Is your child a little shy about social interactions? Let's talk about Asperger's Syndrome!

Have you ever noticed that your child sometimes behaves a little differently than the other children in class? Maybe he is very intelligent, but he is not very interested in making friends or playing with others. Or maybe he keeps talking about the same topic. It is normal for us as parents to feel a little worried when we see things like this. But don't worry. The reason for these things could be Asperger's Syndrome . So today we will talk about this very simply and kindly.

Simply put, what is Asperger's Syndrome?

Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder. That is, a slight change in the way a child's brain develops. Doctors no longer consider the condition a separate disease. Instead, it is considered part of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) .

Remember, autism is not a single disease with a single set of symptoms, but a wide range of symptoms with varying degrees of severity. So Asperger's is a relatively mild condition within this range, with symptoms that are not as severe. Doctors sometimes call it "high-functioning autism." That is, these people can handle language well, and their intelligence is average or above, but their main problems arise when it comes to social interactions.

How did this name come about?

Asperger syndrome is named after Hans Asperger, a former doctor in Vienna, Austria. In the 1940s, he first noticed a pattern of social problems in some of the children he treated. Much of what we know today comes from his research.

However, there is some controversy over the use of this name. The reason is that he worked during the Nazi regime and his research is accused of being related to some of the ideologies of that time. Therefore, some people do not like to use this name. However, his contribution to the medical recognition of this condition was important.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

These symptoms can vary from person to person. That means no two people with this condition are the same. But there are some common symptoms. They start in childhood, usually between the ages of 5 and 9. However, some people may develop symptoms later in life.

To make it easier to understand, let's look at these characteristics in a table.

How is this condition diagnosed?

If you suspect your child has these symptoms, the first thing to do is see your pediatrician. He or she can refer you to a mental health counselor who specializes in this area.

The doctor making the diagnosis will often ask you questions about your child's behavior, such as:

• What are the symptoms of the child and when did you first notice them?
• When did the child first learn to speak? How does he communicate with others?
• Are there any topics or activities that he is particularly interested in?
• Does the child have friends? How does he get along with others?

Then, the doctor observes the child at various times, looking at how he communicates and behaves. There is no specific blood test or scan for this. The diagnosis is made by carefully studying the child's behavioral patterns and developmental history.

If you think you have these symptoms as an adult, you can also see your doctor and talk about it. He or she will refer you to an appropriate specialist. There are several specialists who can help with this:

• Psychologists: Identify and treat emotional and behavioral problems.
• Neurologists: Treat conditions related to the brain.
• Developmental Pediatricians: Have expertise in children's speech, language, and other developmental problems.
• Psychiatrists: Specialists in mental health conditions and can prescribe medication if necessary.

What are the treatment options?

It cannot be completely "cured" because it is a different brain function than a disease. However, with the right treatment and support, you can manage the challenges that come with this condition and live a successful and happy life.

Because everyone is different, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Your doctor will try several treatments to find the one that works best for you or your child.

• Social skills training: In groups or individually, a therapist teaches people how to talk to others, behave with them, and express their ideas appropriately.
• Speech-language therapy: This helps improve communication skills. For example, instead of speaking in a monotone, it teaches you how to use intonation, how to maintain a conversation between two people, and how to understand gestures and eye contact.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This works by changing thought patterns and helping you control emotions and repetitive behaviors. It can help you control things like impulsiveness, intense anger, and obsessions.
• Medicine: There are currently no medications specifically for Asperger's or autism. However, your doctor may prescribe certain medications (e.g., SSRIs, Antipsychotics) to help manage the side effects of the condition , such as depression and anxiety .
• Education and training for parents: If your child has this condition, you will be taught the same techniques as your child. Then you can help your child develop social skills at home.