by Rachel Evans
Autism used to be the term used for anyone with that particular condition. Today, there are several different sub categories for different levels of disability or function. No two children diagnosed will be the same, but there will be many things that they do have in common. With some high functioning autistics most people may not even be aware that they have autism, while others need assistance in almost any part of life, and they are obviously living a very different life than other children. More is being discovered about each of these different autism types as time goes on.
Asperger’s Disorder
This type of autism is something that you hear more and more about. These children are often misdiagnosed at first, and are thought to have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or perhaps Attention Deficit Disorder. These children are very unskilled with social interactions and have problems with communicating. They have repetitive motions, and are fixated on patterns of all types. They can have above average language skills, though they don’t use them well in social situations. They are often clumsy, as motor skills are under developed. Those with Asperger’s are thought to have a talent that they focus on almost exclusively, and are considered to be highly intelligent. Recent findings indicate that Albert Einstein may have had this condition.
Kanner’s Syndrome (classic autistic disorder)
This particular type of autism was named after a Dr. Kanner. He described and studied it in the 1930s and into the 1940s. This is the well-known type of this condition that is very common. Those with Kanner’s have very limited emotional connection with anyone, and they are very into their own little world. They want everything to be the same all of the time, and this includes routine (sometimes down to the exact minute) clothing, food, and television shows or movies. They can be deeply effected by noises, bright lights and smells. They are generally considered to be low functioning, but how well their mind works is largely unknown because of extremely poor social and communication skills.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder--Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).
This term is used to describe children who have most of the same symptoms as classic autism. They will need the same interventions and help that autistic children require. The differences between PDD-NOS and autism are minor and usually only obvious to researchers and doctors.
Rett’s Syndrome
Rett’s is a rare and relatively little-known type of autism, and it seems to only happen in girls. This branch of autism was first described by Dr. Rett. These patients often have problems with muscle atrophy, and tend to do repetitive hand motions. They area almost always mentally retarded to some degree. These girls are very low functioning and will need care for most of their lives. This particular type of autism has been diagnosed since the sixties, but in the late 1990s a gene that might cause this condition was found.
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
This is also thankfully pretty rare and something that strikes children who appear to have normal development from birth. Usually between two and four years of age this changes. These children begin to regress, and often do not potty train. They will lose the will and the ability to interact with other children, and will lose an interested in play. They will also have problem with the motor skills that were something they at one time had mastered. They will stop talking, or their communication skills will regress to some degree.
Though there are more autism types out there, these tend to be the most common. They are all things that take parents by surprise, and each comes with their own set of difficulties. Most children will need to be cared for long after their peers have established independence, even though the will to be on their own is very strong.
By Rachel Evans. Sign up for a free newsletter about autistic and discover more on the signs and symptoms of autism.
Article Source: www.healthandwellnesscentral.com
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Aspergers Syndrome Children and Motivation
By Nelle Frances
Aspergers Syndrome children respond best when their motivation level is high; when the answer to the question "What's in it for me?" is something an Asperger child most wants or desires. Children with Aspergers Syndrome never really make the leap from instant gratification to internal motivation or drive, such as self-satisfaction in a job well done, or pride in their ability to face a challenging situation. Aspergers Syndrome children are simply wired differently emotionally, and parents and educators soon come to realise that motivation to attempt or complete tasks is closely linked to perceived personal gain or reward for the child.
For Asperger children to achieve and keep on achieving, the possibility of personal reward must be present as a motivator. Often this reward revolves around the special interest of the Asperger child.
So how do we achieve a state of constant motivation and satisfy the need for almost instant gratification without bankrupting our finances?
I believe a Token Economy best suits the needs of children with Aspergers Syndrome. A Token Economy is a system where the Asperger child earns tokens as a reward for desired behaviours or actions. A predetermined number of tokens are then exchanged or “cashed in” for an item or activity the Asperger child desires.
A Token Economy is flexible and can be easily tailored to suit the individual needs of a child with Aspergers Syndrome, and importantly, their individual desires – what motivates them.
Token Economies that use money tokens seem to be the most successful with Aspergers Syndrome children in increasing their ability to delay gratification, and lessening the risk of satiation (overuse of a reward can result in the child no longer viewing it as a reward). Using money in a Token Economy negates the need for the Asperger child to decode an abstract concept, as in the ‘real’ world people are paid money for completing tasks by way of employment.
A token economy works well with Aspergers Syndrome children at school and at home right through Elementary School, and can continue to be used successfully at home throughout High School.
Aspergers Syndrome children take a long time establish trust, and for this reason a token economy should focus on rewarding desired behaviours and actions. Once the program has been established for a number of years, you may then be able to introduce “fines” or response costs, where the Aspergers Syndrome child is fined for inappropriate behaviour. This correlates the Token Economy program with real-world experiences for Aspergers Syndrome children – if I drive too fast, I get a speeding fine; if I park where I shouldn’t, I get a parking fine. However, the focus of the program must be on the positives, because children with Aspergers Syndrome are prone to quickly losing their motivation and trust.
