Asperger’s Syndrome, a brain development disorder, occurs more often in boys than girls, in at least 3% of the child population , and if it is correctly diagnosed, it is when it has already caused adaptation problems.
It is a mild form of autism in which there is no mental or language retardation, and although there are many theories of how it develops, there are none proven. Just as it is believed that there may be a genetic predisposition because there are usually several cases in the same family, but no gene related to Asperger’s has been identified either.
People with this disorder are not usually recognized in the educational environment and their relationship difficulties are often classified as simple “behavior” or “personality” problems. They are generally considered strange, eccentric people, with little social ability and / or obsessive. Children affected by this syndrome attract the attention of parents and educators with abnormal, sometimes inappropriate, and sometimes surprising behavior.
If you have doubts about whether your child may suffer from it or you are interested in learning more about this curious and little commented disorder, these are the most common characteristics that can be recognized in children aged 2 to 7 years who suffer from Asperger’s:
Social skills
Has difficulty relating to other children . Is more comfortable with adults. Has no interest in team or competitive sports. He prefers to be alone and is not motivated to go to school , where he often has behavior problems. He does not accept the rules when playing with other children and tries to impose his own, in addition to always wanting to win.
Emotional skills
Cries easily over little things and has no malice. Lacks empathy to understand other people’s feelings . It also happens with his own. It is difficult for him to understand social norms depending on the context, so he may yell in a library or hug a stranger. When he enjoys he expresses himself physically: clapping his hands, jumping, yelling …
Communication skills
He does not grasp the double meaning or understand the irony. Believe what you say no matter how crazy it is. It is difficult for him to understand a long conversation, so he changes the subject or leaves. He uses a high and peculiar tone (as if he were imitating, singing or being a robot) to speak, and hyper-formal language that is pedantic. Don’t pay attention to what others are saying. He is often absent-minded and rarely meets eye when speaking.
Comprehension skills
Difficulty understanding a complex question or statement with several parts. You need to be explained in parts. On the other hand, it usually has a fantastic memory for data and dates. Learn to read early and almost without help. He is not imaginative or creative, so he does not usually play with dolls (symbolic game). He looks for the most original solutions to problems and has a special sense of humor. You have trouble paying attention.
Specific interests
He is interested in a specific topic, looks for information about it and spends his free time on that topic, be it numbers, maps, dates, statistics … He talks about his subjects of interest very often, without realizing if they bore the interlocutor. You feel safe following a routine, you compulsively repeat actions, so you do not tolerate sudden changes well .
Movement skills
They run at a weird pace and have a hard time catching a ball. His motor coordination is poor , so he has difficulty dressing, buttoning, or tying shoelaces. The practice of physical education is also complicated.
Other features
The sounds of electrical appliances cause you discomfort, as well as unexpected noises, certain food textures, and even the sight of some common objects or places full of people. You may be insensitive to low levels of pain, grimacing or facial tics, and a tendency to rock when distressed or nervous.
I would like you can help me to work with a child with Asperger’s … I am a first grade primary school teacher and I would like some advice and activities … thank you. I am interested in learning to help my student