Asperger's syndrome, now called autism spectrum disorder, level 1 in the DSM-V, affects a person's ability to communicate and socialize. People with Asperger's have a moderate to high IQ and can achieve great success in life, but have problems with social awkwardness and limitations in nonverbal communication. Asperger's symptoms are also experienced by people who have other disorders so it is quite difficult to diagnose.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Signs
Step 1. Look for unusual nonverbal communication
People with Asperger's show clear differences in the way they communicate from an early age. This difference is the most obvious symptom, especially during childhood, before they are introduced to special tools to communicate more effectively. Look for differences in the following ways of communication:
- Tendency to avoid eye contact.
- Limited use of facial expressions, and/or monotonous voice.
- Limited use of expressive body language, such as hand movements and head nods.
Step 2. Watch for signs of selective mutism
Selective mutism is a condition in which a person only talks to people he feels comfortable with, and remains silent around everyone else. This is commonly found in people with Asperger's. They may talk openly with parents and siblings, but stay quiet at school and around people they don't know very well. In many cases, selective mutism can be overcome as the individual matures.
Sometimes people find it difficult or unable to speak when the senses are overstimulated, in crisis, or in general. This is not necessarily a case of selective mutism, but it could also be Asperger's syndrome
Step 3. Determine if there is any difficulty in reading social cues from other people
People with Asperger's have a hard time imagining other people's feelings and understanding nonverbal cues. He may be confused by facial expressions or body language that conveys joy, sadness, fear, or pain. Here's an example:
- He may not even realize he's said something hurtful or uncomfortable during a conversation.
- Children who play too rough are not aware that pushing or aggressive physical contact can make others sick.
- Constantly asking how the other person is feeling (for example, "Are you sad?" or "Are you tired?") because you're not sure how the other person is feeling. If the other person doesn't answer honestly, he may be confused and try to find an honest answer, not just stay silent.
- Deeply shocked, saddened and regretful when told that his actions were inappropriate. It seemed he really didn't understand. He may feel worse than the person he hurt.
Step 4. Pay attention to one-sided talk
Individuals with Asperger's may not understand reciprocity in conversation, particularly on topics of interest to them or on moral topics such as human rights. He may be so excited that he doesn't notice that the other person has something to say or is bored.
Some people with Asperger's are aware that they sometimes have a monopoly on the conversation and then are afraid to talk about their interests. If a person is hesitant to talk about a favorite subject and thinks the other person is upset or bored with him, he may be trying to suppress the urge to speak out of fear of social consequences
Step 5. See if he has intense passion
Many people with Asperger's have an almost obsessive special interest in some subject. For example, an Asperger's person interested in baseball might memorize the names and statistics of each player on all Major League teams. Others may enjoy writing, he wrote novels and gave good writing advice at a very young age. As an adult, this passion can develop into a successful and enjoyable career.
Step 6. Notice if he has difficulty making friends
People with Asperger's may find it difficult to make friends because they cannot communicate effectively. In fact, many of them want to make friends, but do not have adequate social skills. Their tendency to avoid eye contact and awkward chatter is sometimes misinterpreted as rude and antisocial when in fact they want to get to know the other person well.
- Some people with Asperger's, especially young children, may not show interest in interacting with other people. This usually changes with age and when he has a desire to get along and fit in in a group.
- People with Asperger's may have only a few close friends who understand him very well, or he may hang out with many acquaintances who do not have deep bonds.
- People with autism tend to be targets of bullying and trust people who take advantage of them.
Step 7. Pay attention to the person's physical coordination
People with Asperger's usually lack coordination skills, and are sometimes a bit clumsy. They can often trip over or bump into walls and furniture. In addition, they may not be experts in strenuous physical activity or sports.
Step 8. Observe the sensory sensitivity
The senses of people with Asperger's syndrome may be overly or undersensitive. This can be demonstrated by avoiding or experiencing pain from excessive sensory stimulation, or, conversely, seeking sensory stimulation when feeling bored or under-stimulated.
People with Asperger's syndrome may perform repetitive movements to help deal with it. However, some people with Asperger's syndrome learn to suppress these otherwise healthy movements for fear of being seen as "weird."
Step 9. Recognize the difficulty of dealing with the problem
Living life can be quite challenging for people with Asperger's syndrome, and at times, life can be too much for them. They may withdraw or have episodes of uncontrollable crying.
Step 10. Watch for developmental delays, including after childhood
This developmental delay may not be obvious, but it can make it difficult for them to try to be more independent. Children and adolescents with Asperger's syndrome may find growing up to be difficult and scary because they are unable to meet all of its demands. Consider whether there is a delay as below:
- Learn to swim
- Learn to ride a bicycle
- Doing tasks independently
- Learn to drive
Step 11. Pay attention to the need for extra quiet time
Meeting the demands of life can be a challenge for people with Asperger's syndrome, and "quiet time" is often essential for relaxation as well as recovering from the activities of the day.
Students with Asperger's syndrome may need to take a break after school
Part 2 of 3: Confirming the Diagnosis
Step 1. Read the information about Asperger's syndrome to help you make an informed decision
Medical and psychological researchers are still in the process of studying the proper way to diagnose this disorder and how to treat it. You may notice that the approaches that doctors or therapists take vary and that can be confusing at times. Reading on your own will help you understand the different approaches and make the best decision for you or a family member with Asperger's.
- Read anything written by people with autism. There is a lot of misinformation about autism and people with autism can give an in-depth picture of the intricacies of autism and the most effective treatments. Read articles from autism-friendly organizations.
- Outside organizations such as the National Autistic Society or MAAP publish the latest information about diagnosis, treatment, and living with Asperger's.