Be creative with the reinforcers offered as motivation for AS children. Offering a ‘menu’ of rewards to choose from seems most successful. Initially for children with Aspergers Syndrome “cashed in” rewards need to be fairly instant i.e. at the end of each day. Over time this can be stretched to the end of each week. As the AS child matures this delayed gratification may be able to be stretched to a month or term, however small rewards and motivators should be offered consistently along the way.
As with all strategies used with Aspergers Syndrome children, patience and perseverance are the keys to success when using a Token Economy – but the rewards for both participants and facilitators are immense!
©Nelle Frances
http://www.nellefrances.com
Nelle Frances is the mother of a 15 year old with Asperger's Syndrome, a Special Needs Educator and Author of the Ben and His Helmet series of books for Asperger children. She is also an active member of 5 Asperger's Syndrome Support and Advocacy Groups. Her site http://www.nellefrances.com offers resources, strategies, articles and links on Aspergers Syndrome for parents, carers and teachers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nelle_Frances
http://EzineArticles.com/?Aspergers-Syndrome-Children-and-Motivation&id=718753
Aspergers Syndrome children respond best when their motivation level is high; when the answer to the question "What's in it for me?" is something an Asperger child most wants or desires. Children with Aspergers Syndrome never really make the leap from instant gratification to internal motivation or drive, such as self-satisfaction in a job well done, or pride in their ability to face a challenging situation. Aspergers Syndrome children are simply wired differently emotionally, and parents and educators soon come to realise that motivation to attempt or complete tasks is closely linked to perceived personal gain or reward for the child.
For Asperger children to achieve and keep on achieving, the possibility of personal reward must be present as a motivator. Often this reward revolves around the special interest of the Asperger child.
So how do we achieve a state of constant motivation and satisfy the need for almost instant gratification without bankrupting our finances?
I believe a Token Economy best suits the needs of children with Aspergers Syndrome. A Token Economy is a system where the Asperger child earns tokens as a reward for desired behaviours or actions. A predetermined number of tokens are then exchanged or “cashed in” for an item or activity the Asperger child desires.
A Token Economy is flexible and can be easily tailored to suit the individual needs of a child with Aspergers Syndrome, and importantly, their individual desires – what motivates them.
Token Economies that use money tokens seem to be the most successful with Aspergers Syndrome children in increasing their ability to delay gratification, and lessening the risk of satiation (overuse of a reward can result in the child no longer viewing it as a reward). Using money in a Token Economy negates the need for the Asperger child to decode an abstract concept, as in the ‘real’ world people are paid money for completing tasks by way of employment.
A token economy works well with Aspergers Syndrome children at school and at home right through Elementary School, and can continue to be used successfully at home throughout High School.
Aspergers Syndrome children take a long time establish trust, and for this reason a token economy should focus on rewarding desired behaviours and actions. Once the program has been established for a number of years, you may then be able to introduce “fines” or response costs, where the Aspergers Syndrome child is fined for inappropriate behaviour. This correlates the Token Economy program with real-world experiences for Aspergers Syndrome children – if I drive too fast, I get a speeding fine; if I park where I shouldn’t, I get a parking fine. However, the focus of the program must be on the positives, because children with Aspergers Syndrome are prone to quickly losing their motivation and trust.
Be creative with the reinforcers offered as motivation for AS children. Offering a ‘menu’ of rewards to choose from seems most successful. Initially for children with Aspergers Syndrome “cashed in” rewards need to be fairly instant i.e. at the end of each day. Over time this can be stretched to the end of each week. As the AS child matures this delayed gratification may be able to be stretched to a month or term, however small rewards and motivators should be offered consistently along the way.
As with all strategies used with Aspergers Syndrome children, patience and perseverance are the keys to success when using a Token Economy – but the rewards for both participants and facilitators are immense!
©Nelle Frances
http://www.nellefrances.com
Nelle Frances is the mother of a 15 year old with Asperger's Syndrome, a Special Needs Educator and Author of the Ben and His Helmet series of books for Asperger children. She is also an active member of 5 Asperger's Syndrome Support and Advocacy Groups. Her site http://www.nellefrances.com offers resources, strategies, articles and links on Aspergers Syndrome for parents, carers and teachers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nelle_Frances
http://EzineArticles.com/?Aspergers-Syndrome-Children-and-Motivation&id=718753
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Can Adults Be Diagnosed With Autism Later In Life?
by Rachel Evans
Autism has been around for many years as specific condition but hasn’t always well understood by the medical community and for some people their condition has been misdiagnosed. Though the classic form of autism is something that is often quite obvious in a child, there are high functioning autism types like Asperger’s that can be thought to be something else entirely. This form is just now being understood, and many who have had it their whole lives are just now learning that this is the case. It seems to make the answer to the questions pertaining to can adults be diagnosed with autism rather simple.
Adults can most certainly be diagnosed with autism. It can be a tough journey though, as many doctors don’t like the Asperger’s condition, and think it is highly blown out of proportion. Others just don’t have the knowledge to accurately diagnose children and adults with higher functioning forms of autism. So, it was something that went unnoticed for a very long time. Most parents and doctors assumed the child was different or ‘shy’ but that was all the further thought that was put into the situation. These children are now adults and starting to question those assumptions.
This form of high functioning autism has gone undetected, and many adults tend to blend rather well, which is something that those with classic autism cannot do. Though the high functioning adults have jobs and lives, and are intelligent, they can be socially awkward, as it is something that doesn’t come easily for most.
