10 Signs Your Child May Have Asperger Syndrome.

I have written many chapters on Additional or Special Needs in my books but I thought this article from Moms Pop Sugar was helpful to share with you:

Asperger syndrome is a neurological disorder in the family of autism spectrum disorders. Because every child exhibits a different set of symptoms, there is no precise checklist of behaviors that must all be present for a diagnosis. Instead, there are many behaviors that may be signs of Asperger syndrome. Here we’ve rounded up 10 of the common behaviors to watch for, as shared by moms whose kids have the condition.

1. Fixation on One Activity

Many children with Asperger syndrome are preoccupied with a single or a few interests and focus on them for hours on end. As Circle of Moms member Karen R. shares: “The most common report from every parent I know . . . is that their kid fixated on something (their cars, their blue toys, their books) and played or attended [to] that thing for an outrageously long time.”

2. “Little Professor” Speech

“Typically a child with Asperger’s sounds like a little professor,” shares one Circle of Momsmember, Sheila D. “They tend to have advanced verbal skills, but due to the autism aspect of the syndrome they might seem fixated on a topic that they want to talk about all the time.” Children with Asperger syndrome may also speak more formally than usual for their age or prefer talking to adults.

3. Difficulty Reading Social Cues

Social difficulties are another key sign of Asperger syndrome. Reading body language may be hard, as well as taking turns or holding a conversation. As Eliana F. shares: “Group work at school is also hard for him, as he does not understand waiting his turn or accepting others point of view.” Similarly, Colleen notes: “My son is very social, but he doesn’t engage in two way conversations. He just talks and talks.” As a result of their social difficulties, children with Asperger syndrome may seem isolated from their peers.

4. Need For Routine

“Structure plays a big part in our lives now,” shares Wendy B. Like many children with Asperger syndrome, Wendy’s granddaughter needs routines. “Otherwise it is very confusing for her. So shower is at 8:30 pm. Bedtime is at 9:30 pm. Breakfast at 8:30 am, lunch at 12, supper at 6. You get the message, very structured. If I want to take her shopping I start telling her a few days ahead, that way it doesn’t upset her, but we still follow the same routine.”

5. Emotional Meltdowns

“My boy tends to have meltdowns when he gets overwhelmed,” shares Circle of Momsmember Ylice. She’s not alone: many children with Asperger syndrome can’t handle routines or plans going awry. Amanda B. describes it as an “inability to control emotions when things are ‘out of order.'”

6. Lack of Empathy

Another sign of Asperger syndrome is a seeming lack of empathy for others. Jennifer B. explains that her daughter “has no clue that people around here have feelings or wants and needs. She’s kinda like in her own little bubble as far as that goes. She can be totally aloof, in the clouds.”

To read more

http://moms.popsugar.com/Signs-Asperger-Syndrome-27332056?utm_source=com_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=com_newsletter_v1_03182014&em_recid=21477247866&utm_content=placement_1_desc