Is it always obvious when a child has Asperger’s Disorder? Not necessarily. In fact, you might just think he or she is a normal child behaving a little differently.

So what is Asperger’s? This disorder is a high-functioning form of autism that can cause difficulty in socializing and communicating with others, and unusual or obsessive behaviors and interests. Unlike autistic children, children with Asperger’s typically do not have language development problems. They have normal and sometimes even above average intelligence.

Q: Is there a test for Asperger’s? How is it diagnosed?

A: There are no medical tests, such as blood tests or MRI scans, for diagnosing Asperger’s. To reach an accurate diagnosis, a doctor specializing in these types of disabilities will look at a child’s ability to communicate, his or her behavior and development levels, as well as take the parents’ or caregivers’ observations into account.

Reaching an accurate diagnosis can be quite complicated because behaviors associated with Asperger’s are shared with other disorders, such as ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or obsessive compulsive disorders. Because of this, the doctor may run some medical tests to rule out or identify other possible causes of the child’s symptoms. Additionally, some children may have Asperger’s along with other conditions.

Q: My 2-year-old son adores trains, and sometimes it can be hard to get him interested in anything else. I’ve heard that an obsessive interest in one thing can be a sign of Asperger’s syndrome. Could he have this disorder?

A: Most young children go through stages when they are extremely interested and may even seem obsessed with a particular topic or object, such as trains, dinosaurs, princesses or action figures. But as much as this might be his or her passion of the moment, he or she will still engage and be interested in other activities such as drawing, playing with other toys or watching a movie.

A child with Asperger’s will have an overriding preoccupation with one particular topic or object or a particular detail of an object to the exclusion of other activities or toys available. Children with Asperger’s will usually also demonstrate other symptoms, including:

• Problems with social interaction, including difficulty using non-verbal gestures such as eye-contact, body posture and facial expressions
• Not being able to make friends, share enjoyment or empathize with others
• Insistence on following particular routines that might not make sense
• Repetitive mannerisms, such as hand or finger flapping or twisting

If you are at all concerned about your son’s development, don’t hesitate to speak to his doctor.

Q: My friend’s 4-year-old daughter has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. What type of treatment is available?

A: While there’s no cure for Asperger’s, early treatment can be very helpful in addressing its symptoms. There is no blanket approach. Treatment should be tailored to individual needs. It can include social skills training and speech therapy. Children may also benefit from self-help skills for encouraging independence, as well as behavioral therapy to address disruptive or obsessive behaviors. They often need to work on skills such as recognizing feelings and coping with anxiety.

Although there is no medication specifically for Asperger’s, some medications can help improve symptoms such as ADD/ADHD, anxiety and depression that children with Asperger’s sometimes also have.

Q: My son has a boy with Asperger’s on his soccer team this season. I’m helping to coach the team. How can I make sure the child has a good experience?

A: Understanding the symptoms of Asperger’s can help ensure a positive sports experience. A good start may be to speak to the boy’s parents and ask if there is anything in particular you should be aware of. Children with Asperger’s can be socially awkward, misunderstanding conventional social rules or unable to show empathy. They may also have difficulty making eye contact, not seem engaged in a conversation or understand the use of gestures or body language.

Additionally, children with Asperger’s may also have motor difficulties that make them clumsy or awkward while playing a sport. Being aware of this and providing positive support for your son’s teammate will help the child feel accepted and welcomed to the team.

Sarah Cheyette, M.D., is a board-certified pediatric neurologist at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s Fremont, Palo Alto and Redwood City centers. She has a special interest in ADD/ADHD, autism and headaches. Advice is not intended to take the place of an exam or diagnosis by a physician.