They may have communication problems that cause friction at work and in personal relationships, and they are frustrated because they don’t know why these sorts of interactions don’t come as easily to them as to others. Some people are even wrongly told that they have conditions like Obsessive Compulsive disorder. Because of frustration and anxiety regarding socialization, many have become often loners.
There are other clues that an adult might have autism. Their social awkwardness comes in different degrees. Many cannot understand humor, and are very literal in their interpretation of figures of speech. They cannot understand when someone is teasing them, as they take all words at the most literal level. They may have nervous twitches when anxious, and they also tend to have motor impairment. They can get upset and anxious quite easily, and quite often.
Anyone who suspects that they, or someone they know, has these problems and who wants to know can an adult be diagnosed with autism, it is a good idea to go in to see a doctor for evaluation. Sometimes you might have a hard time finding a doctor to take your concerns seriously, but that just means you have to keep looking.
Though there is no cure, a diagnosis can help a patient feel less anxious about why they are different, and they can also take advantage of some programs that can help improve the quality of their life. There are some tests online that may answer the question of can adults be diagnosed with autism. You can take the tests to see if you fit the profile, and then share this information with your doctor if you wish. This might help a physician understand what is going on and how to best help.
Sign up for a free newsletter about aspergers and discover more on the signs and symptoms of autism.
Article Source: Health and Wellness Central
Autism has been around for many years as specific condition but hasn’t always well understood by the medical community and for some people their condition has been misdiagnosed. Though the classic form of autism is something that is often quite obvious in a child, there are high functioning autism types like Asperger’s that can be thought to be something else entirely. This form is just now being understood, and many who have had it their whole lives are just now learning that this is the case. It seems to make the answer to the questions pertaining to can adults be diagnosed with autism rather simple.
Adults can most certainly be diagnosed with autism. It can be a tough journey though, as many doctors don’t like the Asperger’s condition, and think it is highly blown out of proportion. Others just don’t have the knowledge to accurately diagnose children and adults with higher functioning forms of autism. So, it was something that went unnoticed for a very long time. Most parents and doctors assumed the child was different or ‘shy’ but that was all the further thought that was put into the situation. These children are now adults and starting to question those assumptions.
This form of high functioning autism has gone undetected, and many adults tend to blend rather well, which is something that those with classic autism cannot do. Though the high functioning adults have jobs and lives, and are intelligent, they can be socially awkward, as it is something that doesn’t come easily for most.
They may have communication problems that cause friction at work and in personal relationships, and they are frustrated because they don’t know why these sorts of interactions don’t come as easily to them as to others. Some people are even wrongly told that they have conditions like Obsessive Compulsive disorder. Because of frustration and anxiety regarding socialization, many have become often loners.
There are other clues that an adult might have autism. Their social awkwardness comes in different degrees. Many cannot understand humor, and are very literal in their interpretation of figures of speech. They cannot understand when someone is teasing them, as they take all words at the most literal level. They may have nervous twitches when anxious, and they also tend to have motor impairment. They can get upset and anxious quite easily, and quite often.
Anyone who suspects that they, or someone they know, has these problems and who wants to know can an adult be diagnosed with autism, it is a good idea to go in to see a doctor for evaluation. Sometimes you might have a hard time finding a doctor to take your concerns seriously, but that just means you have to keep looking.
Though there is no cure, a diagnosis can help a patient feel less anxious about why they are different, and they can also take advantage of some programs that can help improve the quality of their life. There are some tests online that may answer the question of can adults be diagnosed with autism. You can take the tests to see if you fit the profile, and then share this information with your doctor if you wish. This might help a physician understand what is going on and how to best help.
Sign up for a free newsletter about aspergers and discover more on the signs and symptoms of autism.
Article Source: Health and Wellness Central
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Asperger’s Syndrome- Is There Real Cure For It?
by Rachel Evans
If you know of a child who is having a greater degree of language impairment than other children or has diminished communication skills and also exhibits a restrictive pattern of thought and behavior, he may have Asperger’s syndrome. This condition is more or less similar to that of classic autism. The main difference between autism and Asperger’s syndrome is that the child suffering from Asperger’s syndrome retains his early language skills.
The peculiar symptom of Asperger’s syndrome is a child’s obsessive interest in a single object or topic to the exclusion of any other. The child suffering from Asperger’s syndrome wants to know all about this one topic.
Sometimes their speech patterns and vocabulary may resemble that of a little professor. Other Asperger’s symptoms include the inability to interact successfully with peers, clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements, repetitive routines or rituals, socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior, and last, but not least, problems with non-verbal communication.
Asperger’s syndrome sufferers find difficulty mingling with the general public. Even if they converse with others, they exhibit inappropriate and eccentric behavior. The Asperger’s syndrome patient may always want to talk about his singular interest.
Developmental delays in motor skills such as catching a ball, climbing outdoor play equipment or pedaling a bike may also appear in the child with Asperger’s syndrome. Children with Asperger’s syndrome often show a stilted or bouncy walk, which appears awkward.
