Aspergers syndrome (autism) - Research Paper Example

Asperger Syndrome (AS) is an autism spectrum disorder that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. It differs from other autism spectrum disorders by its relative preservation of linguistic and cognitive development. It is a neurological disorder that can impair communication, socialization and behavior.  Symptom severity can range from mild to severe. For example, one child may intensely flap their arms to show excitement, another may display a smile under the same set of circumstances, while another child may sit in the corner and rock, leading the observer to believe that they may be incapable of showing or feeling emotion.

It can become an overshadowing factor in every aspect of life, including education, establishing and maintaining relationships, responding to pain and discomfort, and even in the ability to express emotion. Out of every 10,000 children, Asperger Syndrome is found in between 20 to 25 children, while Autism is only found in 4 out of 10,000 children, thus making Asperger Syndrome more common than autism (Fine, 2004).  Asperger Syndrome is diagnosed more frequently in males than females by a 4:1 margin (Fine, 2004).

Asperger syndrome treatment attempts to manage distressing symptoms and to teach age-appropriate social, communication and vocational skills that are not naturally acquired during development with intervention tailored to the needs of the individual based on multidisciplinary assessment. Thus, education is the primary form of treatment for this mysterious condition. This means that there are important responsibilities on schools, teachers and children's parents, as well as the other professionals who work with children with autism.

Treatment Therapies for Autistic Children The training of social skills for more effective interpersonal interactions, Cognitive behavioral therapy to improve stress management relating to anxiety or explosive emotions, and to cut back on obsessive interests and repetitive routines, Medication, for coexisting conditions such as major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, Occupational or physical therapy to assist with poor sensory integration and motor coordination, Social communication intervention, which is specialized speech therapy to help with the pragmatics of the give and take of normal conversation, The training and support of parents, particularly in behavioral techniques to use in the home.

Classroom Issues Students with Asperger Syndrome have difficulties adjusting to different environments.  Many problems that students with Asperger Syndrome have in the classroom are the outcome of unanticipated alterations.  Changes that affect schedule, seating, activities, and teachers, may result in distress for the child.  Having to travel to different classrooms throughout the day, a factor in middle and high school, may affect the child greatly, mostly causing