Aspergers

Over a year ago we had Josie tested for Autism and she was diagnosed with Aspergers. We were very honest with her (and the other kids) about her diagnosis and what it means which she took very well. I was an emotional wreck but kept it under wraps until I we were done talking to her. Here's a simple run down of what Aspergers is:

Josie was diagnosed with Asperger’s and I thought it would be helpful if you all knew what that meant:


What is Asperger syndrome?

Children with Asperger syndrome can think well and learn about lots of things as easily as other children, but they have problems:

• when they try to communicate with others
• with social skills
• with their behavior

Asperger syndrome is sometimes called an 'Autism spectrum disorder' because in some ways it is a bit like autism.

Communicating with others

• Children with Asperger syndrome can hear what others say to them, and they know what the words mean, but they don't pick up the 'non-verbal' part of communication, so they often don't get the full message.

• Kids who have Asperger syndrome may have problems understanding that they have to listen as well as talk.

• They may have problems making friends. They often want to have friends, and they can feel very lonely, but they don't know how to be a friend.

• They may choose to play alone and stay away from other kids, or talk to adults because being with other kids confuses them.

• Some may do the wrong thing to try and make friends and this can get them into trouble.

• They may believe everything they hear