The therapy for the Asperger’s syndrome mainly concentrates on three-core symptoms: physical clumsiness, obsessive or repetitive routines, and poor communication skills. It is unfortunate that there is no single treatment for the children suffering from the entire three-core symptoms. But professionals do agree that the syndrome can be cured when the intervention is carried out at the earliest possible time.
The treatment package of Asperger’s syndrome for children involves medication for co-existing conditions, cognitive behavioral therapy, and social skills training. The Asperger’s syndrome treatment mainly helps to build on the child’s interests, teaches the task as a series of simple steps and offers a predictable schedule.
Although children suffering from Asperger’s syndrome can mange themselves with their disabilities, the personal relationships and social situations are challenging for them. In order to maintain an independent life, the Asperger’s syndrome sufferers require moral support and encouragement to work successfully in mainstream jobs.
Studies are on the way to discover the best treatment for Asperger’s syndrome, which includes the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify the abnormalities in the brain which causes malfunction of the same, which in turn result in Asperger’s syndrome. Clinical trials are being conducted to identify the effectiveness of an anti-depressant in Asperger’s syndrome individuals. Even the analysis of the DNA of the Asperger’s syndrome sufferers and their families may cause a break through in the treatment of the Asperger’s syndrome.
Rachel Evans. For more info & to signup for a Newsletter on Autism visit Essential Guide To Autism or for articles go here Autism Articles
Article Source: http://www.healthandwellnesscentral.com
If you know of a child who is having a greater degree of language impairment than other children or has diminished communication skills and also exhibits a restrictive pattern of thought and behavior, he may have Asperger’s syndrome. This condition is more or less similar to that of classic autism. The main difference between autism and Asperger’s syndrome is that the child suffering from Asperger’s syndrome retains his early language skills.
The peculiar symptom of Asperger’s syndrome is a child’s obsessive interest in a single object or topic to the exclusion of any other. The child suffering from Asperger’s syndrome wants to know all about this one topic.
Sometimes their speech patterns and vocabulary may resemble that of a little professor. Other Asperger’s symptoms include the inability to interact successfully with peers, clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements, repetitive routines or rituals, socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior, and last, but not least, problems with non-verbal communication.
Asperger’s syndrome sufferers find difficulty mingling with the general public. Even if they converse with others, they exhibit inappropriate and eccentric behavior. The Asperger’s syndrome patient may always want to talk about his singular interest.
Developmental delays in motor skills such as catching a ball, climbing outdoor play equipment or pedaling a bike may also appear in the child with Asperger’s syndrome. Children with Asperger’s syndrome often show a stilted or bouncy walk, which appears awkward.
The therapy for the Asperger’s syndrome mainly concentrates on three-core symptoms: physical clumsiness, obsessive or repetitive routines, and poor communication skills. It is unfortunate that there is no single treatment for the children suffering from the entire three-core symptoms. But professionals do agree that the syndrome can be cured when the intervention is carried out at the earliest possible time.
The treatment package of Asperger’s syndrome for children involves medication for co-existing conditions, cognitive behavioral therapy, and social skills training. The Asperger’s syndrome treatment mainly helps to build on the child’s interests, teaches the task as a series of simple steps and offers a predictable schedule.
Although children suffering from Asperger’s syndrome can mange themselves with their disabilities, the personal relationships and social situations are challenging for them. In order to maintain an independent life, the Asperger’s syndrome sufferers require moral support and encouragement to work successfully in mainstream jobs.
Studies are on the way to discover the best treatment for Asperger’s syndrome, which includes the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify the abnormalities in the brain which causes malfunction of the same, which in turn result in Asperger’s syndrome. Clinical trials are being conducted to identify the effectiveness of an anti-depressant in Asperger’s syndrome individuals. Even the analysis of the DNA of the Asperger’s syndrome sufferers and their families may cause a break through in the treatment of the Asperger’s syndrome.
Rachel Evans. For more info & to signup for a Newsletter on Autism visit Essential Guide To Autism or for articles go here Autism Articles
Article Source: http://www.healthandwellnesscentral.com
Monday, January 21, 2008
Do You Struggle to Talk to Someone With Asperger's? The Problem is Fussy Language
By Steven Paglierani
When I was a boy, girls jumping rope sang things like, "Skinny and fatty ran a race. Skinny fell down and broke his face." And, "Step on a crack. Break your mother's back." Now most of you know I have Asperger's. So can you guess how I interpreted these words?
Of course, me being me, I took these words literally. Can you imagine? Laughing little eight year old girls singing, "break your mother's back!" Whoa! Was I confused. And try as I might, I could not, for the life of me, understand what would make them say such things. No less laugh while they said them.
Fast forward to August 2004. I start working with a little eight year old boy. A boy who, like me, has Asperger's. And as I watched his struggles, especially with his dad, I realized why I had struggled so to understood those childhood sayings. You see, he, too, understood only the literal meanings of peoples' words. And none of the social content.
Fortunately for this boy, his dad was the most patient father I have ever seen. Which explained why week after week, he patiently battled what I eventually came to call, his son's "fussy word disease."
What the heck is "fussy word disease?" Start with that it's not exactly a disease. I call it this merely to bring to peoples' attention that having this condition is painful. Both for the parents and for the child.
