Asperger syndrome is a psychiatric condition similar to autism, which manifests itself early in childhood and causes changes in how you relate to and communicate with others.
The intensity of the symptoms may vary, being more apparent in some people. However, in milder cases, it is possible not to notice the presence of the symptoms for many years before the diagnosis.
If you prefer, see which signs may indicate autism.
So, to know if a person has Asperger's syndrome, it is necessary to consult with a child psychiatrist, who will evaluate the presence of the main signs and symptoms, which are:
Difficulty in relating to others
Children and adults with this syndrome do not see the need or interest in relating to other people, in addition to being empathetic, and therefore do not care about the feelings or needs of other people.
Difficulty in communicating
People with Asperger's Syndrome can not understand the meaning of changes in voice tone, facial expressions, body gestures, ironies or sarcasm, so they can only understand what was said literally.
Thus, they also have difficulties expressing what they think or feel, not sharing interests or what they think with other people, besides avoiding contact with the eyes of another person.
3. Not understanding the rules
It is common that, in the presence of this syndrome, people can not accept a common sense or respect rules such as waiting in line, waiting for the turn to speak, coordinates for the accomplishment of a group work, for example. This makes the social interaction of these people increasingly difficult.
4. No delay in language or development
Children with this syndrome have a normal development, as well as a period of learning to speak, write or think, and in many cases have above average intelligence.
5. Routine behaviors
People with this syndrome need a very well structured routine, otherwise they get very confused. Changes to the order or times for activities or appointments are not well accepted as the changes are not welcome.
6. Specific and intense interests
It is common for these people to stay focused for a long time on certain activities, and to be entertained with the same thing as a subject or object, for example, for a long time.
7. Little patience
It is common for them to be very impatient and difficult to understand the needs of others, often being considered rude. In addition, they often dislike talking to people their age, as they prefer a more formal and in-depth speech on a specific topic.
8. Motor disorganization
There may be an incoordination of the movements, which are usually disengaged and awkward. It is common for children with this syndrome to have unusual or unusual body posture.
9. Emotional control
In Asperger's syndrome, there is difficulty understanding feelings, and when they are emotionally overwhelmed they may find it difficult to regulate reactions and may become bored and stubborn.
10. Hypersensitivity to stimuli
There is greater sensitivity to stimuli, such as lights, sounds and textures, which can cheer or irritate the person in an exaggerated way.
How is the diagnosis made?
To diagnose Asperger's syndrome, parents should bring the child to the child psychiatrist's office as soon as the signs are noticed, so a physical and psychological assessment of the child may help confirm this condition.
The earlier the diagnosis is made and the interventions to treat the child begin, the better it can be to adapt to the environment and quality of life. Learn how the treatment for Asperger's Syndrome is done.
