Asperger's syndrome: what signs should be taken into account?

The doctor Silvia Panighini, Head of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Sector of Fleni, explainedThe vocabulary of people with AS can be too formal, rich and sophisticated ". In this sense, conversational skills can be affected by insistence on very specific topics of interest with difficulty perceive the interest of the interlocutor or maintain a trivial conversation, which can lead to withdrawal and social isolation favoring the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The deep impact characteristics that initially appear and can lead to the diagnosis are:

• Early difficulties in the areas of fine or global motor coordination, attention failures, specific organizational or learning difficulties
• Contrast with the notorious skills in the memory area that baffle.
• Uncompromising behavior in relation to routines or selective eating habits.
• Symptoms of extreme susceptibility to sensory overload can be unbearable and unbearable triggers that may seem unexplainable to the observer.

The doctor Paulina Carullo, a specialist in cognitive neurology from Fleni, explained that there is currently no accurate statistical data on the true prevalence of AS. "As the diagnosis of Asperger's is now included in the DSM 5 in the broader context of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), an accurate estimate is even more difficult." As the characteristics that characterize This spectrum is better recognized, their numbers are increasing.According to current data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in 68 children has been identified in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, there are few studies available to determine what percentage of these people would meet the criteria that previously referred to them as Asperger Syndrome, "he added.

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 as much as possible about this. in order to know and understand their weaknesses and their strengths. Parents and teachers are sometimes surprised to find that some exceptional verbal abilities coexist with attitudes that seem childish or immature.

Family members and teachers both play a vital role in developing specific skills, confidence and self-esteem. It is essential that the home provide a climate of support, acceptance and unconditional love. Patience and understanding can provide a safe place to turn when other spaces often generate anxiety.

Predictable routines, explicit rules, expectations tailored to their abilities mean less confusion for the patient. Identifying and anticipating stressful situations is used to prepare you for dealing with them or avoiding them.

The the use of the Internet involves special considerations since it offers, on the one hand, a platform of opportunities with the advantage of allowing greater eloquence in the description of emotions and thoughts, more time to deal with answers without having to deal with gestures or other nonverbal signs and without the interference of the sensory experience of a crowded or noisy environment. Connecting with other like-minded people represents an opportunity to open up to a world of friendships, opportunities and even jobs. Carullo added that It is important to note that measuring and balancing the use of technology is a challenge with the risk of addiction or dependence.

How to help at school?

School support will require a highly individualized plan that takes into account different 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.

They may need help organizing tasks and time management with agendas, graphic organizers or visual aids. Anticipating activities such as outings or visits with social stories can prevent anxiety situations.

In the school process, it can be very useful to designate a reference person to whom the child can go if they need 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 multidisciplinary approach taking into account the different facets and difficulties present at different stages of development is generally recommended.

Although there is not a single method of treatment recommended, Sensory Integration Occupational Therapy and Educational Support can be essential to help you perform in the best possible way, reducing the symptoms of the badociated difficulties.

While the psychotherapies to identify and understand emotionsplay, emotional regulation and social skills development are effective in children or adolescents with symptoms of depression, anxiety or attention deficit. The use of specific drugs can bring relief.

There is a need to increase community awareness by educating professionals and teachers to perform earlier diagnoses. So is the training of employers to create opportunities to get and keep a job. Advocate for the proportion of Aspergers who have a post-graduate or university education, are employed and live independently.