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

Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, as well as restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors. AS is typically diagnosed in early childhood but can be diagnosed later if symptoms were not previously noticed.

Diagnosis and treatment of AS in children in Switzerland follows international standards. Several specialists can help children with AS, including psychiatrists, psychologists, speech therapists, and special education teachers.

Classification of Asperger's Syndrome

The International Classification of Diseases classifies Asperger's syndrome as an autistic disorder. The disorder belongs to this phenotype based on features similar to high-functioning autism.

Etiology of Asperger's Syndrome

The exact cause of Asperger's syndrome is unknown.

Probable factors include biological and genetic abnormalities.

Scientific evidence shows that children diagnosed with ASD have different brain structures than other children. Approximately one-fifth of cases occur due to genetic mutation.

Risk factors include:

• Premature birth
• Parental age over 40
• Exposure to harmful biological substances during pregnancy
• Heredity

There is a theory about the influence of negative environmental factors on the child in the first six months of life, which provokes the appearance of symptoms of the pathology.

Pathogenesis of Asperger's Syndrome

The exact process of onset and development of Asperger's syndrome is unknown.

Symptoms of Asperger's syndrome include disturbances associated with serotonin production, as well as functional disorders of the cerebellum.

The effects of Asperger's syndrome tend to smooth out over time. In 20% of children with this diagnosis, the symptoms remain minimal. However, difficulties with communication and social adaptation remain lifelong.

The development and course of the disease are directly dependent on the environment surrounding the child. Close people should be patient and understanding of the manifestations of the syndrome. Often, due to a psychologically negative environment, the condition may worsen with manifestations of high-functioning autism.

Among the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome, the key manifestation is difficulty interacting with others.

Asperger's Syndrome - Symptoms in Children

• Impaired motor coordination
• Delayed motor development
• "Mechanical" speech, characterized by monotony and lack of tonality
• Discomfort with changes in behavioral standards
• Need to perform the same actions daily

Features of Asperger's Syndrome in Children

Parents can learn about Asperger's syndrome from about the age of five. Children with such problems cannot find a common language with their peers. This happens everywhere: in kindergarten, at school, or on the playground. They are not against contacting other children, but they do not have the necessary communication skills.

If parents notice such deviations in their child or the symptoms listed above appear, this is a serious reason to see a specialist.

Complications of Asperger's Syndrome

Patients with autism or Asperger's syndrome, experiencing communication difficulties, are also prone to other disorders.

Complications of Asperger's disorder include:

• Prolonged depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Anxiety disorder without a specific cause

To avoid complications, it is necessary to carry out early adaptation of the child and get help from qualified psychologists.

Diagnosis of Asperger's in Children in Swiss Clinics 

The diagnosis of AS in children in Switzerland is based on criteria developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). These criteria include the following features:

• Social interaction and communication disorders:
  • Difficulties in understanding and using nonverbal language, such as facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice.
  • Difficulties in establishing and maintaining social relationships.
  • Difficulties in understanding and expressing emotions.
• Restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors:
  • Persistent interests that may be unusual or strange for peers.
  • Striving for uniformity and repetition.
  • Inflexibility about change.

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

• Interview with parents or guardians of the child.
• Interview with the child himself.
• esting the child's developmental level.
• Testing the child's social skills.
• Testing the child's speech and language.

The right decision would be to send your child with Asperger's syndrome for examination and treatment in Switzerland. The company CorSwiss can help you organize this trip.CorSwiss works with leading Swiss clinics specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of Asperger's syndrome. Our specialists will help you choose the clinic and specialists who can best help your child.

Treatment of Asperger's in Switzerland

The goal of AS treatment for children in Switzerland is to help children with AS reach their full potential and live fulfilling lives. Treatment may include the following components:

Educational support: Children with AS may need help learning in a regular school setting.

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

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

Prevention of Asperger's Syndrome

Due to the unclear etiology of the disorder, specific prevention has not been developed. Prevention of Asperger's Syndrome consists solely in early treatment of the first symptoms. Adequate therapy and family care allow for excellent results. A person can live a full life, create a family, and achieve professional success.

Tips and recommendations

Asperger's Syndrome requires a special attitude towards the patient:

• Abstract terms or expressions should not be used in conversation with him;
• Slang and vague phrases should be avoided;
• It is not worth conveying information with gestures and facial expressions (the patient will not understand you);
• A person with Asperger's Syndrome should have a trusted person with whom he can share his experiences;
• School assignments are best done in writing, and the teacher should also pay attention to this.

Otherwise, there is no need to single out a child with such a pathology.

Educational support in Switzerland

Children with AS often experience difficulties in mainstream schools. They may need additional support to be successful in their studies. This support may include the following measures:

• Individualized education plans tailored to the child's needs.
• Special classes or groups for children with AS.
• Assistance from special education teachers.

Therapy 

Therapy can help children with AS develop social skills, improve communication, and cope with emotional problems. There are various types of therapy that can be helpful for children with AS, including:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): ABA focuses on teaching children with AS social skills and behavioral 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 caregivers of children with AS learn to better understand and support their children.

Medication therapy

Medication therapy may be used to treat some symptoms of AS, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Medications that may be helpful for children with AS include:

• Stimulants: Stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
• Antidepressants: Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help cope with anxiety and depression.
• Antipsychotics: Antipsychotics, such as risperidone (Risperdal), can help reduce repetitive behaviors and obsessive thoughts.

Diagnosis and treatment of AS in children in Switzerland is carried out in accordance with international standards. There are a number of specialists who can help children with AS, including psychiatrists, psychologists, speech therapists, and special education teachers. Treatment for AS may include educational support, therapy, and, in some cases, medication therapy.