Asperger syndrome is a type of autism disorder that is often diagnosed in children. Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects a child’s ability to communicate effectively and engage in social activities. There is no cure for Asperger syndrome, but behavioral modifications treatments can improve the patient’s quality of life. The symptoms of Asperger syndrome can be difficult to recognize in infants, but once the symptoms are noticed, prompt diagnosis and treatment can be given.
Lack of Social Skills
A problem with the development of social skills is one of the most common symptoms of Asperger syndrome, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. This manifests as an inability to communicate properly with others. Infants and toddlers will exhibit this symptoms by showing delays in social development. Babies may not exhibit a social smile until much later on in their life. Infants may totally ignore the voices of the parents or strangers, or conversely cry and become irritable when confronted with any form of social contact. As the child ages, the lack of normal social skills becomes more apparent.
Abnormal Non-Verbal Communication
Babies with Asperger syndrome might exhibit abnormal methods of non-verbal communication. Normally, a person will look another person in the eye, have appropriate facial expressions or exhibit predictable body postures or gestures. Infants will not look at people speaking to them or react to auditory stimuli. Toddlers will have subdued facial expressions. Body posture, or body language, will be noticeably abnormal in children with the disease.
Obsession with Complex Topics
Young children with Asperger syndrome may become obsessed with complex topics, such as intricate patterns or music, according to KidsHealth. Toddlers will become enraptured by a stylized pattern on a fabric or in a book. Babies may also listen to music that would typically be ignored by a normal child. This obsession becomes more apparent as the child ages. Patients may be unable to focus on any other aspect of the environment once they notice the object of their obsession. Behavioral conditioning will be necessary to help alleviate this symptom.
Poor Coordination
Uncoordinated movements are a common symptom in Asperger’s, reports MayoClinic.com. Children may be seen moving clumsily and be unable to coordinate movements of the hands or feet. They might exhibit an odd posture or have a stiff, rigid gait. Infants may show a delay in learning how to crawl or walk, and may also exhibit a delay in fine motor movements, such as grasping an object.
