Nothing can be scarier to a parent than hearing the diagnosis Asperger Syndrome. Much is not known about this condition of the autism spectrum other than that it involves delays in basic skill development. These can include delays in socialization and communication as well as other areas.

Although children with Asperger Syndrome do function better than children with traditional autism, you are still looking at a pervasive developmental disorder and your life will change as a result. Help is available as it is estimated that 2 out of every 10,000 children born will receive this diagnosis. Boys are three to four times more likely to have it and symptoms usually appear by the third birthday.

Symptoms of Asperger Syndrome vary greatly. Your child may lack social skills or he may have communication difficulties. A strange gait may develop and your child may appear uncoordinated. Speech is often delivered in a monotone pitch with a lack of rhythm or an odd inflection. Children who have been diagnosed with this disorder often develop an obsessive interest in a single area to the exclusion of all others. This can lead to poor interaction with children and adults alike.

If these symptoms are noticed in your child, a medical professional will do any number of things. Currently there is not single diagnostic test to determine if this is the condition your child has. As a result, you may receive different diagnoses from different doctors. Yet, all will most likely look for symptoms such as aloofness, a lack of interactive play, abnormal eye contact or a failure to respond when called by name.

One or more must be present by the age of three to receive this diagnosis. If your paediatrician suspects your child has Asperger Syndrome, the next step will be to have him evaluated by a team of experts. This team may include a psychologist, a neurologist, a speech therapist and a psychiatrist in addition to other professionals such as teachers. Most likely, a complete neurological and genetic assessment will be done as well as cognitive and language testing. Then a diagnosis will be made.

Although a cure does not exist for Asperger Syndrome at this time, you don't need to despair. Help is available. Your son or daughter will need specialist education as well as speech, physical, and/or occupational therapy. Behaviour modification has been used with great success, using such techniques as positive reinforcement. Medication will not cure you child, but you may receive prescriptions to help alleviate certain symptoms. Social skills training are also frequently included in the treatment plan. Spend some time learning about the disorder and your options so you can best help your child.

To discover more about our Aspergers parenting community website go to www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com