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In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to askquestions during your appointment anytime you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:
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What specific behaviors prompted your visit today?
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When did you first notice these symptoms in your child?
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Have these behaviors been continuous, or occasional?
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Does anything seem to improve your child's symptoms?
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What, if anything, appears to worsen your child's symptoms?
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When did your child first crawl? Walk? Say his or her first word?
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Does your child have close friends?
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What are some of your child's favorite activities? Is there one that he or she favors?
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Have you noticed a change in his or her level of frustration in social settings?
Tests and diagnosis
Because Asperger's syndrome varies widely in severity and signs, making a diagnosis can bedifficult. If your child shows some signs of Asperger's syndrome, your doctor may suggest acomprehensive assessment by a team of professionals.This evaluation will likely include observing your child and talking to you about your child'sdevelopment. You may be asked about your child's social interaction, communication skillsand friendships. Your child may also undergo a number of tests to determine his or her levelof intellect and academic abilities. Tests may assess your child's abilities in the areas ofspeech, language and visual-motor problem solving. Tests can also identify other emotional,behavioral and psychological issues.Unfortunately, some kids with Asperger's syndrome are first misdiagnosed with anotherproblem, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or obsessive-compulsivedisorder, possibly because the symptoms of some conditions are similar to those ofAsperger's. Additionally, other conditions may coexist with Asperger's, and this may delay thediagnosis.
Treatments and drugs
The core signs of Asperger's syndrome can't be cured. But most children benefit from earlyspecialized interventions that focus on behavior management and social skills training. Yourdoctor can help identify resources in your area that may work for your child. Options mayinclude:
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Communication and social skills training.
Children with Asperger's syndrome maybe able to learn the unwritten rules of socialization and communication when taught inan explicit and rote fashion, much like the way students learn foreign languages.Children with Asperger's syndrome may also learn how to speak in a more naturalrhythm, as well as how to interpret communication techniques, such as gestures, eyecontact, tone of voice, humor and sarcasm.
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Cognitive behavior therapy.
This general term encompasses many techniquesaimed at curbing problem behaviors, such as interrupting, obsessions, meltdowns or
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