Other LD's

Asperger's Syndrome:

What is Asperger's Syndrome? 

Asberger's syndrome is a congenital neurobiological condition which is linked to autism spectrum disorder. It is grouped into the Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) category and is characterised by:

	Severe and sustained impairment in social interaction
	Motor delays and clumsiness
	Difficulties with transitions and changes
	Idiosyncratic behaviour
	Difficulties reading nonverbal cues such as those used in body language
	May have few facial expressions, speak in a flat, emotionless voice, or exaggerate
	Oversensitivity in the five senses
	Typically, a normal IQ is present, although it is quite possible that the child will exhibit exceptional talents in one particular area
	Development of restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests and activities
	May have an unusually extensive vocabulary, yet might take everything a person says quite literally
	Talking at length about a particular area of interest and repeating words or phrases again and again
	Intense attachment to a particular object
	Possible difficulties in writing and drawing
	Poor athletic ability

These symptoms often result in significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. And while Hans Asperger published a paper on what came to be called "Asperger's Syndrome" in 1944, it was just in 1994 that the disorder was added to the DSM IV. It is only in the recent past that it has begun to be recognised by professionals, and as a result, has often gone undiagnosed, or mistakenly diagnosed for autism, ADD/ADHD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

How does it compare with autism?

Unlike in autism, Asperger's syndrome does not cause delays in language development and also manifests itself later than what is seen in autism.

What can be done to help children with Asperger's Syndrome?

Currently, there is no prescribed treatment regimen, although specific therapy is very useful to children with Asperger's Syndrome. Their weaknesses can usually be remedied and they can be taught social skills if the disorder is diagnosed at an early age.

Tourette Syndrome

What is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder. It is characterised by the occurrence of involuntary, rapid, sudden movements and/or vocalisations that occur repeatedly in the same way. These movements are called "tics" and include coughing, hissing, humming, kicking movements, foot stomping, arm flailing, nail biting, sudden changes of voice tone, tempo or volume, and sometimes swearing or using obscene language (coprolalia). The physical and vocal tics are completely involuntary, and can only be controlled for very short periods of time before they must be released. To try to understand what a tic is like for a child with Tourette Syndrome, compare a tic to a sneeze.

These tics often change in number, frequency, type and location and can also disappear for weeks or even months at a time. Tics increase with tension and decrease with relaxation. Tics can be classified into two categories: Simple and complex. Simple tics include rapid eye blinking, head jerking, facial grimacing, sniffing and tongue clicking. Complex tics include jumping, touching other people or things, twirling about, uttering words or phrases out of context, and coprolalia.

The symptoms only appear before the age of eighteen.

What causes Tourette Syndrome?

Possibly the abnormal metabolism of neurotransmitters in the brain. It is also genetically transmitted and parents have a 50% chance of passing the gene on to their children. It is an autosomal dominant trait.

What can be done to help children with Tourette Syndrome?

The first thing any parent or teacher should do is try to understand what it is like to have Tourette's syndrome. Try spending a day in their shoes by "trying on" a tic and attempting to watch TV, talk to a friend, etc. while trying to control all these involuntary movements. This will give you a better idea of what life is like for your child/student.

As a teacher, you can help a student with Tourette Syndrome by:

	Allowing the use of tape recorders and computers
	Working with the students’ classmates to help them understand Tourette Syndrome and minimise the chances of the child being bullied or alienated
	Avoid making the child do recitations in front of the class if his/her tics are particularly disruptive
	Encourage the child to use graph paper for maths so they can write one number in each box
	Allow untimed exams to be completed in a private room so the child does not waste energy trying to suppress the tics
	Grant permission for the child to leave the classroom if the tics become overwhelming.

Some medications are also available to help control the symptoms of Tourette Syndrome when they interfere with functioning. The drugs include haloperidol (Haldol), clonidine (Catapres), pimozide (Orap), fluphenazine (Prolixin, Permitil), and clonazepam (Klonopin). All medication is only to be used after consultation with a medical professional!

Many people also experience a marked improvement of Tourette Syndrome in their late teens or early twenties. Most people with Tourette Syndrome get better as they mature.