When a child in the family is suspected to have an Asperger Syndrome, every family member will experience emotional changes like worry, fear and concern. There are ways to help a child with Asperger Syndrome to cope with their daily life. First, the family must be knowledgeable with the signs and symptoms of Asperger Syndrome. These symptoms are mostly related to problems in socializing, language and communication, motor skills and sensory input and output.
Children with Asperger Syndrome find it difficult socializing with others. They may find it difficult to approach and start a conversation with other children for they do not understand how to interact with others. Usually they wait for other people to approach them. They have trouble in making friends. They fail to understand the feelings and emotions of others. They do not comprehend with group discussion or instructions in game activities. They find it hard to interpret body gesture, body language and facial expressions.
In problem with communication and language, children may have problems in paying attention on people and topics that he or she does not like. They may not understand the message of the conversation that sometimes leads to misinterpretation and misunderstanding. Children with Aspergers fail to make eye contact when making conversation to others. They may speak in a flat tone or in an emotionless manner. Aspergers children may use words that are inappropriate in a situation and sometimes they create their own choice of words while in a conversation. There are also moments that they use adult words or language that are far advanced based on their age.
Regarding in difficulty with their motor skills, children will have a hard time joining in any sport activities and even imaginary games due to their poor motor skills. They prefer to play alone. They have poor handwriting skills and they cannot learn without using visual aids.
Aspergers children may react to certain smell, taste, sound, and light due to problems in sensory input and output. They do not like foods with distinctive smell, color and taste. They may hate being touched by others. They may use repetitive movement like rocking back and forth or flapping their hands to calm themselves when engaging in a stressful activity.
If a parent suspect their child to have asperger syndrome or notice the asperger symptoms in them, it is better to seek further help from medical professionals. Parents can do research to understand better the condition of their children. With time and patience, parents will able to know some coping strategies that can help their children with Aspergers with their daily life. Don’t lose hope. There are many ways on how to cope with this kind of problem. Just be well guided by our medical professionals and continue to engage in therapies that aids your child to help control the symptoms brought by Asperger Syndrome.