OCR Text |
Show The Park Record B-14 For Sundance devotees: Wed/Thurs/Fri, January 12-14, 2005 HE RES TO YOUR HEALTH "Far from the madding crowd" . . . but not too far! One of Utah's best dining experiences in a charming European setting. by Joan Jacobson New information on Asperger's syndrome I recently received a masters thcsis written by a friend, Susan Bradburn. who is a school nurse. Her researcli shed new light on Asperger's syndrome (AS). Because it occurs mostly in males and because her own son, now aged l.\ has heen diagnosed with Asperger's, Susan has a vested interest in the subject. AS is categorized as one of five Pervasive Development Disorders (PDDs), or Autism-Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) that include autism, childhood disintegrativc disorder, Retts syndrome and PPDs not otherwise specified. Each of these conditions present with delays in developmental stages from mild to severe. According to the Autism Society of America, one in 163 children are diagnosed with an ASD (Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 2004). The Autism Society of America reports that autism is four times more prevalent in males than females. 'ITiese five conditions are fast growing and could result in four million Americans affected in the next decade. It is known that AS is an inherited condition. Aspcrgers is a ncurobiological disorder that was first described in 1944 by the Viennese physician, Hans Asperger. In his research, Asperger described several young boys who had normal intelligence and language development. However, these boys had deficien- cies in social and communication skills. Some researchers choose to describe AS to be a high-functioning form of autism wliile others place it in a category all its own. There appears to be no known cause lor autism and Aspergers disease, but researchers have noted differences in brain scans in autistic versus nonautistic children. Some abnormalities have been reported involving the frontal lobe, where the social reasoning center in the brain is found. Although there is no causal relationship known at this time, investigators arc looking at a possible relationship between vaccines and AS. Asperger's has often been misdiagnosed. Often it has been associated with a diagnosis of attention deficit hypcractivity, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and or Tourelts syndrome. It is noted however, that any of the above might also combine with one of these disorders. In 1994. the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) listed the diagnostic criteria for AS. First, a qualitative impairment in social interaction with at least two of the following: marked impairments in the use of multiple non-verbal behaviors such as eye-lo-eyc gaze, facial expression, body postures and gestures to regulate social interaction. Other criteria involve failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to development level. Third is a BRINGING THE POWER CLOSER TO HOME. KM PARK CITY, UT lack of spontaneous seeking (o share enjoynicnl. interests or achievements with others. An example of this is not being able to share experiences and interests with other children of the same age. Lastly, these children have a lack of social or emotional reciprocity skills. 'Hie DSM IV lists repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. interests and activities such as preoccupation with one or more interests that are overly concentrated and intense. 'Iliese children are often inflexible with regard to routines and rituals. Repetitive activities such as finger or hand Happing, or whole body movements are also involved, as is |>ersistent preoccupation with parts of objects. In addition, there is impairment in social, occupational and other important activities. 'Hicse children are not delayed in language usage, nor is there a delay in self-help skills, adaptive behavior and curiosity about the environment. Nevertheless, they are viewed by others as different because of their unusual social behavior and conversational skills. Children with AS have trouble making friends, are overly obsessive about certain activities and in resisting change- Noise and bright lights may cause agitation. Many of these kids have normal IQ and some arc exceptional in a specific area. They take everything others say literally with no nuances. 'Hiey do not react to emotional situations and often talk in i\ monotone voice. 'ITiese children simply do not know how to "fit in" or have relationships with others. Tills leads to self-esteem problems, self-fault finding, and belittling themselves. These youngsters often seek out others who have some of the same interests such as computers and video games. Bradburn says that a teen with AS can become isolated and depressed unless there is a strong support system and sensitivity about the condition. Most adolescent peers ;ire not willing to invest the time or effort it takes to gel to know and understand these teens. Often peers ridicule the AS child. As a result the child may feel confused and sensitive in knowing he or she is different from others in the peer group. Most teens with Aspergers syndrome shy away from romantic relationships for fear of rejection. 'Hie result is that his peers may decide that he is "gay" and taunt him. As a result, these teens often suffer a painful adolescence. Because the teen with AS is unable to perform the basic tasks that are usual in the maturation process, they have very low-self esteem. Later in life these kids may experience higher levels of depression and suicide than those who do not have ihe syndrome. It is a challenge to build selfesteem in these teens. The parents and school personnel need to be made aware of the condition. Often they will be called on to make heroic efforts to help the child adjust. Identifying areas of strength in these children is essential. When the teen does show a specific strength, rewards and praise must lie given. It is suggested that groups be formed for AS children where they can prac- tice and rehearse social behavior. In addition there arc specialized camps for children with AS where social skills are developed further. As a result of her research and interviews with parents and educators. Susan Bradburn has develojied a "Parents' Guide to Building Sell Esteem in the Adolescent with Asperger's Syndrome." What can parents do? Be proactive: Educate yourself and your family to gain a belter understanding how AS affects your child at home, at school and in the community. Keep up with the literature and research on AS, join a support group and look for workshops whose focus is geared to AS. Communicate: Open communication is key between the parents, the child, family members and school staff. Address social differences: Hie adolescent will need assistance in getting along socially. Practicing these skills with the child will help. Explaining the why and wherefore of these skills will be important. Nurture strengths: Individuals with AS can be both imaginative and have wonderful talents. Parents need to guide their youngsters into activities in which they can become proficient and succeed. Teach others Others in the community should also understand how AS affects the adolescent. Furthermore, says Bradburn, the youngster should also be taught what AS is. and the symptoms of the syndrome. Seek support AS affects the family system. Professional counseling may be needed so that everyone in the family understands what is going on. Specialized public school support and therapeutic education centers should be given consideration. Be land to yourself: You as the parent must recognize that the symptoms of AS are not the result of bad parenting. Others on the outside may not recognize this fact. Remember to take care of yourself so that you will be able emotionally, physically and spiritually to cope with your child. Finally, Bradburn says that it is really important to get out on the Internet to look for educational materials, and also to find the resources available to families with AS. She says that she found parent workshops in her own community that offered amazing social support. I came away with a sense that AS is not "the end of the world" for parents and their children with the condition. These children can be taught how to socialize, look people in the eye. and achieve in the world. This will require help from the family, school and the community It is an emerging condition and more research needs to be done. In the meantime, awareness by the parents, family, schools and the community will offer support and understanding We shouldn't give up on these children. With community support, hard work and forbearance, these children can be taught to adapt and get on with their lives. Park City resident Joan Jacdhson, PhD, RN, is an adjunct professor for the University of Utah College of Nursing. She is the author of M'idlite Women. GATEWAY OFFICES I ADVANTAGE #4 YOU WON'T GO BROKE WHEN EQUIPMENT BREAKS DOWN! Thai's the beauty of having on office at Gateway! You can use laser printer*, color copiers, fax machines and more and if something breaks, it's not your problem. Or your expense. Get a new lease on your future at Gateway. . .. V Announcing another new Bank One location near you. Stop by today and get Free One Checking" with direct deposit. When you add over 1,800 banking centers and 6,500 Bank One and Chase ATMs, Maximum Strength Checking* has never been more convenient. Visit our new Park City branch or call 435.615.2774. ni Him u [ , nu Cftfe>w&tf > 200-1 Bank One is a division of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N A Member FDIC. CUT, BI imo 435.65 5.9696 www.gatewaybusinesscenler.com |