What is it though? It's when a child takes every thing you say as if you chose your words perfectly. Straight from a dictionary. With no non verbal meaning. Which then means, if you want to say something to one of these kids, you had better say it exactly as you mean it. Otherwise, you are going to hear about it.
This in fact is how this boy responded to most of his father's words. Thus if his dad said something like that they were leaving in ten minutes, at precisely ten minutes, they had better be leaving. No if's and's or but's. If not, the boy would blurt things out like, "you never do what you say!" "You promised!" Or "You lied!"
Worst case he might even call him, "stupid!" Can you imagine?
Being his dad was such a patient man, whenever this happened, he would calmly try to explain how he hadn't meant exactly ten minutes, that what he said was simply a figure of speech.
Of course, the boy would totally blow off these efforts, then rudely argue, "You're wrong! That's not what you meant!" Which would usually result in his father reluctantly getting firm with him.
At times, watching this happen made me well up with tears. This dad so obviously loved his son. And the boy so obviously loved his father. Despite this love though, week after week, they could not find a way to understand each other. Nor to stop their ever present arguing.
Finally, one day it hit me that the problem had nothing to do with this boy's social skills. Not directly, anyway. Nor was it rooted in his poor impulse control and outbursts of disrespect. What was happening was simply that when the boy said to his father, "you're wrong," he was simply trying to make him speak in a way in which he, the boy, could understand. In the boy's own language. And when this didn't happen, his frustration overwhelmed him and he blurted out insults.
Shortly after that, I began to call the boy's language, "fussy." And his father's language, "fuzzy." At which point, I explained this idea, the idea of "two languages," to the family. Then whenever this father spoke "fuzzy," I would gently remind him that "fuzzy" language confused his son. And whenever the boy felt compelled to make his speak "fussy," I reminded the boy that "fuzzy" was his and my language, not his father's.
These reminders also helped me as well. They reminded me that in no way did the boy intend to hurt his father. In fact, whenever I managed to get him to see he had hurt his father, he'd burst into tears. Partly from this realization. And partly from the sheer frustration of having to work so hard to be understood.
Here then was the opening I had been looking for. The boy's problem was that he had no sense of the personal meaning of his father's words. A meaning I was calling, the "fuzzy" meaning as in, the "warm fuzzy" meaning. And the father, while he could logically grasp the words his son was saying, had no idea his son could not interpret words in other than dictionary meanings.
Today, when I think about how most of today's therapists refer to Asperger's as a social impairment, I feel sad. They're missing the point. Moreover, treating these kids as if the main problem is a social problem only makes them worse.
The social difficulties in Asperger's are not the main problem. I say this knowing full well how disruptive kids with Asperger's can be. Even so, beneath this behavior is a far more basic problem. The thing which actually provokes their antisocial behavior. Their inability to navigate the range of specificity within normal folks' language. The degree to which we do, and do not, include the meaning in our words.
What I'm saying is, Asperger's is first and foremost a language problem, not a socialization problem. And whether these kids' brains are wired differently or not simply does not matter. Whatever the case, they, and I, simply speak a different language. Fussy. And because the majority of the world speaks fuzzy, we get told we have a disability.
[to read more on how Emergence Personality Theory sees Asperger's, visit http://theemergencesite.com/Tech/TechIssues-Autism-OCD-Aspergers-ADD.htm]
Steven Paglierani is a writer, teacher, personality theorist, and therapist whose work on learning and human consciousness is read weekly by thousands all over the world. He is the author of Emergence Personality Theory, and his mission is to make the world better for children by restoring and deepening their love of learning.
He can be read or reached at his site, http://theEmergenceSite.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Paglierani
http://EzineArticles.com/?Do-You-Struggle-to-Talk-to-Someone-With-Aspergers?-The-Problem-is-Fussy-Language&id=536973
When I was a boy, girls jumping rope sang things like, "Skinny and fatty ran a race. Skinny fell down and broke his face." And, "Step on a crack. Break your mother's back." Now most of you know I have Asperger's. So can you guess how I interpreted these words?
Of course, me being me, I took these words literally. Can you imagine? Laughing little eight year old girls singing, "break your mother's back!" Whoa! Was I confused. And try as I might, I could not, for the life of me, understand what would make them say such things. No less laugh while they said them.
Fast forward to August 2004. I start working with a little eight year old boy. A boy who, like me, has Asperger's. And as I watched his struggles, especially with his dad, I realized why I had struggled so to understood those childhood sayings. You see, he, too, understood only the literal meanings of peoples' words. And none of the social content.
Fortunately for this boy, his dad was the most patient father I have ever seen. Which explained why week after week, he patiently battled what I eventually came to call, his son's "fussy word disease."
What the heck is "fussy word disease?" Start with that it's not exactly a disease. I call it this merely to bring to peoples' attention that having this condition is painful. Both for the parents and for the child.
What is it though? It's when a child takes every thing you say as if you chose your words perfectly. Straight from a dictionary. With no non verbal meaning. Which then means, if you want to say something to one of these kids, you had better say it exactly as you mean it. Otherwise, you are going to hear about it.
This in fact is how this boy responded to most of his father's words. Thus if his dad said something like that they were leaving in ten minutes, at precisely ten minutes, they had better be leaving. No if's and's or but's. If not, the boy would blurt things out like, "you never do what you say!" "You promised!" Or "You lied!"
