Asperger’s Syndrome in Children: Diagnosis and Treatment in Switzerland

Asperger’s syndrome (AS) is an autistic disorder characterised by difficulties in social interaction and communication, together with restricted and repetitive interests and behaviour. AS is usually diagnosed in early childhood, but it can also be diagnosed later if the symptoms went unnoticed earlier.

In Switzerland, AS in children is diagnosed and treated in line with international standards. A range of specialists can help children with AS, including psychiatrists, psychologists, speech therapists and special-needs teachers.

01 Classification of Asperger’s syndrome

The International Classification of Diseases places Asperger’s syndrome among the autistic-type disorders. The disorder belongs to this phenotype on the basis of features similar to high-functioning autism.

02 Aetiology of Asperger’s syndrome

The causes of Asperger’s syndrome have not been precisely determined.

Likely factors include biological and genetic abnormalities.

It has been scientifically proven that children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder differ from other children in the structure of the brain. Around one fifth of cases occur against the background of a genetic mutation.

Risk factors include:

• premature birth;
• parents aged over 40;
• exposure of the mother to biologically harmful substances during pregnancy;
• heredity.

One theory holds that adverse environmental factors acting on the child during the first six months of life trigger the signs of the condition.

03 Pathogenesis of Asperger’s syndrome

The process by which Asperger’s syndrome arises and develops is not precisely known.

Features of Asperger’s syndrome include abnormalities in serotonin production and functional disorders of the cerebellum.

The effects of Asperger’s syndrome ease over time. In 20% of children with this diagnosis, symptoms remain minimal. Difficulties with communication and social adaptation, however, remain for life.

The development and course of the condition depend directly on the child’s surroundings. Those close to the child should be patient and show understanding towards the manifestations of the syndrome. A psychologically negative environment can often lead to a deterioration, with signs of high-functioning autism.

Among the symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome, the key manifestation is difficulty interacting with other people.

Asperger’s syndrome: symptoms in children

• impaired coordination of movement;
• delayed development of motor skills;
• “mechanical” speech, monotonous and lacking intonation;
• discomfort when familiar patterns of behaviour change;
• a need to perform the same actions every day.

04 Characteristics of Asperger’s syndrome in children

Parents may become aware of Asperger’s syndrome from around the age of five. Children with these difficulties struggle to connect with their peers. This happens everywhere: at nursery, at school or in the playground. They are open to contact with other children but lack the necessary communication skills.

If parents notice such differences in their child, or the symptoms listed above appear, this is a clear reason to consult a specialist.

05 Complications of Asperger’s syndrome

Patients diagnosed with autism or Asperger’s syndrome experience communication difficulties and are also prone to other disorders.

Complications of Asperger’s disorder include:

• prolonged depression;
• obsessive-compulsive disorder;
• anxiety disorder without a specific cause.

To prevent complications, early adaptation of the child and help from qualified psychologists are essential.

06 Diagnosing Asperger’s syndrome in children at Swiss clinics

In Switzerland, AS in children is diagnosed on the basis of criteria developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). These criteria include the following features:

• Impaired social interaction and communication:
  • Difficulty understanding and using non-verbal language, such as facial expressions, gestures and tone of voice.
  • Difficulty establishing and maintaining social relationships.
  • Difficulty understanding and expressing emotions.
• Restricted and repetitive interests and behaviour:
  • Persistent interests that may seem unusual or strange to peers.
  • A desire for sameness and repetition.
  • Inflexibility towards change.

Diagnosing AS in children in Switzerland usually requires a comprehensive assessment, which may include the following methods:

• Interviews with the child’s parents or guardians.
• An interview with the child.
• Assessment of the child’s developmental level.
• Assessment of the child’s social skills.
• Assessment of the child’s speech and language.

Bringing your child with Asperger’s syndrome to Switzerland for assessment and treatment is a sound decision, and CorSwiss can help you arrange the trip. CorSwiss works with leading Swiss clinics specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of Asperger’s syndrome. Our specialists will help you choose the clinic and specialists best placed to help your child.

07 Treatment of Asperger’s syndrome in Switzerland

The aim of treating AS in children in Switzerland is to help them reach their full potential and lead a fulfilling life. Treatment may include the following components:

Educational support: children with AS may need help with learning in a mainstream school.

Therapy: therapy can help children with AS develop social skills, improve communication and cope with emotional difficulties.

Medication: medication may be used to treat certain symptoms of AS, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity.

08 Prevention of Asperger’s syndrome

Because the aetiology of the disorder is unclear, no specific prevention has been developed. Prevention of Asperger’s syndrome consists solely of starting treatment early, as soon as the first symptoms appear. Appropriate therapy and family care make excellent results possible. A person can lead a full life, start a family and achieve professional success.

09 Tips and recommendations

Asperger’s syndrome calls for a particular approach to the person concerned:

• use concrete, literal language when speaking with them, avoiding abstract terms and expressions;
• avoid slang and vague phrases;
• convey information in words rather than through gestures and facial expressions, which they may not understand;
• a person with Asperger’s syndrome should have someone they trust with whom they can share their feelings;
• school assignments are best completed in writing, and the teacher should be made aware of this.

Otherwise, there is no need to treat a child with this condition differently.

10 Educational support in Switzerland

Children with AS often face difficulties in mainstream schools. They may need additional support in order to learn successfully. This support may include the following measures:

• Individual learning plans adapted to the child’s needs.
• Special classes or groups for children with AS.
• Help from special-needs teachers.

11 Therapy

Therapy can help children with AS develop social skills, improve communication and cope with emotional difficulties. Various types of therapy can be helpful for children with AS, including the following:

• Autism behavioural therapy (ABT): ABT aims to teach children with AS social skills and behavioural strategies.
• Speech and language therapy: speech and language therapy can help children with AS improve their language skills.
• Family therapy: family therapy can help parents and guardians of children with AS learn to understand and support their children better.

12 Medication

Medication may be used to treat certain symptoms of AS, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Medicines that may be helpful for children with AS include the following:

• Stimulants: stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
• Antidepressants: antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help manage anxiety and depression.
• Antipsychotics: antipsychotics such as risperidone (Risperdal) can help reduce repetitive behaviour and obsessive thoughts.

In Switzerland, AS in children is diagnosed and treated in line with international standards. A range of specialists can help children with AS, including psychiatrists, psychologists, speech therapists and special-needs teachers. Treatment of AS may include educational support, therapy and, in some cases, medication.