AMESBURY — For those diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome at an early age, the teenage years can be especially challenging. The same goes for parents, teachers and anyone else who comes in contact with the neurological condition that affects the way sufferers socially interact with others.
Today, Robin Lurie-Meyerkopf, director of training for the Asperger's Association of New England, will be speaking at the Amesbury Public Library starting at 6 p.m. During her discussion, Lurie-Meyerkopf will shed new light on Asperger's syndrome and offer ways for teenagers and their loved ones to cope with its challenges.
Lurie-Meyerkopf has more than 20 years of teaching experience and has run social skills groups for children and adolescents with Asperger's, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and non-verbal learning disorders. She presents workshops for parents and professionals throughout New England and the country.
Asperger's syndrome was first diagnosed in 1994 and is considered part of the autism spectrum. Those who have it are affected to different degrees and some are able to cope with it better than others. Scientists are still unsure how the condition affects the brain, but there is evidence to suggest that those with Asperger's are born with it, according to the Asperger's Association of New England, a support group founded shortly after Asperger's was diagnosed.
"This is something that affects quite a few people, but it's important to know that it affects people differently. It's a very individual type of syndrome, so you see a real diversity of support and behavior," Asperger's Association of New England Executive Director Dania Jekel said.
It has been estimated that as many as one in every 250 people has Asperger's, but some believe that as many as 50 percent of people with the condition have yet to be diagnosed.
In recent years, there has been talk among the medical community to perhaps do away with the diagnosis and refer to it simply as autism. But according to Jekel, most adults and parents of those with Asperger's would not like to see the diagnosis disappear, as it aids parents, teachers, employers and others clearly define the syndrome in the autism spectrum.
"It helps them to have a name for it," Jekel said.
People with Asperger's are often highly intelligent, have excellent concentration and exhibit strong attention to detail. Where they have difficulty is reacting to what Jekel calls social communication. Those with Asperger's often have difficulty talking to people and understanding socially what to do. They tend to be rigid in thought, so compromise can be very challenging. That brings severe anxiety, which can lead to meltdowns. Some with Asperger's are very sensitive to touch, so if someone grabs them unexpectedly, they may react strongly, Jekel said.
"When people with Asperger's get frustrated, they could act out, but it's really a result of people not knowing who they are," Jekel said.
Those limitations can be especially trying during middle school years when they are thrust into difficult social situations that anyone could find challenging. Building relationships can be difficult and those with Asperger's tend to be isolated from their peers, Jekel said.
Part of the problem, Jekel said, is that those with Asperger's often have difficulty reacting to change, especially if it's unexpected. Consistency and routines are very important to them, so any sudden shift can be traumatic.
"If they are prepared for it and they are understanding, they can cope with it. But it's on a case-by-case basis," Jekel said.
As the Amesbury Public Library's teen librarian, Margie Walker said she has noticed more people with Asperger's visiting the Main Street building in recent years. And after attending an autism seminar last year, Walker said it made sense to invite someone from the Watertown-based Asperger's Association of New England to speak on the subject, hopefully so parents can glean some new information.
"We want to provide them with tools and information they can use to help them with their kids. This is focusing on middle school, pre-teen years, and what they can expect and help them through that process," Walker said.
Walker added she also expects the program to help her as well by providing additional cues and clues on how to interact with Asperger teens visiting the library.
As of Thursday, the program was nearly full with 22 of the available 25 slots being reserved. Walker said the program may be moved from the teen lounge area in the basement to upstairs so more seats can be offered. Those wishing to attend Lurie-Meyerkopf's free talk need to register by visiting the Amesbury Public Library's website at: amesburylibrary.org, or emailing Walker at mwalker@mvlc.org. Walker can also be reached at 978-388-8148.
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