Worst case he might even call him, "stupid!" Can you imagine?
Being his dad was such a patient man, whenever this happened, he would calmly try to explain how he hadn't meant exactly ten minutes, that what he said was simply a figure of speech.
Of course, the boy would totally blow off these efforts, then rudely argue, "You're wrong! That's not what you meant!" Which would usually result in his father reluctantly getting firm with him.
At times, watching this happen made me well up with tears. This dad so obviously loved his son. And the boy so obviously loved his father. Despite this love though, week after week, they could not find a way to understand each other. Nor to stop their ever present arguing.
Finally, one day it hit me that the problem had nothing to do with this boy's social skills. Not directly, anyway. Nor was it rooted in his poor impulse control and outbursts of disrespect. What was happening was simply that when the boy said to his father, "you're wrong," he was simply trying to make him speak in a way in which he, the boy, could understand. In the boy's own language. And when this didn't happen, his frustration overwhelmed him and he blurted out insults.
Shortly after that, I began to call the boy's language, "fussy." And his father's language, "fuzzy." At which point, I explained this idea, the idea of "two languages," to the family. Then whenever this father spoke "fuzzy," I would gently remind him that "fuzzy" language confused his son. And whenever the boy felt compelled to make his speak "fussy," I reminded the boy that "fuzzy" was his and my language, not his father's.
These reminders also helped me as well. They reminded me that in no way did the boy intend to hurt his father. In fact, whenever I managed to get him to see he had hurt his father, he'd burst into tears. Partly from this realization. And partly from the sheer frustration of having to work so hard to be understood.
Here then was the opening I had been looking for. The boy's problem was that he had no sense of the personal meaning of his father's words. A meaning I was calling, the "fuzzy" meaning as in, the "warm fuzzy" meaning. And the father, while he could logically grasp the words his son was saying, had no idea his son could not interpret words in other than dictionary meanings.
Today, when I think about how most of today's therapists refer to Asperger's as a social impairment, I feel sad. They're missing the point. Moreover, treating these kids as if the main problem is a social problem only makes them worse.
The social difficulties in Asperger's are not the main problem. I say this knowing full well how disruptive kids with Asperger's can be. Even so, beneath this behavior is a far more basic problem. The thing which actually provokes their antisocial behavior. Their inability to navigate the range of specificity within normal folks' language. The degree to which we do, and do not, include the meaning in our words.
What I'm saying is, Asperger's is first and foremost a language problem, not a socialization problem. And whether these kids' brains are wired differently or not simply does not matter. Whatever the case, they, and I, simply speak a different language. Fussy. And because the majority of the world speaks fuzzy, we get told we have a disability.
[to read more on how Emergence Personality Theory sees Asperger's, visit http://theemergencesite.com/Tech/TechIssues-Autism-OCD-Aspergers-ADD.htm]
Steven Paglierani is a writer, teacher, personality theorist, and therapist whose work on learning and human consciousness is read weekly by thousands all over the world. He is the author of Emergence Personality Theory, and his mission is to make the world better for children by restoring and deepening their love of learning.
He can be read or reached at his site, http://theEmergenceSite.com
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http://EzineArticles.com/?Do-You-Struggle-to-Talk-to-Someone-With-Aspergers?-The-Problem-is-Fussy-Language&id=536973
Sunday, January 20, 2008
What is Asperger's Syndrome
By Cathy Romanczuk
Asperger's syndrome (also referred to as Asperger syndrome, Asperger's disorder, Aspergers, or AS) is a condition on the autistic spectrum. Like other autistic spectrum disorders, Asperger's includes "restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities."1 However, this syndrome differs from 'classic' autism in that there is no significant delay in non-social aspects of intellectual development. AS can have both positive and negative effects on an individual's life. AS is a developmental disorder that is characterized by: 2 § limited interests or an unusual preoccupation with a particular subject to the exclusion of other activities § repetitive routines or rituals § peculiarities in speech and language, such as speaking in an overly formal manner or in a monotone, or taking figures of speech literally § socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior and the inability to interact successfully with peers § problems with non-verbal communication, including the restricted use of gestures, limited or inappropriate facial expressions, or a peculiar, stiff gaze § clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements
Speech and Language Differences One of the major differences between AS and autism is that, by definition, there is no speech delay in Asperger's. In fact, children with AS frequently have good language skills; they simply use language in different ways. People with AS typically have a highly pedantic way of speaking, using a far more formal language than appropriate for a context. A five-year-old child with this condition may regularly speak in language that could easily have come from a university textbook, especially concerning his or her special area of interest. Literal interpretation is another common, but not universal, trait of this condition. People with AS may not recognize verbal and nonverbal cues or understand social norms, such as taking turns talking or grasping the concept of personal space.3 Individuals with AS may also use words idiosyncratically, including new words or variations of words they have invented and unusual juxtapositions. This can develop into a rare gift for humor (especially puns, word play, doggerel and satire). A potential source of humor is the eventual realization that their literal interpretations can be used to amuse others.
