Aspergers
Aspergers syndrome is called a “high functioning” type of autism spectrum disorder. It is no longer recognised as a disorder on its own, but rather as part of a broader category known as Autism Spectrum Disorder. The symptoms of an individual with aspergers are much less severe than in someone diagnosed with ASD.
When you first meet an individual with aspergers, you may notice that they are extremely intelligent individuals, however they may have some difficulty interacting and engaging with those around them. The symptoms of aspergers develops in early childhood and is noticeable by parents when their child does not make eye contact, or they do not know how to react in social situations and may seem socially awkward. Individuals with aspergers also are unable to read emotions of others and cannot link body language to how a person may feel or is reacting to them or to a situation. The individual with aspergers themselves is unable to show emotions, such as anger towards someone who is being nasty or laughing in humorous situations. People with aspergers may also speak in a very monotone way but being as intelligent as they are, they will speak at lengths about themselves or topics that they hold at high interests.
People with aspergers also often dislike change, they become set in a routine of what they may eat and how their day is planned out.
An aspergers diagnosis can be made by mental health experts such as psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists and paediatricians, they will observe the child in different situations to see how he behaves and communicates in certain situations before diagnosis is made.
There are many different types of treatments that can help people living with aspergers. At the Star Academy, we use an approach called applied behavioural analysis, which is evidence based treatment, to help a child that is on the autism spectrum. We understand that each child is unique and their needs are specific thus we focus on understanding why behaviours occur and develop ways to increase behaviours that are positive while decreasing behaviours that bring about a negative impact in the child’s life. We work on arming children with skills that are helpful for them to engage in society in a more acceptable way. We work on academics, language, social skills, self-help skills and so much more. These are all designed to help the children become more independent and able to lead as normal and happy a life as possible.
Children with aspergers syndrome will benefit tremendously from receiving treatment that has been proven to work and which will ensures results, hence why applied behaviour analysis is the recommended choice for children with aspergers. Early intervention is key and will help not only the child but their families because they will be more at ease knowing the child is on the road to success!
