Asperger's Syndrome
Also known as: Asperger syndrome, AS, autism spectrum disorder, ASD, Asperger Disorder.
What is Asperger's syndrome?
Asperger's syndrome describes a group of symptoms in children who have difficulties with social, behavioral and communication skills who have only mildly abnormal/good language (more frequently) and cognitive skills with average/above average intelligence. At present it is classified as part of the diagnosis of “autism spectrum disorder.”
What causes Asperger's syndrome?
Asperger's Syndrome is a developmental condition of unknown cause. It tends to be more common in girls and run in families.
What are the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome?
Children with AS have difficulty making friends, like to have fixed daily routines, have long one-sided discussions about a favorite topic without input from the person they’re talking to, have poor eye to eye contact and few or unusual facial expressions or postures and have difficulty in social situations not picking up social cues or others’ body language.
In addition they may have delayed motor development and walk late, or will have an awkward gait and difficulty using a knife or fork. They are very sensitive to loud noises or strong tastes. Most symptoms continue into the teen years when they may become withdrawn, socially isolated, anxious and depressed.
What are Asperger's syndrome care options?
Treatment aims at improving a child’s ability to interact with others, to be able to function effectively in society and be self-sufficient. Each child is different and therapy focuses on their specific needs by helping them with communication, social skills, behavior, task management and other life skills. Medications may also be needed for conditions that commonly accompany Asperger's syndrome.
Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP
This page was last updated on: November 19, 2019 01:21 PM
Weekly Support Programs
F.O.C.U.S. Program
This program is currently suspended due to the pandemic. 8 week program. This group therapy program is designed for children ages 7 to 17 with behavioral issues, including but not limited to ADHD. The weekly sessions teach innovative techniques to assist children with managing feelings, developing organization skills, maximizing their concentration abilities and socialization skills.
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Social Skills Group
This program is currently suspended due to the pandemic. 8 week program. Children and teens ages 7 to 17 are invited to join this small discussion group to learn how to make, cultivate and maintain friendships. Participants will learn basic conversational skills, and discuss the use of appropriate humor, how to electronically connect with others, and how to manage disagreements.
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Teen Sleep Group
The six-week program is designed for teens ages 12 to 17 experiencing difficulties related to sleep, including daytime sleepiness, trouble waking in the morning, difficulty falling asleep and waking in the middle of the night. The goal of this group is to give teens the tools and strategies they need in order to get more sleep and better quality sleep.
Would you like to learn about more ways to get involved at Nicklaus Children's?*.