I was told my 11 year old sister has ADHD and Asperger's syndrome. What exactly is Asperger's syndrome?

Question

I know that she is very hard to get along with. She never knows what she wants. And she is a little slow but not really bad. I am 20 and I would like to spend more time with her and get close to her. I want to help her. I dont live at home anymore so I dont get to spend too much time with her. But what are some things we can do together that doesnt cost money or at least not a lot of money? And what is asperger's syndrome? And does it make it worse because it is mixed with ADHD? She is on medication but it isn't doing much good. They have had to up her dose twice already.

Answer 1

you have been given some really good advice above. :)
i will add just a bit.
my 15 year old son has aspergers syndrome which includes alot ocd type behaviors. i have ocd so i tend to relate to him quite well. he is extremely bright! his obsession is the computer...and even though it bothers me, and i limit his time on it...this is who he is. he has very few friends...and when he is done with school for the day, he just wants to be HOME. this is his safe place. loud noises and bright light, lots of people and open spaces freak him out.so, i have come to accept him for who his is, and what his needs are. we do challenge him socially for example...and he has come a long way with communication and eye contact.he is getting closer to being an adult and we want to make sure he has all the tools he will need,and at the same time, respect who he is inside. :)

i suggest finding out what your sister's interests are, and spend time with her in that interest. she may be VERY uncomfortable at the mall...and the movies might be too loud for her. she may connect well with animals( many with AS and autism do) in which case the humane society suggestion is a perfect one!(however it too may be very loud , so you may want to make prior arrangements to spend time with an animal in a quieter room of the building)
meet her at her level.she will connect best with you when she is under the least stress.
thanks for showing such a strong interest in how to reach your sister! xox
all the best

Answer 2

I already answered your other question but i decided to answer these additional questions
I will just give you the simple facts about Aspergers and you should ask the doctor about the more complex stuff.
Aspergers is characterized by anxiety in social situations and is sometimes confused with the personality disorder referred to as Social Phobia. Children with asperegers have a hard time relating to peers and dislike being in places with alot of people. They usually have an extreme interest in a certain famous person or even something as simple as snowglobes. ADHD can make aspergers symptoms more pronounced and since she has ADHD she will be very hyper. Like I said b4 you could take her to an animal shelter on days/times when not too many people will be around. Or a pet store. It is hard to find a place to take a child with aspergers simply because they dislike being around other people and are usually loners. But it is possible. Maybe you two could even become volunteers at the humane society because that will help her learn to be helpful and kind and will make her feel like she belongs at the animal shelter. and then you 2 could go for a walk with a dog if the shelter becomes too crowded. :) :)

Answer 3

Forget about the "syndromes", and just focus on your sister. She is an 11 year old girl-take her to the mall! This is inexpensive, you can widow shop all day... buy some 1$ soap from the body shop, go to the perfume counter and get a sample...look at the jewelry-(see what she likes for future gift giving ideas!)...check out the pet store...take a walk through the toy department, the clothes department... then sit down and relax with an Orange Julius or something, and talk to her about her.

You will soon find out that you can have a lot of fun together doing something both of you enjoy, even if you have different lifestyles whether it be because of age, or mental status!

Answer 4

I have very mild Asperger's Syndrome. I was misdiagnosed for many years as having ADHD. It gets very confusing to tell the difference.

Good luck !!

Answer 5

Asperger syndrome — also referred to as Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's, or just AS — is one of five neurobiological pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) that is characterized by deficiencies in social and communication skills. It is considered to be part of the autistic spectrum and is differentiated from other PDDs and from high functioning autism (HFA) in that early development is normal and there is no language delay. It is possible for people with AS to have learning disabilities concurrently with Asperger syndrome. In these cases, differential diagnosis is essential to identify subsequent support requirements. Conversely, IQ tests may show normal or superior intelligence,[1][2] and standard language development compared with the delays typical of classic autism. The diagnosis of AS is complicated by the lack of adoption of a standardized diagnostic screen, and, instead, the use of several different screening instruments and sets of diagnostic criteria. The exact cause of AS is unknown and the prevalence is not firmly established, due partly to the use of differing sets of diagnostic criteria. In most cases, Asperger's syndrome is a chronic, but non-life-threatening condition.

