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Asperger's Syndrome


Asperger's Syndrome is a medical condition, in which children struggle to understand body language, facial expressions and other under tones to communication, have difficulty in social relationships and often have a lack of imagination or take things too literally. An occupational therapist would be able to help better manage some of these symptoms through therapy.

Does your child have any of the following difficulties?


Asperger's syndrome can often be difficult to spot in childhood, and is often mistaken for shyness. However some of the common difficulties associated with Asperger's Syndrome are listed below:
  • Often misinterprets body language and tone of voice
  • Takes phrases literally and doesn't understand abstract concepts
  • Difficulty being creative or using imagination
  • Difficulty recognising or interpreting other people's feelings
  • Difficulty expressing themselves
  • Using and understanding both verbal and non-verbal language
  • Expressing emotions
  • Maintaining friendships

How can these difficulties impact on function?


Asperger's Syndrome can have a direct effect on function both at school and within the home, alongside the identified social issues that this condition presents with. Some examples of how Asperger's syndrome is impacting upon the home; school or socially are listed below:

Home:
  • Struggling to communicate between family members and friends
  • Often misinterprets body language and tone of voice
  • Takes phrases literally and struggles to grasp concepts outside of logic
  • Difficulty using imagination during homework
School:
  • Isolated or struggles in making friends
  • Difficulty following in lessons that require creative thinking such as Art or philosophy
  • Finds it hard to follow abstract concepts taught in science and similar subjects
  • Struggles to play imaginatively and often takes things too literal
Social/behavioural:
  • Difficulty making friends
  • Takes jokes and other phrases literally
  • Can become confused when children say one thing but mean another

What exactly is Asperger's Syndrome?


Asperger's Syndrome is a branch of the Autistic Spectrum, and is commonly placed in the same medical bracket as that of Autism, due to the commonality between these two conditions. Both conditions result in children having difficulty building relationships, understanding and communicating and as a result are often quite isolated and withdrawn. However children with Asperger's Syndrome tend to be highly intelligent and are often in the top percentile of their class.

Causes and diagnosis:
The exact cause of Asperger's Syndrome is relatively unknown. Research suggests that there is a genetic influence, however many other factors (such as environment and diet) may play a factor, none of which have been scientifically proven to cause Asperger's Syndrome. Diagnosis usually occurs through seeing your GP, prior to a diagnostic assessment being completed by a specialist.

Prevalence:
The prevalence of Asperger's Syndrome is not well established, however estimates range from 1 in 250 to 1 in 5000 children. Three to four times as many males are affected than females.

Occupational Therapy Treatment available for Asperger's Syndrome
An occupational therapist can provide effective treatment and management of the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome. The treatment sessions will be aimed at improving the function of the child in social situations and learning how to understand and interpret non-verbal communication. Some of the benefits of Occupational Therapy include:
  • Improved social interaction
  • Increased understanding of body language and non-verbal communication
  • Increased confidence
  • Able to notice and manage the symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome
  • Chance to discuss any worries or concerns you may have as a parent

What would treatment for Asperger's Syndrome at OT for Kids involve?


Treatment for Asperger's syndrome through Occupational Therapy would first involve an assessment, as each child is unique, and experiences the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome differently. Therefore by first, analysing how Asperger's Syndrome is directly affecting the function of your child, the therapist can then provide a treatment plan and commence treatment to improve function of your child both at home and in school. Some of the common Occupational Therapy treatments for Asperger's Syndrome are listed below:

Summary


In summary Asperger's Syndrome is a medical condition, in which children struggle to understand body language, facial expressions and other under tones to communication, have difficulty in social relationships and often have a lack of imagination or take things too literally. An occupational therapist can provide effective treatment for Asperger's Syndrome and offer advice and support to improve social function.

How to arrange to see a paediatric occupational therapist?


If your child has Asperger's Syndrome, or you have noticed that they have any of the symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome then please email office@otforkids.co.uk or call us on 0330 223 0888 for a referral or to simply talk about the concerns you may have for your child.

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OT for Kids have been a great help in aiding my son Jake with coping with his dyspraxia both at home and in school. They came out to our house and completed the assessment at home.

The assessment and report proved beneficial in our discussions with Jake's school and we are very pleased with the outcome the report has helped us achieve.
Jackie, parent.
At our school, there are many children who have difficulty forming letters correctly, concentrate or perform well in P.E, which can impact greatly on their learning. With the support and OT Groups available from OT for Kids, these children have made great progress and are now at a level which is not so concerning. As a teacher and SENCO, I thoroughly enjoyed working (and learning) from the Occupational Therapist.
Emily, SENCO and Teacher.
As a case manager, I regularly deal with many private companies. I found OT for Kids to be highly professional, reliable and provide me with flexible appointments that suited both me and my clients. The OT completed a comprehensive assessment and report, which was not only clear, concise and an accurate reflection of the difficulties, but it was returned to me quickly.
John, Case Manager.
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