Asperger Syndrome - anyone know anything about it?

Question

I'm not sure if I'm in the right category for this question but, my sister's pediatrician told her that her nine year old son might have Asperger Syndrome. Does anyone know anything about what this is and how it is treated?

Thanks for all the help. It does sound like my nephew in a lot of ways. He does obsess about certain things (Trains, volcanos, cars), but I thought these were all just typical boyhood obsessions. He doesn't seem like he has many problems with the social interaction. He is behind in school however and has trouble with several subjects.

Answer 1

Asperger Syndrome is a constellation of autistic-like symptoms including:

Preoccupation with specific subjects
Preoccupation with specific parts of items rather than the item as a whole
Diminished social interaction ability
Diminished task IQ (ability to act upon command)
Normal speech and language development

Most "Aspies", as we call ourselves, go on to have reasonably rewarding lives. Some even find great success in their field(s) of obsession.

There is a lot of controversy as to whether Asperger Syndrome belongs in the autistic spectrum of disorders. Many also simply refer to it as a mild pervasive developmental disorder (PDD).

At the mildest end, it's just a personality trait.

Answer 2

aspergers syndrome IS a type of autism. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that there is a wide range (or spectrum) of ways that it presents itself. Aspergers is typically characterized by difficulties in social relationships. People with aspergers are generally very bright, but have a lot of difficulty relating to others socially. They may have a topic that they obsess upon and know lots about...and they won't be shy about telling you about it whether you want to hear about it or not. because they don't read social cues well, they may go on and on about a topic, never realizing that the listener is not interested. They often have high visual skills and may be very adept at certain specific things, but delayed in others (they call this 'peaks and valleys'...or 'splinter skills'...). It is a life long syndrome, but many many people learn to function and sort of 'hide' their autism through their functioning. They may take jobs where social interaction is at a minimum (computer programmer for example). Does this sound anything like your nephew? here are some web resources.

Answer 3

my brother has it.

there are a lot of books on the subject, just do an amazon.com search or check your library. in schools, she needs to make an individualized education plan (IEP) and she can talk to the school counselor or principal in order to set one up.

the biggest issue is dealing with other kids. my brother is very outgoing but most kids think he's kind of odd and don't let him play with them much. afterschool activities will help him make friends. my brother occasionally does community theatre because he's a total ham and through that he's been able to meet more people. if she makes a large effort to keep his self esteem up regardless of others, then he will have a normal childhood.

Answer 4

We Aspies are all different. I have impaired social skills but normal intelligence. For example, I have a photographic memory (Rainman style) but can't talk to strangers or be in the same room with a TV that's on.

Answer 5

It's kind of like mild autism (you know Rainman). I understand that there are different level of suverity. I have a nephew with very mild Asperger's and he goes to normal school however sometimes he has mild outbreaks of tantrums.

Answer 6

It is a development disorder associated with individuals that have autism. Usually affecting social skills more so than intelligence.

Answer 7

People call this a "cousin" or a "type" of autism. I have seen students in a mainstream setting do fine with it. I am no expert on what exactly it is however.

Answer 8

yes i have it
1st of all your spelling it wrong
2nd of all you sound worried, you shouldn't be
3rd it is treated with simple medication nothing extream

i have aspergers syndrome im 14 year old and very functional i do not suffer from appearing "odd" compared to other kids and it is not much diffrent from ADD (i do have aspergers ADHD and disgraphia wich does make orginization difficult)

Answer 9

I work with a few kids how have it. Go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_Syndrome

Answer 10

it is sorta like ADD