Finding out your child has Asperger syndrome can be both upsetting and confusing. What is this condition, and how will it affect your child?

Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder that is closely related to autism. Children with Asperger syndrome:

• Have difficulty talking and interacting with others
• Are obsessed with certain subjects
• Have many routines and rituals

The American Psychiatric Association has proposed dropping the term Asperger syndrome and using the term "autistic disorder" instead. Asperger is already considered an autism spectrum disorder, and doing away with the separate label could simplify diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of Asperger syndrome?
Unlike children who have autism, your child may start speaking at the normal age. However, your child's motor development (crawling and walking abilities) may be delayed. Your child may also have:

• An unusual preoccupation with a particular subject to the exclusion of others
• The need to repeat certain routines or rituals over and over
• Poor social skills and lack of empathy, making it difficult to interact successfully with peers
• Peculiar speech patterns, such as speaking in a formal manner or monotone voice
• Problems with nonverbal communication, including not making eye contact or using gestures
• Uncoordinated or clumsy movement

How is Asperger syndrome diagnosed?
Children are usually diagnosed with Asperger syndrome after age 3, most often between the ages of 5 and 9. To receive a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, a child must have had problems with communication, socialization and repetitive, restrictive behavior.

Medical experts agree that early intervention is very important. If your child has symptoms of Asperger syndrome, have him or her evaluated by a doctor. Interventions are most effective when your child's brain is still developing.

To diagnose Asperger syndrome, doctors may look for:

• Abnormal eye contact
• Aloofness
• The failure to turn when called by name
• The failure to use gestures like pointing
• A lack of interactive play
• A lack of interest in peers

How is Asperger syndrome treated?
Although there is presently no cure for Asperger syndrome, there are effective treatments that can help your child cope. The type of treatment your child receives will be based on his or her individual problems and patterns. It may include:

• Parent education and training
• Social skills training
• Behavioral talk therapy
• Occupational and physical therapy
• Speech and language therapy
• Medication for any co-existing conditions, such as depression and anxiety. There is no medication specifically for the treatment of Asperger syndrome.

Your child with Asperger syndrome can lead a full and fulfilling life by getting the right kind of:

• Education, including training in language, social and occupational skills
• Support from you and other family and friends, as well as professionals who specialize in treating autistic disorders
• Resources, including printed and online information and support groups

To get more information about resources for support and education, contact MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome at www.maapservices.org.

Related Articles How Widespread Is Autism? Autism: A Child in Another World Parenting a Child With Asperger Syndrome

External Sources McPartland J, Klin A. Asperger's syndrome. Adolescent Medicine Clinics. 2006;17:771-788. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Asperger syndrome fact sheet.. Accessed August 23, 2007 National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. Asperger syndrome.. Accessed August 23, 2007 American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5: the future of psychiatric diagnosis. . Accessed February 15, 2010

This article was reviewed and updated 08-01-2009.