DSM-IV For Asperger’s Disorder Criteria Made SimpleWritten by Cass Hope
Continued from page 1
Many kids with Asperger’s Syndrome have few to no friends. This is not only because of their social impairment but also because of their very focused and narrow interests. They have no desire to talk about anything outside their own interest and are not interested in learning something new. Their interests are obsessive in nature. Asperger’s kids need their lives to be routine and that routine must be adhered to. If there is a change especially a sudden one they are unable to cope. Spontaneity is not that that you find with persons suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome. Asperger’s kids often perform repetitive physical movements. Examples are rocking back and forth even when standing and flapping of hands. They will mostly walk on their tip toes rather than flat foot. The repetitive movements are because these kids need self-stimulation (stimming as it is referred to). This can be turning a light switch on and off, flicking a pen or a form of visual stimulation is flicking something very close to their eyes. Whatever movement it is a stimulation of one or more of their senses and can go on for hours on end. The joke about giving your child a toy and them playing with box, very well suits Asperger’s kids. They will become fixated on a part of an object and not object in whole. If they were given a train set they may pick out a part of tract rather than play with entire train set. Sometimes things they become fixated with can be very odd in nature, for example a shoe, a piece of clothing or a spoon. Asperger’s kids can often come across as little professors they are so well spoken. Their language skills are developed at a very early age. Intelligence is rarely an attribute that is under developed in Asperger’s kids. This is definitely an asset and encouraging to parents. As children with Asperger’s Disorder mature their ability to control and manage symptoms of their disorder improves greatly. With new treatments available and if treated at an early age, these children can grow to lead very fulfilling and independent lives. Even though it is better at an early age you are never too old to seek help…everyone deserves quality of life.
Cass Hope is the Mother of a 13 year old child with Asperger's Syndrome. She is actively involved in programs to help increase public awareness of Asperger's Syndrome. For more information and the latest news on Asperger's and related disorders visit: http://www.aspergers-online.info
| | Where My Son LivesWritten by Cass Hope
Continued from page 1
I know from personal experience that frustration of trying to find out what is wrong with your child is at a level that only parents who have gone or are going through can understand. It seems like world is against you as doctors treat you as nothing but paranoid parents looking for a reason to excuse their bad parenting. Of course that is where blame will always be placed by others…that as parents it is YOUR fault. There is no blame when it comes to Asperger’s or any other PDD disorder. There has been some research that shows a possible genetic connection but that is still not an excuse for blame. If I could offer any advice it would be to never give up. If one doctor won’t help you find another and do research especially on-line. There is excellent advice, support and resources to help you help your child. Saying that you need to mourn for your child probably sounds ridiculous because you have not lost him or her. I advise mourning as a way of dealing with fact that that perfect child you always dreamed of having who would be so popular and a star athlete just is not going to happen. That is not to say your child will not accomplish great things but it may not be in way you had hoped. Once you accept who your child is you will be much better equipped to help him focus on all special qualities he has. It will never be easy but with treatment programs and a lot of love, life of an Asperger’s child can be one of great joy and fulfillment for him and you parents. (for web reprints please ensure this URL is hyperlinked)
Cass Hope is the Mother of a 13 year old child with Asperger's Syndrome. She is actively involved in programs to help increase public awareness of Asperger's Syndrome. For more information and the latest news on Asperger's and related disorders visit: http://www.aspergers-online.info
|
