Asperger syndrome: everything you need to know

Listen this article

Have you heard about Asperger syndrome? We tell you what it is, what are the symptoms and we will answer some of the most common doubts

Asperger's syndrome was discovered by Dr. Hans Asperger, a doctor from Austria. It is a disorder that is described as a variant of autism and is more common in boys than girls. The average age at which it manifests is between 7 and 16 years old.

Leer en español: Síndrome de Asperger: todo lo que debes saber

What are the main causes of Asperger syndrome

According to the website My baby and I, the main reason for the appearance of this syndrome is usually genetic, and it is the father who always has the gene and inherits it to the child. It can also happen that this happens because there are cases of autism in the family in both close relatives and distant relatives.

We recommend: Eco parenting, a natural lifestyle

Main symptoms of Asperger syndrome

According to the website Psychology and Mind, 10 signs can give the guideline that a child suffers from Asperger syndrome and, in those cases, it is necessary to consult with a professional.

• Their reactions are usually of extreme annoyance to loud noises or too strong lights.
• They have problems relating to other people outside their area. This means that, when attending school or doing activities that are in groups, they prefer to be alone and away from the rest.
• They do not know how to put themselves in the place of others; that is, they do not feel any kind of empathy towards other people.
• This brings us to the next point: the child with Asperger always has trouble understanding the feelings of others and it is strange for them to express their emotions.
• They prefer always to have a routine; they do not like to leave the activities that they always do repetitively. This means that those who live with a child or adolescent with Asperger should take into account the schedules because if things are not done at a particular time, they will be very upset.
• Children with Asperger syndrome may have difficulties in their movements (being very clumsy).
• Their behavior may seem eccentric and unusual.
• It is not uncommon for them to be absorbed and immersed in their world and its thoughts.
• Do not look into the eyes when having a conversation.
• They talk a lot and in an extremely loud tone. Their language, on occasion, is often too mature for his age.
• They invent words.

Does it have a cure?

According to the Doctoralia website and the sayings of Dr. Andrés Fernández Expósito, who develops his work as a child psychologist in Barcelona, although Asperger's syndrome cannot be cured, it can change certain daily aspects that improve, and by far, the quality of life of the child. There are many therapeutic methods that are complemented with all kinds of individual and group work in which the school, the family and the environment are integrated.

On the other hand, Dr. Silvina Mosquera Genlot, adds that the main point to address is the stimulation of communication and the relationship with the environment. With proper treatment, many young people get to continue their studies at the university and also, over time, they learn to express their emotions. The important thing is to make the diagnosis as soon as possible because it is well known that the sooner you start with the therapies, the better the result will be.

LatinAmerican Post | Marcela Antonacci

Translated from "Síndrome de Asperger: todo lo que debes saber"