to research famous people with Aspergers Syndrome.

Interestingly enough many of the sites I found mostly discussed deceased people who had an impact on history. Many leading Aspergers Researchers believe that after reviewing these peoples life impact, stories, traits and quirks, fields of interests and many other areas had found they would fit into the Aspergers Syndrome diagnosis. Obviously there is no way to prove this, however they were able to identify areas that had Aspergers traits even if they were not completely Aspergers.  Applying these characteristics associated with Aspergers to famous and historical figures we now can see a positive and significant impact that Aspergers could have played to our society and the world.

I sat my daughter down and went through this list and enjoyed seeing her reaction to several of the names on the list. Many of these people she has studied recently in school and even done book reports or projects on them. These are people from science, politics, artists, philosophers, inventors, actors, writers and even royalty. Helping her to see people who have made an impact on the world through their skills who used their Aspergers traits for good helped her to see she too can succeed and aspire to become great herself.  She loves math and science so maybe someday her name will be on that list too!

At http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/article_2086.shtml they give each name with a small explanation on why they might be Aspergers. Not everyone on the list is deceased but what an interesting list to think about!

Here are some of the famous people listed that are suspected to have Aspergers:

Albert Einstein

Isaac Newton

Benjamin Franklin

Napoleon Bonaparte

George Washington

John Quincy Adams

Andrew Jackson

Andrew Johnson

Abraham Lincoln

James Garfield

Teddy Roosevelt

William Taft

Harry Truman

Louis IV

Catherine the Great

Peter the Great

Alexander the Great

Leonardo da Vinci

Vincent van Gogh

Beethoven

Elvis

Socrates

Henry Ford

Bill Gates

Robin Williams

Tom Hanks

Marilyn Monroe

Clark Gable

Virginia Woolf

Shakespeare

Charles Dickenson

Being a spectrum disorder treatments and therapies for Aspergers Syndrome vary depending on the traits exhibited. Medication is considered when other traits accompany Aspergers such as anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Other options might include using Behavioral Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Special Education Instructors, Psychiatrists, Counselors, and parental/family involvment and monitoring.

Behavioral Therapists can assist where children have sensory sensitivities to things like noise, light and touch. They can help identify and manage stressful situations. They also can assist with social skills training programs. Social skills can be like learning a foreign language to an Aspergers child. Training might include illustrations, repetition, and clear explanations of social situations.

Occupational Therapists work with developmental delays and difficulties with motor skills and physical coordination. Children with Aspergers often exhibit difficulty with handwriting, learning to tie shoes, picking up movements in P.E., and other fine motor skills. They have exercises and techniques that help improve motor skills and coordination.

Speech and Language Therapists can assist those having difficulties with volume, rhythm or tone in their speech.

Special Education Instructors will assist in the accommodations the school needs to provide to help them learn and work effectively. There is an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) that is usually necessary for these accommodations. Discussing the IEP with doctors and therapists for advice on what accommodations they recommend will help the teachers provide a proper working and learning environment.

Psychiatrists can assist in observing and diagnosing further problems such as depression, ADHD, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorders early since people with Aspergers have been shown to have an increased risk for these disorders.

Counselors are there to assist the entire family. Parents, siblings, caregivers and extended family can benefit from special training and counseling. Coping techniques, discipline, and daily living experiences can be discussed to help everyone work through the struggles associated with Aspergers.

Parental monitoring should include regular monitoring and discussing with doctors and therapists the social skills and mental health development of an Aspergers child. Parents need to also continually discuss their child with teachers and school administrators about academic progress and social interactions and updating accommodations when needed. There is not a known way to prevent Aspergers syndrome however it is shown that early diagnosis and interventions are the best way to prevent behavioral, emotional, and family complications.