Behaviour therapy and cognitive therapy

⸻ ⭐ What is Asperger’s Syndrome? Asperger’s Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition where the child has: • Good speech development • Good intelligence • Difficulty with social interaction, communication, and flexibility • Repetitive behaviors or intense interests It is now medically grouped under ASD Level 1 (High-Functioning Autism). ⸻ ⭐ Core Features of Asperger’s Syndrome 1️⃣ Social Interaction Difficulties • Limited eye contact • Difficulty understanding social rules (sharing, waiting, greetings) • Prefers to play alone • Difficulty making or keeping friends • Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings ⸻ 2️⃣ Communication Differences • Speech may be clear but: • Monotonous tone • Repetitive talking • Focus on one topic • Difficulty understanding jokes, sarcasm, expressions ⸻ 3️⃣ Behavior & Interests • Strong, intense interests (trains, planets, numbers, maps, dinosaurs) • Follows routines strictly • Gets upset with small changes • Repetitive behaviors (hand movements, pacing, lining up items) ⸻ 4️⃣ Sensory Issues • Over- or under-sensitivity to: • Lights • Sounds • Touch • Smell • Textures • Movement • Dislikes certain clothes, foods, or environments ⸻ 5️⃣ Emotional & Behavioral Features • Meltdowns due to sensory overload • Difficulty managing emotions • Anxiety • Rigid thinking • Difficulty with transitions ⸻ ⭐ Strengths in Asperger’s Many children and adults show strong abilities: • Excellent memory • High focus • Good logical thinking • Deep knowledge in chosen interests • Honest and detail-oriented • Good at maths, tech, drawing, coding, or structure-based work ⸻ ⭐ Causes There is no single cause. Known factors include: • Genetics • Brain development differences • Prenatal influences Not caused by parenting or environment. ⸻ ⭐ Diagnosis Usually done by: • Developmental paediatrician • Child psychiatrist • Clinical psychologist Evaluation includes: • Behaviour observation • Social communication assessment • Sensory profile • Cognitive or learning evaluation ⸻ ⭐ Therapies That Help 1. Occupational Therapy (OT) • Sensory integration • Social skills play • Improving flexibility • Emotional regulation 2. Speech & Communication Therapy • Social communication • Conversational skills • Eye-contact and turn-taking • Understanding gestures & expressions 3. Behaviour Therapy • ABA-based interventions • Meltdown management • Reducing rigidity • Increasing social adaptability 4. Special Education or Cognitive Training • Understanding concepts • Improving learning strategies 5. Social Skills Training • Group or individual • Peer interaction practice ⸻ ⭐ Home Strategies for Parents • Maintain predictable routine • Prepare child for changes • Use visual schedules • Practice eye contact through games • Teach feelings using pictures • Reduce sensory overload • Encourage structured play • Support their interests ⸻