“The treatment of this syndrome requires multidisciplinary management. At Clinica Ricardo Palma we have key specialties such as pediatric neurology, child psychiatry, psychology and rehabilitation, mainly in the areas of language, behavioral management and emotions. Thus, we provide specialized guidance and the necessary support to parents and relatives, so that they have the appropriate tools and help their children cope with this disease”, says Dr. Pamela Muñoz, pediatric neurologist at our clinic.

What is Asperger syndrome?

It is a type of high-functioning autism. Generally, this pervasive developmental disorder manifests itself at the age of 3 to 5, and many parents do not even notice it until the child enters school.

First signs in a baby:

• Does not maintain sustained eye contact with people.
• Does not turn around when called by name or point to surrounding objects.
• Is very sensitive to noises or textures.
• Does not use his/her toys for a purpose, just looks at them or throws them away.
• Is slow to speak, his/her language is very brief. Also, takes time to walk.

Characteristics of a child with Asperger:

• Poor social skills and little relationship with the family and their environment.
• Lack of empathy and intolerance to changes in routine.
• His/her attention is fixed on a specific topic and he/she investigates it in detail.
• Does not show facial expressions in reaction to other people’s emotions.
• Sometimes it is difficult for him/her to understand verbal and non-verbal language. He/she doesn’t understand jokes.
• The child has rituals, has little flexibility of thought, must comply with the rules.
• Uses extremely formal language, with an extensive vocabulary and curious intonation
• Has an exceptional memory and can be very intelligent.
• The child has motor deficiencies; takes time to run or learn to ride a bicycle.
• Shows difficulties in fine motor skills, some had low muscle tone as babies.

Recommendations for parents:

• Reinforce eye contact, congratulating the little one when he looks into the eyes and encouraging him to do so.
• Practice “typical” social situations at home, then practice them outside, praising your child if he or she has had adequate social interaction
• Explain common sayings, what a joke is.
• Encourage the child to observe what his classmates do, talk with him about those social situations and imitate them on another occasion.
• Help you calm down by yourself, to relax in situations that can be overwhelming.
• Promote the development of language, encouraging it to express itself.

Dr. Pamela Muñoz
Pediatric neurologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma