According to data from the Asperger Association in Mexico, one in every 115 children in the country has an autism spectrum disorder. Fructuoso Ayala Guerrero, a researcher at the Faculty of Psychology of UNAM, points out that mother-child interaction can help in the early detection of Asperger's Syndrome and contribute to making their life more functional in society, with the support of specialists such as psychiatrists or neuropsychologists. This condition is part of the autism spectrum disorders and is among the communication disorders with the least impact. In Mexico, one in every 115 children has an autism spectrum disorder.
Fructuoso Ayala Guerrero recalls that World Asperger's Syndrome Day was named in honor of the Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger, who in 1944 described this condition in individuals with difficulties in making friendships and communication problems. Experts highlight innovative methods to improve the quality of life of affected children.
On the occasion of World Asperger's Syndrome Day, which is commemorated on February 18, the importance of early stimulation in the detection and treatment of this condition is highlighted. Ayala Guerrero emphasizes that these methods massively stimulate the brain and a large number of receptors. Figures from the World Health Organization indicate that one in every hundred people in the world has some type of autism, which equates to approximately 37 million people in a global population exceeding eight billion.
In 2013, it was included in the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as part of the autism spectrum. Asperger's Syndrome is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means that those affected may present alterations in neural connections or in the release of neurotransmitters fundamental for communication. Ayala Guerrero emphasizes that the goal of treatment is for patients to be self-sufficient by the time they reach adulthood.
Ayala Guerrero emphasizes that this work must be carried out by a specialist, as studies have indicated that patients with communication difficulties present lesions in brain areas responsible for social and language activities. Although there is currently no precise cure, symptoms such as anxiety and depression can be controlled.
Ayala Guerrero explains that it is usually detected between one and a half and two years of age when communication problems become visible during the spoken interaction process. Warning signs may include the inability to interact with the mother, such as smiling, imitating babbling, or following the gaze of other people, especially the mother, with whom they should have more correspondence. Early stimulation is crucial to take advantage of brain plasticity, that is, the brain's ability to modify itself and establish new connections.
For example, children can be accompanied to school by a 'shadow person' who helps them with their activities and fosters their social development. It is essential to introduce children into standard groups so they can interact, while professionals must pay attention to their skills, as many may have extraordinary memory. However, these symptoms can be confused with other disorders, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
Among the suggested treatments are equine therapy, where patients ride a horse, and dolphin therapy, which uses interaction with dolphins and water to stimulate the brain. The family plays a crucial role, as they require constant support to integrate in the best possible way into society.
