International Day of Asperger's Syndrome: the importance of teamwork in the family, at school and at the doctor

Asperger's syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder of neurobiological origin that has been incorporated into the definition of autism spectrum states since 2013. This condition involves difficulty understanding the world of social, its codes and its subtleties.

Silvia Panighini (MN: 76410), Head of the Children and Youth Psychiatry Sector of Fleni, explains: "The manifestations are very different for each individualbut the central axis of the difficulties lies in communication and in social relations. The vocabulary of people with AS can be too formal, rich and sophisticated. "

In this sense, the ability to talk can be affected by the insistence on very specific topics of interest difficulty in perceiving the interest of the interlocutor o keep a bbad conversation. This can lead to withdrawal and social isolation favoring the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Fleni's specialist in cognitive neurology, Paulina Carullo, indicates that there is currently no accurate statistical data on the true prevalence of this syndrome since it was included in DSM 5 as part of the broader spectrum of autonomic spectrum disorders. (ASD). According to current data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in 68 children has been identified in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), however, few studies are available to determine what percentage of these people would meet the criteria that previously referred to them as Asperger's Syndrome?", Expose.

How can the family help?

It is essential that all persons in contact with the person with AS (parents, siblings, grandparents and other caregivers) learn all that is possible in relation to this syndrome In order to know and understand the weaknesses and strengths.

The closest family and teachers are surprised to see how boys can demonstrate remarkable verbal abilities while having attitudes that look childish or immature.

Family members and teachers play a critical role in the development of specific skills, confidence and self-esteem. It is essential that the home provide a climate of support, acceptance and unconditional love, with patience and understanding, as this helps to provide a safe place to turn when other spaces often generate of anxiety.

The predictable routines, the explicit rules, the expectations adapted to their abilities they help children experience less confusion. Identifying and anticipating stressful situations is used to prepare you for dealing with them or avoiding them.

How to help at school?

It is convenient that the faculty have all the information parents and professionals can indicate the abilities, preferences, routines, motivations or difficulties of the boy, as well as the means to calm him down in times of stress.

Support to the school will require a highly individualized plan that contemplates different specific aspects of each child. Sometimes, simply printing on paper, reducing the number of copies, or using a keyboard may be enough to reduce the rejection behavior of the written task. Anticipating activities such as outings or visits with social stories can prevent anxiety situations.

In the school process, this can be very useful appoint a reference person to whom the child can address in case of need of help. It is essential that teachers and authorities be particularly attentive and proactive in situations where the child or adolescent may be intimidated, particularly because of the tendency to remain alone during the recreation period. example.

It is important for teachers and school authorities to identify and promote the development of strengths by researching topics of interest and encouraging them to deploy this knowledge or skills to other colleagues.

The role of professionals

Any treatment should be individual depending on the age and needs of the patient. A recommendation is usually multidisciplinary approach who contemplates the different facets and difficulties present at different stages of development.

Although there is no single recommended treatment method, the sensory integration occupational therapy and educational support They can be essential to help you work in the best possible way, by reducing the symptoms of the badociated difficulties.

While the psychotherapies aiming at the identification and understanding of emotions, play, regulation of emotions and development of social skills are effective in children or adolescents with symptoms of depression, anxiety or deficiency. # 39; s attention.