According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism affects one in 59 children. Many children receive a diagnosis when they’re young, but you may not notice unusual behavior or question if your child has Asperger’s Syndrome until your child becomes a teenager. Learn the signs of Asperger's and what steps you can take if your teen has the disorder.

What is Asperger's?

An autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Asperger's is also known as high functioning autism. It’s a developmental brain disorder that affects boys and girls in all demographics. Generally, kids with autism exhibit social, behavioral and communication challenges.

Signs of Asperger's in Teens

Asperger's may go unnoticed until your child reaches puberty. That’s when …show more content…
Ensure your child understands what’s happening and why, and remind him or her to ask questions if necessary.

You’ll also want to empower your teen to build relationships with his or her healthcare providers and therapists. Cooperation will improve the outcomes of therapy. Your child can also talk through his or her feelings about the diagnosis, which may include confusion, anxiety or frustration.

Additionally, reassure your child that Asperger's is a syndrome and not the result of something he or she did, and remind your child of your love. You will also want to focus on your child's strengths as you work together to address challenges. Your child already knows that he or she is different from other teens, but your child is not inferior and possesses a variety of talents. For example, your child may excel at solving complicated math problems, be able to calm animals or demonstrate an aptitude for computer repair.

Asperger's affects your child in numerous ways. If you suspect your child has Asperger's, take steps to gain a diagnosis and treatment as you support your child’s success in