Early Intervention: Asperger Syndrome

1. Early Intervention: Asperger Syndrome A public service announcement on behalf of committed parents like you aimed at providing resources for understanding the hurdles to finding a solution to the unique needs of each child. Research has indicated that early intervention (birth-age 3) is the most beneficial time for treatment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

2. Does your child exhibit any one of these symptoms? • Unable to cope with change in routines • Falls more than usual • Seems socially awkward/misunderstands social situations • Sees things in “black and white” no grey areas • Odd speech pattern or repetative phrases • Overly sensitive to lights/smells/sounds

3. Aspergers Syndrome • What is It? • A developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to socialize and communicate effectively with others. • Annually 500,000 Americans are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. (CDC 2005) (p.1) • The diagnosis of autism spectrum was added as a special education exception in 1991 and is now the sixth most commonly utilized diagnosis in the United States. • 51-91 percent of children with autism spectrum conditions, developmental concerns had been recorded before 3 years of age. • The median age of earliest autism spectrum diagnosis is between 4.5 to 5.5 years • A person with Asperger Syndrome have only moderate social and communication impairments and often grow up to be productive members of society

4. Can you tell which one of these children is diagnosed with Aspergers? • She behaved independently and somehow separate from other kids like something was off or not right. • She would have occasional outbursts over fixations of objects or circumstances. • She appeared clumsy and unaware of what she was doing always spilling or breaking things without realizing the consequences of her actions. Emily is on the left with her sister My daughter Emily was diagnose with Aspergers approximately a year after her sixth birthday. However, with ongoing speech/occupational therapy and medication she has a bright future with every day as a struggle and a blessing.

5. What the research tells us: Piecing together the puzzle • diagnosis of autism at age 2 can be reliable, valid, and stable. Despite research evidence, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much later • Do not have as many opportunities for enriching classes due to limited classroom aid support/ limited willingness by general education teachers. • High ability in regards to functional tasks, but have difficulty with comprehension or problem solving skills.

6. Talk with national groups aimed at supporting parents and providing unbiased information. National Autsim Society http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/ Autism Society http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/ Finding Resources • Talk to your health care practioner, your local schools and the leaders of education in your community about getting your child tested. • It doesn’t take very long, its inexpensive, and it helps further the education and research. • Most importantly it offers your child the chance to have a wonderfully functional future.

7. After all, aren’t they WORTH IT

8. References Angel, D. (2009) Parenting Aspergers Resource Guide. Retrieved from: http://www.parentingaspergers.com/?hop=lifestar20 Borgman, S. (2011). Have You Seen These Autism Spectrum Statistics?. Prospering with Aspergers. Retrieved from: http://www.myaspergers.net/autism- statistics/ Mayo Clinic. (20100. Asperger's Syndrome. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aspergers- syndrome/DS00551 WebMD. (2008). Asperger's Syndrome - Symptoms. Healthwise. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/tc/aspergers-syndrome- symptoms