Aspergers Syndrome Diagnosis

The Asperger's syndrome diagnosis is often complex. Children with Aspergers syndrome, or AS, often behave like neurotypical children although they may have qualities that make them unique. After spotting the symptoms of Aspergers, it is important to work with a doctor to make a proper diagnosis.

An autism behavior checklist can help diagnosis.

Prior to a diagnosis being made, parents and caretakers may spot signs or symptoms of the condition. Aspergers is a high functioning form of autism spectrum disorder. Children with the condition are likely to share the same patterns of behavior but they may have a wide range of abilities and skill sets.

The symptoms of Asperger's syndrome are difficult to pinpoint for a family doctor who may not be seeing the child enough to notice. Parents and others who believe the child may be suffering from AS will see Aspergers symptoms like the following:

• Social interactions are minimal or they may be inappropriate
• Odd behaviors or mannerisms are often evident
• During conversations, the child speaks about himself but rarely about others
• Academic problems in reading, math and writing become evident after the child enters school
• Robotic like speech or speech that seems repetitive
• Obsessions with specific topics or things

Children who display these symptoms may not do so in an obvious way. Rather, children with AS often have no delays in their development of language and some have advanced vocabulary for their age. There are often no delays in cognitive development either.

Parents who feel their child may have AS should work with their doctor to make a formal diagnosis. Although there is no cure for the condition, children who receive early intervention and help are less likely to have long-term limitations on their development and overall quality of life.

Early diagnosis of AS can help children to receive more educational and social training at a young age. During these early years, the child's brain is still developing rapidly and changes made now can have a direct impact on their overall well-being. Locating a doctor specializing in autism spectrum disorders is a good first step in diagnosing and treating AS.

To diagnose the condition, doctors will perform a series of psychosocial tests on the child. These may include the following.

• History Doctors will ask parents to note when they first noticed the symptoms taking place. This can help them assess if the condition is something new or something that has always been in place.

• Motor Skill Development: Although most children with AS do not have significant motor skill development lays, it is important to note that autism spectrum disorder is actually a spectrum. In other words, some children with AS will display small skill development problems.

• Language Development: Any changes or indications that the child has a language pattern problem may be noted. For example, children with AS are often able to speak about themselves, but do not often speak about others.

• Personality and Behavior: AS is often easier to spot in children who display odd behavior or personality traits. Doctors will want to know about their favorite things to do, any preoccupations they have and any unusual habits they have.

After an initial discussion with parents, doctors will likely speak one on one with the child. This interaction helps them to notice any specific language or physical traits that could be attributed to AS.

In particular, doctors will focus on social interactions as well as how well the child interacts with them, other children and even with strangers. The development of friendships is also often discussed since this is an ideal way for doctors to note if the child is able to form these types of social bonds.

Communication skills are also commonly tested. The types of tests run are often verbal discussions or a combination of a discussion and visual tests. The age of the child often determines what types of tests the doctors may run to determine if they have AS.

If there is an Asperger's syndrome diagnosis, doctors will then pursue the best treatment for the child, around their needs. Each child is very different and each requires specialized help..

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