Asperger's Syndrome Test

Asperger's syndrome is classified under the category of autism spectrum disorders. It gets its name from an Austrian pediatrician, Hans Asperger who described this condition in 1944. He used the term, 'autistic psychopathy' to describe this pervasive developmental disorder. This condition is generally seen in children during the school years. Impaired social interactions and repetitive behavioral patterns are the common symptoms of this autism spectrum disorder in children and adults. People affected by this neurological condition face difficulties in verbal as well as non-verbal communication. They might have problems with making and maintaining conversations or using forms of non verbal communications such as making eye contact or gestures.

Symptoms

Research is being conducted to determine the causes of this developmental disorder. It is believed that people with a family history of bipolar disorder could develop this condition. In rare cases, damage to the brain tissues during or after childbirth or structural defects in the brain might be responsible for causing this disorder. Wondering how to detect if a child is suffering from this disorder? If parents feel that their child is facing difficulties in interacting with other children and is exhibiting symptoms related to this disorder, they must consult a doctor. For testing if a child is suffering from this disorder, you will need to consult a specialist pediatrician and a psychologist. These people will try to examine your child's communications skills and behavioral patterns.

Though the symptoms can vary but the common symptoms of this disorder include the inability to start or maintain conversations or making eye contact. This disorder is mainly characterized by impairment of social interactions and repetitive behavioral patterns. Those affected by this condition generally insist on following same routines and do not like changes. Rigid body posture, speech or language problems, delay in development of motor skills, clumsiness due to poor muscle coordination, lack of expressions, obsession with certain objects, unusual and repetitive body movements, increased sensitivity to strong textures or tastes, sensitivity to certain colors, flashy lights or loud noises are some of the common signs of this disorder.

Those suffering from this disorder have normal to above-normal intelligence. In fact, some of them might have a high level vocabulary. Such people have specialized interests or hobbies. They find it hard to form relationships. They might not be able to understand humor or sarcasm and also find it hard to comprehend emotions and reciprocating them. A lack of understanding of other person's perspective and inclination towards following certain routines are also seen in adults suffering from this disorder.

Diagnosis and Treatment

As mentioned earlier, specialized pediatrician, speech therapists and psychologists will observe the child in order to reach a diagnosis. There is no single diagnostic test for diagnosing this condition in adults or children, but certain screening tools are available. Childhood Asperger's Syndrome Test (CAST) is a screening tool that comprises a series of questions that can be answered by parents or teachers. DSM IV is a psychiatric diagnostic manual which is referred for making a diagnosis. IQ tests, interviews with parents and study of the symptoms help in diagnosing this condition.

Nowadays, certain questionnaires on Asperger's checklist are also available online. These are tools that help the doctors assess the cognitive, physical, social and communication skills. The treatment of this disorder depends on the symptoms exhibited by the patient. Social training is required to help children cope with this disorder. Parents, doctors and teachers can help in building up confidence in such children. If your child seems to have a particular interest, you can help him/her focus on it so as to help him/her achieve success in that particular field. As far as treatment of this autism spectrum disorder is concerned, use of certain drugs coupled with psychotherapy might prove beneficial.

If this autism spectrum disorder is detected early, a lot can be done in terms of helping such children cope better. So, if you see any of the aforementioned symptoms in your child, consult a doctor immediately.