Asperger's syndrome and autism are both disorders on the autism spectrum and are known as pervasive developmental disorders. They both affect a child's ability to communicate effectively and make and maintain relationships. However, autism is more severe than Asperger's syndrome. Children who suffer from these disorders have a more difficult time making friends and being successful in school.
Basics of Asperger's Syndrome
To understand the difference between Asperger's syndrome and autism one must know the symptoms of these two disorders. A child with Asperger's disorder will seem to be having conversations with himself even though he might be with a friend. According to the Mayo Clinic, he'll show signs of unusual nonverbal communication and lack facial expressions. He might seem obsessed with an object or hobby such as collecting coins. Children with this disorder also have a difficult time empathizing with others, understanding humor and have poor coordination. They usually speak in monotonous voices and have unusual postures.
Basics of Autism
Children with autism have an incredibly hard time expressing thoughts and emotions. They tend to like to play by themselves and don't communicate unless someone is helping them. Autistic children are sensitive to sound and touch. They might shy away when parents try to hug them and become really upset when hearing a loud sound such as siren. Children with autism is unable to read facial expressions and link words to their meanings. Autistic children usually make unusual gestures such as flap their arms or say the same word over and over. They need a rigid structure and become extremely upset when the structure changes. Children with Asperger's syndrome are higher functioning than autistic children.
Causes
There are no known specific causes of either disorder. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke report that researchers believe that it's a combination of genetics and environment. Some studies show differences in the brains of children with pervasive developmental disorders. More research needs to be done before scientists can determine the cause of these disorders.
Treatment
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, each child with a pervasive developmental disorder needs his own treatment plan. There is no one correct treatment option for autism and Asperger's syndrome. However, research proves that early intervention is most successful. Children can be placed in structured programs with professionals trained to work with children with these disorders. Applied behavior analysis is one of the most popular treatment options for children with autism. For Asperger's syndrome, communication and social skills training and cognitive-behavioral therapy are recommended. Medication does not treat these disorders, but there are medications to treat aggressive or self-injurious behaviors of autistic children and co-existing disorders such as ADHD.
Self-Help
Children with autism and Asperger's syndrome need the help of mental health professionals, but parents of these children can help their children. They can learn about the disorder, help their children turn their obsessions into a positive passion and learn about the specific ways that the disorder affects their particular child.
