Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Repetitive Behavior
• Method 2 of 2: Sensitivity
• Tips

In childhood, it is difficult to distinguish Asperger's syndrome from the developmental disorders that occur in autism, but there are certain differences that distinguish this disorder from others. A child with Asperger Syndrome has a high level of speech development and a normal level of intellectual ability, but certain changes in behavioral algorithms and social interaction are noticed.Observe your child's behavior and if you suspect Asperger's, talk to your pediatrician.

Steps

1. 1 Social relationships: Observe the child's behavior to detect key manifestations of Asperger's symptom.
   • Asperger's Syndrome can show up when your child initiates communication but has difficulty supporting the communication process. For example, in the middle of playing with another toddler, your son or daughter might get up and leave the room.
   • Children with Asperger Syndrome prefer to play alone, and the approach of another child can upset them. They are tuned in to contacts only when the desire to communicate comes from themselves (for example, they are attracted by some kind of toy or want to discuss something).
   • You should be wary if your child has a poor culture of communication with other people. For example, they may interrupt in the middle of a sentence or avoid eye contact. Another symptom of Asperger's can be limited use of facial expressions, gestures, pantomime (posture) and other physical manifestations of emotion.
   • The imagination of children with Asperger develops in a special way. For example, they may not like group games and even resist the perception of their rules. They may prefer games with a clearly established algorithm of actions, for example, repeating a favorite fairy tale or TV show many times. They may also love their own dream worlds, but they almost always resist playing social roles. Such a child may prefer his own fantasy world to games with peers. Even when playing with friends, they often try to impose their own games.
   • A child with Asperger often has difficulty recognizing and understanding other people's emotions. For example, a child with Asperger's Syndrome cannot understand the desire of others to be alone. Neglecting the feelings of others may seem like indifference, but this is not a conscious manifestation of the child's will, but something that he cannot yet cope with.
2. 2 See who your child prefers to play with. If he always strives to be with adults, and not with peers, this may indicate Asperger's syndrome.
3. 3 Pay attention if the child speaks in an even, monotonous voice. This is one of the telltale signs of Asperger's Syndrome. In some cases, all speech may sound strange or in a raised tone. Asperger can also impair accentuation of words and general rhythm of speech.
4. 4 Be vigilant during the period of mastering speech, when the child begins to connect words (in most cases this process begins at the age of two).
   • Note that in some cases, a child with Asperger Syndrome has excellent speech skills and is very outgoing. For example, he can easily name all the objects in the room. In this case, you need to be wary if the speech sounds too formal, or if it seems that the child is more likely to enumerate facts, rather than trying to convey thoughts and emotions. You also need to be careful if a sociable child has difficulty speaking in certain situations, for example, in a new environment or outside the family. Do not attribute this only to shyness, relying on the fact that the child communicates normally with close relatives.
5. 5 Notice how actively the child is asking and answering the questions of others. Asperger's syndrome can manifest itself in the fact that the child discusses and is interested only in those topics that are of personal interest to him.

Method 1 of 2: Repetitive Behavior

1. 1 Observe how easily your child adapts to change. Young children with Asperger Syndrome do not tolerate innovations well and prefer to live according to a certain schedule and rules.
2. 2 Pay attention to a child's obsession with a particular topic or activity. If a child can be called walking encyclopedia on any topic, it may also indicate Asperger's syndrome.
   • There is nothing wrong with being interested in a particular topic.You need to be wary only in those cases when interest turns into intense mania, absorbing all the time and energy.
3. 3 Observe repetitive motor patterns, such as constantly twisting your hand, tapping your fingers, or moving your whole body. Children with Asperger Syndrome may also have difficulty with some motor functions. For example, they may find it difficult to throw and catch the ball.

Method 2 of 2: Sensitivity

1. 1 Determine the level of sensory sensitivity (touch, sight, smell, hearing and taste).
   • Although sensory sensitivity can vary, most children with Asperger Syndrome have an increased sensitivity to normal sensations.
   • Only a doctor can determine when the sensitivity is really increased physiologically, and when acquired reflexes appear. Research has found that children with Asperger Syndrome may show increased sensitivity due to their own feelings of anxiety, rather than physiological responses to external stimuli.

Tips

• Most parents find it difficult to notice the symptoms of neurological disorders in their children. Listen to what friends and family have to say, especially if they make comments about social relationships, language development, and child behavior, and do not ignore extreme changes in the child's public behavior.
• The behavior of girls with Asperger Syndrome may differ from the classical description, since most of the research has been done on boys. It is better to inquire if the medical professional you turned to for the examination has any experience with girls.