Asperger's Syndrome - an Invisible Disability

• Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is a neurological condition where the brain is wired differently to the majority. It is considered to be a developmental disorder and an invisible disability, as those affected have marked impairment with social interaction. Asperger's is considered to be an Austistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Many people with Asperger appear "almost normal" (particularly females), and may not understand why they encounter difficulties.

What Asperger's Disorder is NOT:

• a psychological disorder, so conventional Freudian or play therapies will not work
• a disease, and there is no cure
• something one can grow out of
• deliberate disobedience
• a hopeless situation

Typical Features of Asperger's

• General lack of awareness of people - tend to not look at people
• Blind to social conventions and unspoken social "rules"
• Thinkers - inside their heads constantly
• May have sensory issues - acute hearing, smell, sight, touch etc causing discomfort
• Unaware of reciprocal interaction
• Very blunt to the point of rudeness (but being rude is unintentional)
• Have narrow special interests to the point of obsession
• May be fearful and anxious about social situations
• Easily overwhelmed and frustrated and may tantrum
• Look and act in quirky, odd and unconventional ways
• May have diffculties with co-ordination and may be clumsy
• May be unkempt as chose clothes for comfort not fashion
• lose track of time, direction
• may be disorganised
• socially naive
• difficulty making friends
• bully magnets
• uncomfortable making eye contact

Some things that may help:

• special diet - for moods, tantrums, clarity of mind, behaviour
• occupational therapy - for sensory issues and co-ordination
• martial arts - for co-ordination, listening, discipline, achievement, exercise, confidence, self-defense, focus
• social skills training - to learn how to communicate better and "blend" in more socially, to reduce stigma
• social stories
• music therapy and art therapy for relaxation and emotional expression
• medication - be aware medication on its own does little to help and may make things worse
• acceptance and understanding at home and school
• school accommodations
• learning as much as possible about Asperger's
• joining a support forum - in person or on-line

Boys are more frequently diagnosed with Asperger's. Girls are under-diagnosed, because they are often able to mask their difficulties to some extent.

Don't let a label be slapped on your child that doesn't fit, as this will not help. Asperger's is frequently mis-diagnosed as an anxiety disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Avoidant Personality Disorder, Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder and more. The above disorders have overlap with Asperger's and may even be co-morbid.

In my son's case, he has Auditory Processing Disorder (inability to make sense of auditory information), which is why he appeared to have ADHD. He does have ADHD characteristics though such as executive function deficits and impulsivity. He also has some OCD traits.