# data[].attributes.body
Asperger’s syndrome (also known as Asperger’s Disorder) was first described in the 1940s by Viennese pediatrician Hans Asperger, who observed autism-like behaviors and difficulties with social and communication skills in boys who had normal intelligence and language development. Many professionals felt Asperger’s syndrome was simply a milder form of autism and used the term “high-functioning autism” to describe these individuals.

# data[].attributes.body
Asperger’s syndrome was first described in the 1940's by Viennese pediatrician Hans Asperger, who observed autism-like behaviors and difficulties with social and communication skills in boys who had normal intelligence and language development. Many professionals felt Asperger’s syndrome was simply a milder form of autism and used the term “high-functioning autism” to describe these individuals.

Asperger’s Disorder was added to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders in 1994 as a separate disorder from autism. However, there are still many professionals who consider Asperger’s Disorder a less severe form of autism. In 2013, the DSM replaced Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders with the umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

# data[].attributes.body
(website) Asperger's fact sheet:
https://www.aane.org/asperger-fact-sheet/
(website) Teaching strategies:
https://www.education.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/AspergerSyndrome1.pdf
(video) Teaching strategies:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmULw2EkNms
(website) Parenting strategies:
http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/news/top-10-strategies-success-emotional-parenting-child-autism-or-pdd-8383832
(video) Parenting strategies:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrFHNq_oiUk
(video) Interviews with children with AS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p23W7uawcjI
(website) Research on Asperger's:
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Asperger-Syndrome-Information-Page

# data[].attributes.headline
Strategies for teaching a child with Asperger's

# data[].attributes.subject
Strategies for teaching a child with Asperger's

# data[].attributes.body
Keep routines in the classroom clear and consistent

Do not assume that the child is not listening or paying attention to you if they avoid eye contact

Develop a schedule with the child to keep track of homework and other assignments

Be explicit and direct

Assign groups

Work with the child on decision making strategies

Keep in constant contact with the parents

Use visual cues

# data[].attributes.headline
Strategies for parenting a child with Asperger's

# data[].attributes.subject
Strategies for parenting a child with Asperger's

# data[].attributes.body
Take care of your own emotional health first.

Observe and take the time to learn about your child's emotional response sets to a variety of situations.

Follow your child's lead. Participate with your child in those activities that bring him pleasure.

Put words to your child's feelings.

Positively praise your child's appropriate behavior.

Find out what is special and unique about your child and capitalize on it.

Wait! Do not repeat your instructions over and over.

Ask for help from professionals.

# data[].attributes.headline
Treatment options for children with Asperger's

# data[].attributes.subject
Treatment options for children with Asperger's

# data[].attributes.body
Therapy for Asperger's:

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Sensory integration/occupational therapy

Social skills training and speech language therapy

Applied behavioral analysis

Anger management

Support groups

Family therapies

Educational therapies

Neuro-feedback

Medication
There’s no medication approved to specifically treat Asperger’s syndrome, however, certain drugs can help control secondary symptoms that often accompany the disorder, such as anxiety, hyperactivity, depression, or attention problems.

Some people with Asperger’s take medications like anti-psychotics, stimulants, or antidepressants.

Alternative and complimentary treatments

Massage

Yoga

Chelation therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen

Horse therapy

Art of music therapy

Intravenous immunoglobulin infusions

# data[].attributes.body
What distinguishes Asperger’s Disorder from classic autism are its less severe symptoms and the absence of language delays. To the untrained observer, a child with Asperger’s Disorder may just seem like a typical child behaving differently.

Individuals with Asperger’s Disorder:

Usually want to fit in and have interaction with others (unlike autism)

May be socially awkward and not understand conventional social rules or show a lack of empathy

May have limited eye contact

May seem unengaged in conversation and not understand the use of gestures or sarcasm

May have interests in a particular subject bordering on obsessive

Often like to collect categories of thinks such as rocks or bottle caps

# data[].attributes.body
To be diagnosed with Asperger’s, a child must have normal language development as well as normal intelligence. The child must display severe and sustained impairment in social interaction, and the development of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities that must cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.

The first step to diagnosis is an assessment, including a developmental history and observation. This should be done by medical professionals experienced with autism. Early diagnosis is also important as children with Asperger’s Disorder who are diagnosed and treated early in life have an increased chance of being successful in school and eventually living independently.

# data[].attributes.body
Asperger's syndrome is one of a group of neuro-development disorders that have effects on an individual's behavior, use of language and communication, and pattern of social interactions. Asperger disorder was formerly characterized as one distinct autism spectrum disorder, although Asperger's syndrome was considered to be at the milder, or higher-functioning, range of this spectrum.