Have you ever felt like your little one is a little different from other children? Does he or she not look others in the eye? Does he or she have a hard time with certain sounds? Or does he or she prefer to be alone in his or her own world? It is normal for parents to feel a little scared and worried when they see things like this. But don't worry. There are solutions to everything. Let's understand this clearly.
What is this 'difference'? Let's identify the symptoms
When many parents first see these things, they think, "This is just how he is" or "This will get better with time." But sometimes these behaviors can become more and more prevalent. Think about it this way.
Your child is enrolled in preschool. But he cries every morning, refusing to leave you. He doesn't play with the other children. He sits alone. He gets very angry if his toys aren't put away. Sometimes he keeps clapping for no reason.
It may be normal to have one or two of these symptoms. But if several of these symptoms are seen together, it may be something we should be concerned about. This is when we should seek help from a doctor. Perhaps your doctor will combine these symptoms and say that this condition could be Asperger's Syndrome .
Asperger's syndrome is not a disease. It's a change in the way a child's brain develops. That means the 'wiring' of those children is a little different.
The difference between Asperger's Syndrome and Autism
Many people confuse Asperger syndrome and autism. In fact, the two are very similar. Today, doctors consider both conditions under the broad category of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This means that they are both conditions in the same family. But for the sake of clarity, let's look at some of the main differences between the two.
| Characteristic | Asperger's syndrome | Classic Autism |
|---|---|---|
| Ability to speak | Usually there is no delay in speaking. Knows a lot of words, but has poor expressive language. | Often, the ability to speak can be significantly delayed. |
| Social connections | It's hard to understand other people's emotions and facial expressions (social cues). Therefore, it's hard to make friends. | They prefer to be completely separated from others and in their own world. |
| Intelligence Quotient (IQ) | Often have average or above average intelligence. | Intelligence can range from mild to severe. Sometimes learning disabilities are seen. |
Difficulty understanding social behavior
Children with Asperger's have a hard time showing empathy . This means they have a hard time understanding someone else's feelings, such as sadness or happiness. They also have a hard time reading social cues, such as facial expressions and the way they speak. This makes it a challenge for them to make friends.
The connection between Asperger's and OCD
Many children with Asperger's can develop intense, obsessive interests in certain things. For example, a child may be so interested in garbage trucks and the process of collecting garbage that they know more about them than anyone who works in that field.
Also, this condition can sometimes be accompanied by symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a condition that causes unwanted thoughts and actions .
- The feeling of always having to close the doors.
- The feeling of having to push the chairs inside and put them in order.
- Getting very upset and angry if the daily routine changes even slightly.
These children may also have anxiety and anger management problems . As mentioned earlier, do you know why some children keep clapping their hands? It's a way they use to organize and calm themselves when they're feeling anxious or worried.
How to help the child?
Don't be afraid to hear these names (Asperger's, OCD). The most important thing is to find out how to help our child, rather than these labels. There is no single solution to this. You have to try a combination of different things.
- Reducing triggers (Tr IgG ers): Identifying the things that trigger your child's anger and anxiety and keeping them away from them as much as possible.
- Therapy:
- Occupational Therapy: This helps develop skills needed for daily tasks, such as eating with a spoon and tying shoelaces.
- Physical Therapy: Helps improve body coordination and motor skills.
- A consistent routine: A consistent routine, with little variation and the same routine every day, is very important for these children. It gives them a sense of security.
- Medication: Some children may need to be given medication to control excessive anxiety or other behavioral problems only under the advice of a specialist . Never give your child medication without the approval of a doctor.
- Good Role Models: Having tolerant friends around can be a good role model for your child.
- Animals: Having a pet, especially a dog, can help these children develop their social skills. They can talk to the dog, play with it, and express affection. This is good practice for building relationships with people.
Asperger's syndrome is not something that can't be overcome. It's not the end of life. Your child may be very intelligent, but their brain wiring is a little different. That's all.
Take-Home Message
- If you continue to notice any unusual 'changes' in your child's behavior or social interactions, don't dismiss it as a 'bad habit' or a 'mental health issue', but pay attention to it.
- Don't panic, see a pediatrician or child psychiatrist immediately for advice. Early detection is very important for the child.
- Asperger's syndrome is not a disease, it is a developmental disorder. With the right support, understanding, and love, a child can live a normal, successful life.
- Remember that therapeutic methods, a consistent routine, and a loving environment are essential for a child's development. You are not alone, get help.
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