Asperger syndrome was named in honor of Hans Asperger (1906-1980), an Austrian psychiatrist and pediatrician, by researcher Lorna Wing, who first used the eponym in a 1981 paper.[3] In 1994, AS was recognized in the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) as Asperger's Disorder.[4]

AS is often not identified in early childhood, and many individuals do not receive diagnosis until after puberty or when they are adults. Assistance for core symptoms of AS consists of therapies that apply behavior management strategies and address poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness. Many individuals with AS can adopt strategies for coping and do lead fulfilling lives - being gainfully employed, getting married or having successful relationships, and having families. In most cases, they are aware of their differences and recognize when they need support to maintain an independent life.[5] There are instances where adults do not realize that they have AS personalities until they are having difficulties with relationships and/or attending relationship counseling. Recognition of the very literal and logical thought processes that are symptomatic of AS can be a tremendous help to both partners in a close/family relationship.

Answer 6

A psychiatric disorder, most often noted during the early school years, characterized by impairments in social interaction and repetitive behavior patterns

Answer 7

Asperger's is a mild form of autism. Here is a link so you can read more about it.

Answer 8

Asperger is a nerobiologiacal pervasive developmental disorder that is characterized by deficiencies in social and commnication skills.
Characteristics:deficienciesin social skills,dificulty transitioning,have obsessive routines,problemswith body space,overly sensitive to sounds or lights no one else seems to hear or see,pertray improper behavior, show no eye contact,noverbal,normal IQ, talented in specific areas.

Answer 9

ADHD is a sub symptom of Aspergers syndrome.

Depends on your sister is how she is going to be. Drugs are not a option for my son. I feel there is no reason for him to be on drugs for Aspergers syndrome.

This is a form of autism. There are several other sub symptoms that might show up, might not.
Turrets syndrome, depression,schizophrenia, then she already has ADD/ADHD. There are some others but these are what come to mind.
My son likes to go to the movies, but I have to keep a eye on him for he has seizures as well. For my son he does not take going out well, or being around strangers. Going out to eat at one of those kiddy places with toys he loves to do. My son is also 11. We do keep close to the house though, if he has medical problems it is nice to come home, or of course to the hospital.
I can only go on what my son is like. I never personally ran into another person with this. My son is slow. Very smart though, just doesn't talk that much. Yelling and or noisy environments even at school he doesn't like. Both the boys of mine were so quiet the other day I had to go to there rooms to make sure they were home! Of course these two are ALWAYS home, very rarely do my boys go outside. Social contact is difficult. School is way hard for my boys.
I am told this is typical, as well as the facial gestures he makes. He is unable to tie his shoes, and buttons getting dressed in general. His hand and eye coordination is... just hard for him. Baths are a big deal here now that he is older. I can not put him in there and help him, he is just to old for mom to be in there. So I made up a card and hang it is the bathroom for him to do everyday. My boy hates to be touched. Working on it but all in all he would rather not be touched.
Get a movie she likes and some goodies and stay at home and watch a movie with her. If she can sit long enough, but if she can not and does other things this does not mean she is not paying attention.
Lots of patients with these kids is the key. Fast past for my son is a no go. So if you are fast past this may confuse your sister and she may get upset for what you feel is no reason. To her it is very frustrating. This might be the reason you say she is very hard to get along with. My son does not like people touching is stuff, but does not keep his room picked up (like a typical kid). He gets frustrated with this task as well as many other tasks.
Sharing clothing is a no go. This boy get along real well with his two older brothers that understand him. They have there own rooms now, and they share there toys and spend a lot of time together. When they shared rooms he could not sleep without his brothers. It was hard getting him to sleep and do things on his own, now he likes his own room, and sleeping alone is OK now. He does like one of the dogs to go in there at times to sleep with him.
He gave his little friend one of his stuffed animals the last time he was here which was a shock to us. He talks to his cars and stuffed animals and to himself quit a lot.
Oh my son also goes to church every week, by himself which he is VERY proud of. Some of his teachers go there and he is excepted there. One of us takes him and sometimes he will call to be picked up. Last summer he even would go play with the other kids at the park, of course his teacher helps me by keeping a eye on him for me. He lives across the street from the park. We are in a small town so when my son gets jumped and beat up or something else happens I get a phone call or someone comes to tell me.
I have taught him to make basic things from box's such as cakes, mac and cheese, a few other things. He is very good at this and it teaches him reading, math, and some other things. He does most of these things by himself and again he is very proud of himself. Of course we are sick of cake and mac and cheese.....but he is proud of himself and this is what counts..

