Aspergers Syndrome In Children

What are the researches saying?
The research that has been done over the last few years say that 1 school child in every 70 is now diagnosed with a form of Autism; this includes children with average or higher than average intelligence with no obvious difficulties learning to speak, other statistic are
4-7 times as many boys as girls
35% will experience severe manic or manic-depressive illness
15% will suffer from depression, anxiety or OCD

The Cost of Autistic Spectrum Disorder
A study by Professor Martin Knapp and Krister Jarbrink of (CEMH) commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation, with funding from the Shirley Foundation, carried out an exploratory study of the costs of autistic spectrum disorders. The study was based on a review of published international literature and on analysis of current data, which includes people with autism. This study can be viewed at http://www.learningdisabilities.org.uk/html/content/updatev01i17.pdf

The key findings of the research were as follows:
The annual cost of autistic disorder on the UK is at least £1 billion;
The average additional lifetime cost resulting from autism and associated learning disabilities is estimated to
be £2,940,538 per person;
The greatest costs are for living support (70%) and day activities (14%); much less is spent on education (7%). Evidence suggests that even moderate increases in educational provision could potentially result in
major savings in later living costs;
The economic consequences to parents of having an autistic child living at home include an annual loss of earnings estimated as at least 1/6th of the average disposable income;

Why are we seeing more cases of AS Being diagnosed now?
Increased awareness
Changing education patterns
Changes and more acceptance in society
Medical knowledge more precise

What are the Symptoms of Asperger syndrome

Social -communicative difficulties?
Is a loner
Is active but has odd actions
Is aloof or passive
Poor eye contact
Sad /serious expression
Does not understand empathy
Show great Difficulty with group work whilst in a classroom setting
Children will respond better to adults than to their peer group
Do not understand the meaning of small talk but try getting them to stop talking about their special interest

Language difficulties
Speech may be delayed
Literal and the concept of language is a difficult area
Idiosyncratic language

Have Ridged routines
Living to routine, they get extremely distress if it has to change
Have unusual patterns of play e.g. lining toys up or taking them apart
Can Have Obsession interests

These Common Obsessions can be
Pylons
Maps
Gadgets
Factual subjects which they can immerse themselves in.

Gross Motor Movements
Clumsy
Poor co-ordination e.g. catching a ball or being accident prone
Flapping movements or nervous tics

Other Asperger syndrome Traits
Hyper sensitivity to temperature/noise/smell/touch
Independent or creative thinker
More interest in things rather than people
Higher than normal anxiety level.

What Asperger Syndrome is not?
An excuse for bad behaviour
Bad parenting
Mental illness
Extreme shyness
Stupidity
Curable or contagious

If a member of your family has AS you may:
Have difficulty obtaining diagnosis
Have difficulty obtaining a statement of special educational needs for your child
See your child consistently bullied and excluded
May have your child sent out of county for his schooling
See your son or daughter as they get older have difficulty holding down a job
Your whole family may feel isolated

Specific ways we can help the person with AS:
Teaching social skills; using role play to model more 'normal' conversation
Provide a safe and supervised place where your child can learn how to socialise
Using behavioural techniques to reduce inappropriate obsessions and motor rituals
Transforming the obsession into functional, useful activities.

I think my child has an autistic spectrum disorder. How do I go about getting them diagnosed?
In many instances professional workers may spot the tell-tale signs of autism via the normal childhood health checks and this will eventually result in them being formally diagnosed.
If this does not happen and you feel that there is a possibility that your child has an autistic spectrum disorder you should go to your GP and request that they refer them to a consultant or diagnostic team with a good understanding of the condition.
I have been to my GP but they refuse to refer my child on.

Under the Patients Charter you can request to see a consultant of your choice or seek a second opinion if you are dissatisfied with the first, but only with the agreement of your GP. However, being assertive and persistent can help.

You might also find the following tips useful;
Prepare notes on what you want to say to your GP prior to your appointment
Keep a diary to record any unusual behaviours exhibited by your child and their frequency. Also record how you have tried to deal with situations. I.e. what happened - How you dealt with the situation - What was the outcome?
Supply your GP with as much information on Aspergers syndrome as possible
If part of a group practice, ask to see a doctors who has experience with AS

Is there a particular kind of doctor that my child needs to see?
In some areas there may be multi-disciplinary teams (i.e. made up of a number of different health professionals) involved in diagnosing autism. It is important to ensure that whoever sees your child has a good knowledge of autistic spectrum disorders.
What treatments are available?
There are a number of treatments available, but the most used treatment is a combination of Medication and behaviour modification and development.

Please click on this link to be taken to information on the medications used for AS and other developmental conditions:
http://www.angel-images.com/Adhdmedication.htm

Developing more productive behavioural patterns
Coaching can help with developing a more expectable way of living for the AS sufferer and their families. For details of family and individual Coaching sessions please click the link below

Family coaching
As a coach I will help you to implement the techniques needed to help your child with AS. You will learn the techniques needed to help your child develop into a confident, positive individual. As a family you will grow and start working together as one unit, moving forward together. Contact Christine today

For further info on the cost of family coaching.

Please click this link: Services to be taken to our services page

OR Contact Christine