Cognitive Differences Another distinction between Asperger's Disorder and autism concerns cognitive ability. While some individuals with Autism experience mental retardation, by definition a person with Asperger's Disorder cannot possess a "clinically significant" cognitive delay. This does not mean that all individuals with autism have mental retardation. Some do and some do not, but a person with AS may possess average to above average intelligence. Children with AS may show advanced abilities for their age in language, reading, mathematics, spatial skills, or music, sometimes into the 'gifted' range, but these talents may be counterbalanced by appreciable delays in the development of other cognitive functions. Some other typical behaviors are echolalia, the repetition or echoing of verbal utterances made by another person, and palilalia, the repetition of one's own words.
Other Differences While motor difficulties are not a specific criteria for Asperger's, children with AS frequently have slight delays in the development of fine motor skills. In some cases, people with AS may have an odd way of walking, and may display compulsive finger, hand, arm or leg movements, including tics and stims. Some people with AS experience varying degrees of sensory overload and are extremely sensitive to touch, smells, sounds, tastes, and sights. They may prefer soft clothing, familiar scents, or certain foods. Some may even be extremely sensitive to loud noises, strong smells, or dislike being touched.
Sensory overload may intensify problems faced by such children at school or even adults at work, where levels of noise in the classroom or workplace can become unbearable for them. Some are unable to block out, as in habituation, certain repetitive or background stimuli, such as the constant ticking of a clock, or a television in another room of the house. Whereas most children stop noticing a sound after a short time and can hear it only if they are listening for it, a child with AS can become distracted, agitated, or even (in cases where the child has problems with regulating emotions such as anger) violent if the sound persists.
1. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., pp. 70-71) Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 1994
2. Asperger Syndrome Fact Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (May 11, 2006). Retrieved 20 August 2007.
3. Asperger's Syndrome - Topic Overview, WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise, Retrieved 20 August 2007.
Cathy Romanczuk is a special education teacher and the mother of two children with 'classic' autism. She is also a certified biology teacher and a former captain in the United States Air Force.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cathy_Romanczuk
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-is-Aspergers-Syndrome?&id=696564
Asperger's syndrome (also referred to as Asperger syndrome, Asperger's disorder, Aspergers, or AS) is a condition on the autistic spectrum. Like other autistic spectrum disorders, Asperger's includes "restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities."1 However, this syndrome differs from 'classic' autism in that there is no significant delay in non-social aspects of intellectual development. AS can have both positive and negative effects on an individual's life. AS is a developmental disorder that is characterized by: 2 § limited interests or an unusual preoccupation with a particular subject to the exclusion of other activities § repetitive routines or rituals § peculiarities in speech and language, such as speaking in an overly formal manner or in a monotone, or taking figures of speech literally § socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior and the inability to interact successfully with peers § problems with non-verbal communication, including the restricted use of gestures, limited or inappropriate facial expressions, or a peculiar, stiff gaze § clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements
Speech and Language Differences One of the major differences between AS and autism is that, by definition, there is no speech delay in Asperger's. In fact, children with AS frequently have good language skills; they simply use language in different ways. People with AS typically have a highly pedantic way of speaking, using a far more formal language than appropriate for a context. A five-year-old child with this condition may regularly speak in language that could easily have come from a university textbook, especially concerning his or her special area of interest. Literal interpretation is another common, but not universal, trait of this condition. People with AS may not recognize verbal and nonverbal cues or understand social norms, such as taking turns talking or grasping the concept of personal space.3 Individuals with AS may also use words idiosyncratically, including new words or variations of words they have invented and unusual juxtapositions. This can develop into a rare gift for humor (especially puns, word play, doggerel and satire). A potential source of humor is the eventual realization that their literal interpretations can be used to amuse others.
Cognitive Differences Another distinction between Asperger's Disorder and autism concerns cognitive ability. While some individuals with Autism experience mental retardation, by definition a person with Asperger's Disorder cannot possess a "clinically significant" cognitive delay. This does not mean that all individuals with autism have mental retardation. Some do and some do not, but a person with AS may possess average to above average intelligence. Children with AS may show advanced abilities for their age in language, reading, mathematics, spatial skills, or music, sometimes into the 'gifted' range, but these talents may be counterbalanced by appreciable delays in the development of other cognitive functions. Some other typical behaviors are echolalia, the repetition or echoing of verbal utterances made by another person, and palilalia, the repetition of one's own words.
Other Differences While motor difficulties are not a specific criteria for Asperger's, children with AS frequently have slight delays in the development of fine motor skills. In some cases, people with AS may have an odd way of walking, and may display compulsive finger, hand, arm or leg movements, including tics and stims. Some people with AS experience varying degrees of sensory overload and are extremely sensitive to touch, smells, sounds, tastes, and sights. They may prefer soft clothing, familiar scents, or certain foods. Some may even be extremely sensitive to loud noises, strong smells, or dislike being touched.
Sensory overload may intensify problems faced by such children at school or even adults at work, where levels of noise in the classroom or workplace can become unbearable for them. Some are unable to block out, as in habituation, certain repetitive or background stimuli, such as the constant ticking of a clock, or a television in another room of the house. Whereas most children stop noticing a sound after a short time and can hear it only if they are listening for it, a child with AS can become distracted, agitated, or even (in cases where the child has problems with regulating emotions such as anger) violent if the sound persists.
1. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., pp. 70-71) Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 1994
2. Asperger Syndrome Fact Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (May 11, 2006). Retrieved 20 August 2007.
3. Asperger's Syndrome - Topic Overview, WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise, Retrieved 20 August 2007.
Cathy Romanczuk is a special education teacher and the mother of two children with 'classic' autism. She is also a certified biology teacher and a former captain in the United States Air Force.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cathy_Romanczuk
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-is-Aspergers-Syndrome?&id=696564
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Aspergers Syndrome - General Information
By Mike Mansell
Aspergers Syndrome is a type of Autism, however, the symptoms are usually much milder and less distressing to those people around them. However, it is still a serious condition which affects 1-2 people in 2000, of which, more tend to be boys than girls.
Aspergers Syndrome wasn’t widely recognized by parents and professionals as recently as in the 1990’s. Autism itself was first diagnosed in 1943.
Despite what could be seen as a significant problem for the sufferers of Aspergers Syndrome, many people with this condition lead very successful and productive lives.
Autism is a neurological disorder. Nobody knows exactly what causes it although there does seem to be a high degree of evidence which suggests that it may be genetic. In many cases, where one child in a family has autism or Aspergers Syndrome, there is a significant chance that any other children will also have this condition either to a lesser or greater degree.
It is possible that there are other factors which may cause this condition either before during or after the birth of a child. At this present time, we don’t know the answers to this question although hopefully after much research, the answer will be found.
There is no simple test to diagnose Aspergers Syndrome or Autism, the diagnosis is done by taking a developmental history and observation of the patient.
There isn’t any cure for either Aspergers Syndrome or Autism either. However, with a lot of hard work, many sufferers of Aspergers live ordinary lives with few difficulties.
Aspergers symptoms include:
- Deficiency in social skills
- Difficulty with accepting changes to their environment
- They may be very pre-occupied with a specific topic and study it and talk about it incessantly, becoming very proficient in it.
- Find it difficult to read non verbal communication signals and tend to have poor body space i.e. they will invade other peoples space unknowingly.
Despite these symptoms, many sufferers from Aspergers live normal lives and in some cases, probably due to their obsession with a particular topic, may become very successful.
If you want to read more about this subject from other people visit my website Aspergers Syndrome where you’ll lots of useful information on Aspergers Syndrome and Autism.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Mansell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Aspergers-Syndrome---General-Information&id=173252
Aspergers Syndrome is a type of Autism, however, the symptoms are usually much milder and less distressing to those people around them. However, it is still a serious condition which affects 1-2 people in 2000, of which, more tend to be boys than girls.
Aspergers Syndrome wasn’t widely recognized by parents and professionals as recently as in the 1990’s. Autism itself was first diagnosed in 1943.
Despite what could be seen as a significant problem for the sufferers of Aspergers Syndrome, many people with this condition lead very successful and productive lives.
Autism is a neurological disorder. Nobody knows exactly what causes it although there does seem to be a high degree of evidence which suggests that it may be genetic. In many cases, where one child in a family has autism or Aspergers Syndrome, there is a significant chance that any other children will also have this condition either to a lesser or greater degree.
It is possible that there are other factors which may cause this condition either before during or after the birth of a child. At this present time, we don’t know the answers to this question although hopefully after much research, the answer will be found.
There is no simple test to diagnose Aspergers Syndrome or Autism, the diagnosis is done by taking a developmental history and observation of the patient.
There isn’t any cure for either Aspergers Syndrome or Autism either. However, with a lot of hard work, many sufferers of Aspergers live ordinary lives with few difficulties.
Aspergers symptoms include:
- Deficiency in social skills
- Difficulty with accepting changes to their environment
- They may be very pre-occupied with a specific topic and study it and talk about it incessantly, becoming very proficient in it.
- Find it difficult to read non verbal communication signals and tend to have poor body space i.e. they will invade other peoples space unknowingly.
Despite these symptoms, many sufferers from Aspergers live normal lives and in some cases, probably due to their obsession with a particular topic, may become very successful.
If you want to read more about this subject from other people visit my website Aspergers Syndrome where you’ll lots of useful information on Aspergers Syndrome and Autism.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Mansell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Aspergers-Syndrome---General-Information&id=173252
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Dealing with Change
If your child has Asperger's syndrome, then you know how that they have a low tolerance for change. They can be ritualistic and thrive in structured environments where they what comes next. If something suddenly changes without warning, they feel a loss of control and until they get back into their routine, everything is chaotic.
The best thing you can do if you know something different from the norm will happen is to let them know ahead of time. Have a plan ready to explain to them. For example, they may have a dentist appointment coming up which will cut into their day, breaking their schedule. Sit them down and let them know what exactly is going to happen like who will take them there and what activity will be interrupted. This will help ease the tensions of a change in a daily routine, and may only leave the tension of going to the dentist which may be easier to handle.
The best thing you can do if you know something different from the norm will happen is to let them know ahead of time. Have a plan ready to explain to them. For example, they may have a dentist appointment coming up which will cut into their day, breaking their schedule. Sit them down and let them know what exactly is going to happen like who will take them there and what activity will be interrupted. This will help ease the tensions of a change in a daily routine, and may only leave the tension of going to the dentist which may be easier to handle.
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