Well good luck and I hope I did not ramble to much lol! Read up on this, if your sister is like my son you can turn out to be her best friend.

Answer 10

Asperger syndrome — also referred to as Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's, or just AS — is one of five neurobiological pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) that is characterized by deficiencies in social and communication skills. It is considered to be part of the autistic spectrum and is differentiated from other PDDs and from high functioning autism (HFA) in that early development is normal and there is no language delay. It is possible for people with AS to have learning disabilities concurrently with Asperger syndrome. In these cases, differential diagnosis is essential to identify subsequent support requirements. Conversely, IQ tests may show normal or superior intelligence,[1][2] and standard language development compared with the delays typical of classic autism. The diagnosis of AS is complicated by the lack of adoption of a standardized diagnostic screen, and, instead, the use of several different screening instruments and sets of diagnostic criteria. The exact cause of AS is unknown and the prevalence is not firmly established, due partly to the use of differing sets of diagnostic criteria.

Asperger syndrome was named in honor of Hans Asperger (1906-1980), an Austrian psychiatrist and pediatrician, by researcher Lorna Wing, who first used the eponym in a 1981 paper.[3] In 1994, AS was recognized in the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) as Asperger's Disorder.[4]

AS is often not identified in early childhood, and many individuals do not receive diagnosis until after puberty or when they are adults. Assistance for core symptoms of AS consists of therapies that apply behavior management strategies and address poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness. Many individuals with AS can adopt strategies for coping and do lead fulfilling lives - being gainfully employed, getting married or having successful relationships, and having families. In most cases, they are aware of their differences and recognize when they need support to maintain an independent life.[5] There are instances where adults do not realize that they have AS personalities until they are having difficulties with relationships and/or attending relationship counseling. Recognition of the very literal and logical thought processes that are symptomatic of AS can be a tremendous help to both partners in a close/family relationship
[edit] Research
Some research is to seek information about symptoms to aid in the diagnostic process. Other research is to identify a cause, although much of this research is still done on isolated symptoms. Many studies have exposed base differences in areas such as brain structure. To what end is currently unknown; research is ongoing, however.

Peter Szatmari suggests that AS was promoted as a diagnosis to spark more research into the syndrome: "It was introduced into the official classification systems in 1994 and has grown in popularity as a diagnosis, even though its validity has not been clearly established. It is interesting to note that it was introduced not so much as an indication of its status as a 'true' disorder, but more to stimulate research ... its validity is very much in question."

[edit] Treatment
Main article: Autism therapies
Treatment coordinates therapies that address the core symptoms of AS: poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness. AS and high-functioning autism may be considered together for the purpose of clinical management.

A typical treatment program generally includes:

social skills training, to teach the skills to more successfully interact with others;
cognitive behavioral therapy, to help in better managing emotions that may be explosive or anxious, and to cut back on obsessive interests and repetitive routines;
medication, for co-existing conditions such as depression, anxiety, and ADD/ADHD;
occupational or physical therapy, to assist with sensory integration problems or poor motor coordination;
specialized speech therapy, to help with the trouble of the "give and take" in normal conversation; and,
parent training and support, to teach parents behavioral techniques to use at home.
counseling to support individuals with AS to increase self-awareness skills and to help them develop and manage the emotions around social experiences.
Many studies have been done on early behavioral interventions. Most of these are single case with one to five participants.The single case studies are usually about controlling non-core autistic problem-behaviors like self-injury, aggression, noncompliance, stereotypies, or spontaneous language. Packaged interventions such as those run by UCLA or TEACCH are designed to treat the entire syndrome and have been found to be somewhat effective.

Unintended side effects of medication and intervention have largely been ignored in the literature about treatment programs for children or adults, and there are claims that some treatments are not ethical and do more harm than good.