What about the girls? April 1, 2010

Aspergers syndrome is ten times more prevalent in males than in females.  It’s not uncommon for girls with Asperger’s to go undiagnosed well into adulthood.  Manifestations of aspergers found in females tend to be less pronounced and different than some manifestations in males.  Some of these differences include:

-          Less motor impairment

-          Broader range of obsessions

-          More of a desire to connect with others

One main similarity between boys and girls is the obsession they may have about a certain topic.  Girls usually have more socially acceptable obsessions like horses and reading.  If you think you have aspergers and you are a girl, or you are a parent of a girl who you think might have aspergers consult with a specialist in aspergers because manifestations in girls are much more subtle.

What are you thinking? April 1, 2010

What are you thinking?  The only way to really know what someone is thinking is to ask them this simple question.  Alex Olinkiewicz explains in his own words how he thinks, what he thinks, and how individuals with aspergers syndrome do think and act differently than most people.

Alex points out that most people with aspergers have a difficult time empathizing with others. They find it difficult to role play and understand how another person is feeling.  People with aspergers also have a hard time understanding body language and social cues.  After watching and listening to Alex talk about aspergers, and how he thinks and acts gives great insight into the world of aspergers.

To medicate, or not to medicate? That is the question. April 1, 2010

To medicate? Or not to medicate?  That is the question!  It is a big decision for parents of children with aspergers and other developmental disorders including ADHD, depression, bi-polar disorder, etc whether or not to medicate the individual with the disorder.  Unlike these other disorders (ADHD, depression, bi-polar disorder) there are not any specific medications specifically for individuals with aspergers.  There are many who find that there are types of medications which can address some of the symptoms of aspergers. 

Medications used by individuals with aspergers normally include one of the following:

• SSRI: (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).  SSRI’s are made to treat anxiety and depression. 
• Antipsychotics: these prescriptions help address  irritability, repetitive movement, etc.

It is important whenever starting a new medication to weigh the side effects against the benefits and decide if one or any of these medications would be appropriate in treatment for aspergers.  If you are an individual considering medication, or have a child you are considering medicating consult a doctor.  Because not every person with aspergers is the same one medication may not work on another individual with aspergers.  It may take a significant amount of time to find a medication that is right for you or your child.