- You can better understand this disorder by reading books written by people with Asperger's. Try Nerdy, Shy, and Socially Inappropriate by Cynthia Kim or Loud Hands: Autistic People, Speaking, an anthology of essays from autistic authors.
Step 2. Record the symptoms you observe in a journal
Everyone exhibits social awkwardness and some of the other Asperger's symptoms, but if you keep a journal and watch each event, you'll be able to see a pattern. If this is indeed the case of Asperger's, you will see the same symptoms occur over and over again, not just once or twice.
- Write a detailed description of your observations. This way, you can provide as much information as possible to your doctor and therapist to get the right diagnosis.
- Remember that many of Asperger's symptoms are similar to those of other disorders, such as OCD or ADHD. You have to be open to other possibilities so that the treatment you provide is right on target.
Step 3. Try an online test
There are several online tests designed to determine if a person has Asperger's. To find out if a person has Asperger's symptoms, the test asks several questions related to social activities, favorite ways to enjoy time, and the person's strengths and weaknesses.
The results of an online test for Asperger's syndrome are by no means a diagnosis. The test is only a way to determine if further testing is needed. If tests reveal a tendency toward autism, see your doctor for more details
Step 4. Get a doctor's opinion
After you've answered the online test and are reasonably sure that there's a problem, make an appointment with your doctor. Keep a symptom journal and talk about the problem. The doctor will ask a series of questions and ask for specifics. If your doctor has the same concern that there may be Asperger's or another developmental disorder, ask for a referral to a specialist.
The first conversation with doctors and professional specialists may be an intense experience for people with Asperger's. So far, you've probably kept these worries to yourself. Talking to the doctor might change everything. However, you are doing the right thing by acting, not ignoring your own observations, no matter whether this is your own case or your child's
Step 5. See a specialist for a full evaluation
Before your appointment, do some research on the psychiatrist or psychologist your doctor refers to. Make sure the expert specializes in the autism spectrum. In these appointments there are usually interviews and tests with questions similar to online tests. Once the diagnosis is given, the specialist will suggest the next steps.
- During your doctor's appointment, don't be afraid to ask lots of questions about what's going on, the diagnosis, and the treatment.
- If you are not completely sure of the diagnosis given, seek a second opinion.
Part 3 of 3: Taking the Next Step
Step 1. Begin treatment by working with an expert you trust
Asperger's care requires a variety of approaches with teachers, caregivers, doctors, and therapists. You should get outside help from experienced and considerate experts. First and foremost, find a suitable psychologist or therapist you trust, one you will be happy to hire for years to come in your efforts to overcome the challenges that accompany autism.
- If anything feels out of place or uncomfortable after a few therapy sessions, don't hesitate to find a specialist who is more suitable for you or your child. Trust is an important element in caring for Asperger's.
- In addition to finding a trusted therapist, you may need the views of educationists, nutritionists, and other experts who can help address your or your child's special needs.
- Never work with a specialist who supports "Quiet Hands", uses corporal punishment, physically restrains, withholds food, thinks "a little crying" (panic) is normal, doesn't allow you to monitor therapy sessions, or supports organizations deemed destructive by autistic community. Treatments like this can cause people with autism to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (Post-traumatic stress disorder).
- In general, if a person with autism enjoys therapy and wants to leave voluntarily, then everything is fine. If he seems more anxious, disobedient, or panicky, the session may be more painful than helpful.
Step 2. Seek emotional support
Life as a person with autism is very difficult, and learning to overcome each of them is a lifelong process. In addition to seeing doctors and therapists to find out what treatment is best, consider seeking support from other organizations. Find someone you can call if you have questions, or when you just want to talk to someone who understands what you're going through.
- Search the internet for an Asperger support group in your area. Who knows, there might be a group like this in a community center or university.
- Consider attending a conference on autism hosted by a reputable organization. You will gain access to many resources, learn the latest treatment methodologies, and meet people you may want to contact again later.
- Join organizations founded for and by people with autism. You can meet other people living with autism and at the same time make a positive difference in the world.
Step 3. Organize your life to meet unique needs
People with Asperger's face more challenges than people without autism, especially in social interactions. However, they can also have beautiful and happy relationships, many get married and have children, and are very successful in their careers. If you want to give an Asperger's person the best chance of living a happy life, you must be sensitive to their unique needs, help them overcome their weaknesses, and highlight their strengths.
- One important way to make the life of a person with Asperger's life easier is to develop a routine because it can make them safer. If something needs to be changed, explain it exactly to him so he can understand.
- You can also set an example by showing what it's like to interact in a social setting. For example, you can teach them how to say hello and shake hands while making eye contact. Therapists can provide effective learning tools.
- To support a person with Asperger's, you must embrace his passion and let him explore. Cultivate his interest and help him excel in that field.
- Show that you love him as well as his autism. The best gift you can give a person with Asperger's is to accept themselves as they are.
Tips
- If you have Asperger's and you have to tell someone else about it, it's a good idea to describe the symptoms that have most affected you, and that the symptoms are getting more intense for people with Asperger's (for example, everyone makes mistakes, but people with Asperger's do it more often).
- Offer multiple article links. Read blogs of autistic writers, search for favorite articles, and bookmark them so you can send or print them for those who may care. Articles like this will be very useful for people who are inexperienced with growth retardants, people who are curious, or give you trouble because of their ignorance.
- If you suspect that you or someone else has Asperger's, look for the symptoms, answer some online tests, and do some research.
Warning
- Asperger's symptoms may be accompanied by several other disorders, such as OCD, anxiety, epilepsy, depression, attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity, etc. If you think you suffer from this condition, tell the closest person or see a medical consultant.
- If no one believes, don't give up. Neurologically, Asperger's syndrome is different from the others and must be diagnosed and treated in its own way. Consultation with medical personnel is vital in this case.
