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How about that kid down the block Jamie, he knows every type of American-made car produced in the last 20 years.

• He can talk for hours about this without taking a breather. In fact, he gets so excited he doesn't even notice when I get a little bored and start gardening again.
• His mom says he does the same with the neighborhood kids, not seemingly to notice when the kids start to say they have to go; he keeps right on going.
• It's funny but when he walks away I notice that he walks kind of funny, like he's a little off centered.
• He is also an expert about how a washing machine works.
  
  Anyhow, what a bright kid....

History of AS

This can be a very common description of a child with Asperger's Syndrome or AS. AS is defined as a form of autism. It was "discovered" by Hans Asperger's back in 1944. He studied 4 boys that were exceptional in the type and amount of knowledge that they had in a particular subject matter. Asperger found that while these boys were "experts" in these very narrow areas, they had a terrible time interacting or socializing with other kids and adults. They couldn't read social cues and facial expressions; it was like they couldn't understand what happy or sad or angry "looked like". He felt AS was a form of autism, as the children who displayed these behaviors, seemed isolated or apart from others, because of their preoccupation with specific topics. They were unable to respond and understand to normal social cues and body language. Many kids with AS seem socially isolated, seemingly not having many friends and may even show a disinterest in having friends.

It is stressful for kids with AS
to interact with other kids and adults.
Though they may desperately want to have friends, they find that it's very hard to "read" and understand what others mean. It's as if they are "emotionally blind". Kids with AS may find large birthday parties, groups activities, and even going to the mall very overwhelming. In fact, their frustration may be shown through temper tantrums and even violence, like pushing a sibling or classmate.

Kids with Asperger's
are often labeled as gifted.
This is because they are very smart and teachers find that they are excellent students. But when considering how they interact with the other children you may find them alone at recess and not being invited to outside school activities.

Asperger's Syndrome is a collection
of specific behaviors.
Parents find their children don't seem able to pick up on others' body language and cues. We take these observations for granted. At times they seem disconnected.

• They may blurt out comments or observations at inappropriate times. For example, while shopping, if they see a man who is completely bald they may in a loud voice announce that the man is bald. They do not mean any harm but feel the need to state the obvious. Again this is not done in malice but done as a mere observation. When told that you shouldn't say things like that the child often doesn't understand why not, he is merely stating the truth. They believe that since the man is bald what is the problem with just saying it?
• People with AS can make comments that are true but embarrassing. They don't pick up on the social cues or hints that a remark like, "That guy is really bald", is inappropriate and potentially hurtful. The child is confused as to why their parent is upset with them.

Another common behavior associated with AS is an intense fascination or preoccupation with a particular topic or object. This can be any topic.

• Fascinations with machines (washing machines) and vehicles (like trains) are very common. The person with AS will become an expert and go to great lengths to talk to any one and everyone about this prized topic.
• These interests can come and go, but while they are important to the person with AS they will center all of their conversation about this topic. Like our friend Jamie in the beginning of this article, he knew every American made car produced in the last 20 years.
• Not only will the person know everything about their interest, but interrupt other's conversations with their vast knowledge. This can seem very rude. Other kids can become bored and avoid talking with this child. This can make meeting, making friends , and other social activities very difficult for the person with AS.
• They will not perceive the facial signs or body language from the others who are in the group. They will not note boredom, or that someone has to leave the group or that someone is upset when they control the topic of conversation. They just continue to talk. Some have described a child with AS as a "human encyclopedia".

Children with AS are seen as gifted, because of their ability to be so knowledgeable and intense about a variety of selected topics. Many times these children are labeled as gifted and placed into accelerated classes. But this can easily become a double-edged sword. Though they are intellectually very bright and have an above average IQ, they have a very difficult time adjusting to the social interactions of their classmates.This can led to depression, anger, and a huge sense of confusion. The child can have an incredible ability to remember events and information but can be resistant to other topics.

Teaching and learning can become difficult.
This has been defined as a learning disability and these kids can become frustrated and angry. Often there are times when the child's frustration gets out of control and he may hit a fellow classmate, friend, or sibling. These out bursts can easily lead to labels like, "Oh, he's just a bully." This labeling can mean all kinds of troubles for the child with AS. Instead of getting the real help they need, they will be punished for their behavior leading to more confusion and depression.

Tony Attwood

These seemingly unrelated characteristics, high intelligence and an inability to interact with others compose Asperger's Syndrome. Tony Attwood in his best selling book Asperger's Syndrome lists the following as the most common signs of Asperger's Syndrome:

• Lack of empathy
• Naive inappropriate, one-sided interaction
• Little or no ability to form friendships
• Pedantic, repetitive speech
• Poor non-verbal communication
• Intense absorption in certain subjects
• Clumsy and ill- coordinated movements and odd postures
• Socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior

As is true with many conditions, there is a spectrum of how "much" a child has Asperger's Syndrome. Some children and adults with AS have a more severe case than others. This means that some are more affected by Asperger's than others. They may have a problem understanding facial expressions whereas another child with Asperger's can easily understand facial expressions but still becomes fixated on topics and has a hard time participating in large group activities.

According to Tony Attwood in his book Asperger's Syndrome, there are a number of common factors associated with AS.

First, there can be heredity component; research has found for some families there are immediate relatives like parents and secondary relatives like aunts and uncles who also have AS. Many times the parent who has the AS too is the father. There is evidence through brain scans that people with AS have abnormalities in their frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

AS is a relatively new health concern. Many physicians and other health practitioners currently do not know enough about Asperger's Syndrome to diagnose it right away. Many times it is confused with behavior problems and even ADD/ADHD (attention deficient Disorder/ Attention Deficient Hyperactive Disorder). The treatment for AS varies greatly from other childhood problems like ADD.

What's the good news,
what can I do?

First of all many of our great inventors and achievers in our society's history have had AS. AS is not some kind of prison sentence, actually it can be an advantage in many areas. For example, the ability to become immersed in a single topic is what makes cures for horrible diseases happen, being consumed by classical music is what makes beautiful music and the people who can study the best ways to build a bridge are certainly assets to all of us.

Parents who suspect their child has Asperger's Syndrome would be well served to contact a pediatrician or child specialist for a consultation. Depending on the severity of the disorder, much can be done to help a child with AS have a full and wonderful life. For kids who have tremendous difficulties interacting with their environments there are medications coupled with behavior modification that can get them on the road to success.

The majority of kids with AS have a mild form. The good news is that for these children behavior modifications and learning social skills is enough to help them understand the world around them. It takes patience and education on the part of the parents, family members, and the schools to help this youngster get what he needs. This can and is being done every day. It's very important for kids with AS to learn to control and manage their frustrations in a healthy and productive way, not to self- destruct as they grow older. This all can be done through a loving, supportive, and educated environment.

Asperger's Syndrome affects thousands of children and adults. AS is like many other conditions, through support, education, and patience these kids, like all others can have full and productive lives.

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