AUTISM AND THE ASPERGER SYNDROME

Autism and the Asperger syndrome are mental disorders that many people tend to confuse. This is because both condition affect the same internal points, however, the manner in which they are altered is what makes the difference. Although the two personalities seem to inhabit a world away from ours, they are manifested in a completely opposite way. But it is possible to reconcile a good education with this condition.

When it comes to interacting with other people, young teens with autism show no interest in socializing, they prefer to keep away from this material environment; beside this, they usually trouble themselves with physical and visual contact. On the other hand, Asperger children seek attention of every person by their side; although often they easily get distracted trying to participate with others. Moreover they don’t worry hugging or being hugged and they want to be observed directly in the eye, otherwise they may feel restless and excluded.

In turn, you may notice that a child with Asperger syndrome usually develops an amazing intelligence superior to that possessed by other young adults of the same age. But this is not the case of those who suffer from an autistic condition; since this affects the intellect of the small children, consequently showing complications in their coefficient compared with a normal one, which is lower.

By the very fact that autistic individuals are usually solitary, they don’t express what they feel or thinking and language is a little reduce; clearly using only the necessary words. Contrary to the social need that represents the Asperger children, they love socializing and attract people, which motivates them to have a broad, loose and attractive lexicon in any situation.

Although it may seem difficult for a child with any of these conditions to be formed correctly with their knowledge, this is not an unattainable goal. Referring to education, both autistic and Asperger children have the opportunity to be part of a learning adapted to them; we just need to put some attention to the methods they require.

For example, when a child is autistic firstly it should be completely evaluated by his specialist; according to the diagnosis we will know whether he can or cannot attend a regular school. Otherwise, the educational units provided for young people with this condition are fully equipped and we can rely on it since it is a complete education. Asperger cases also require some specific commitment to help the child to avoid exaltation with intense emotions that can appear in a regular class environment, in addition, some essential regulations with regards their behavior should be clarified.

Then we must be observers of our children to avoid mistakes. These conditions are not contagious and children who have it just want to receive love, acceptance and understanding; besides being integrated and not discriminated against by those around them, especially parents, so they can be happy.