A New Village  

Autism and Asperger's Syndrome are life long developmental disorders characterized by impairments in social interactions and communication that are usually present at birth, but are not noticed until age 3. These individuals also have a preference for sameness or routine. They have poor social skills, may engage in repetitive motor movements, and are preocuppied with special interest or objects.

Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome are sometimes referred to as being high functioning Autistic individuals. They differ from individuals with autism in that they start to talk around age 2, which is the usual age, have normal to above normal intelligence, usually demonstrate no delay in cognitive development, show a need for affection and seek comfort, and show an interest and desire for social involvment.  Individuals with Autism experience a delay in the development of their communication skills, experience a cognitive delay, may exhibit bizarre behaviors, lack social interest, and show no interest in affection or comfort.

The causes of Autism and Asperger's Syndrome are unknown, but research supports a combination of genetic and environmental factors (toxins, vaccines, seizures) as contributing factors. Autism and Asperger's Syndrome are usually diagnosed by psychiatrists, psychologists and developmental pediatrician. A diagnosis is usually determined by a combination of factors including, a comprehensive developmental history, interviews with parents and child, observations of the child, communication/language development assessments, IQ tests, assessment of adaptive learning skills, and psychological tests designed to identify symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome and Autism.

The goals of interventions with these individuals are usually to help improve social skills/interactions and communication abilities, as well as improve coping skills and manage behavior. The following are some things that may help individuals with Autims or Asperger's Syndrome:

1. Reduce stress by providing a way for the individual to remove themselves physically from the stressful situation.
2. Provide routine for meals, homework, bedtime.
3. Establish specific rules with consistent expectations.
4. Advance notice of pending changes or variations in routine, and prepare for any alterations in routine.
5. Communicate in a concrete, direct, concise and straightforward manner.
6. Help with social skills by
1. Providing clear explanations of expected behaviors,
2. Encouraging direct eye contact,
3. Practicing turn taking activities,
4. Teaching how to read and understand social cures,
5. Encouraging social interactions, and
6. Teaching about appropriate public adn private behaviors.

Parents can help their child with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome by not taking their misbehavior personally, and by learning as much as possible about the disorder.  The following resources may help with learning what to expect and how to help children with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome:

 Websites

    Asperger's Syndrome Support Network Home Page
    www.vicnet.net.au/vicnet/community/asperger

    Online Asperger's Syndrome Information and Support (O.A.S.I.S)
    www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/

    Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped 
    Children (TEACCH)  www.teacch.com

Books

    Making Friends: A Guide to Getting Along with People. Andrew Matthews. Media 
        Masters, Singapore, 1990.

    What Makes Me Happy? Catherine & Lawrence Anholt, Walker Books, London 1994.

    The World of the Autistic Child, Bryna Siegel.

    Writing About Feelings. Rozanne Lanczak Hawker, Brownlow Education, 
        Australia, 1987.