Treatment for aspergers Syndrome

Asperger syndrome is a neurobiological condition that affects children and adults. Many people feel it is a form of high functioning autism and it falls in the group of conditions of spectrum disorder or pervasive personality disorder. It affects the ability of the person to socialize and communicate effectively with others. Individuals often exhibit social communication, social interaction and social imagination.

At this time doctors and researchers have not found a cause or cure for aspergers syndrome. There has been some research to indicate that individuals who suffer from this condition have had permanent changes to their frontal lobe. These changes make a difference in the ability of the brain to process social activities.

In 1944 Hans Asperger labeled this disorder autistic psychopathy and published a paper describing the symptoms and behaviors. However it wasn\’t until 1994 that the disability was recognized in the DSM-IV. Throughout those years, and the many different research studies which have been performed, the exact cause of this disorder has never been found.

While there is currently no cure for asperger syndrome there are treatment protocols that help both adults and children to learn how to interact more successfully in social situations. Treatment which may be recommended will depend upon the individual\’s level of adaptive functioning. Just as with autism, there is a range of disability or functionality of individuals who have Asperger\’s.

Resources that are available for children and adults with Asperger syndrome are communication and social skills training which help individuals to learn the unwritten rules of socialization and communication. These are often too difficult for children in much the same way that students learn to speak a foreign language. This is because for children and adults with Asperger syndrome learning these social communication skills is a foreign language.

It is possible for children with Asperger syndrome to learn how to speak using a more natural rhythm as well is how to interpret communication such as gestures, eye contact, tone of voice, humor and sarcasm which usually fly right over the top of their heads.

Another behavioral therapy that may be recommended is cognitive behavior therapy. This technique is aimed at its decreasing problem behaviors such as interrupting, obsessions and angry outbursts. They also focused on helping children and adults to recognize a troubled situation, such as a new place or events, and then be able to select a specific strategy to cope.

While there is no medication specifically aimed at treatment of asperger syndrome there are some symptoms that can be controlled, such as anxiety, depression or hyperactivity using medications. Most commonly, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antipsychotics and some stimulants are used to treat these problems.

Treatment outlook for individuals with Asperger syndrome is usually heavily correlated with the measured IQ. Those who have a high IQ will fare better and show greater improvements in social function than those who have a below average IQ.

Children who experience the symptoms of Asperger\’s syndrome will also require a bit of assistance in the school system. Schools who have a communications specialist with an interest in social skills training, opportunities for social interaction and structured settings, a concern for teaching real-life skills and a willingness to individualize the curriculum are best suited to help individuals who have asperger syndrome. Parents should stay informed of what is happening in the child\’s classroom and maintain frequent communication with the teacher.

Even though a specific pill is not available for treatment for Asperger syndrome, and there is no cure, individuals who have this condition have a degree of adaptability to the environment when they are taught coping strategies and have a good support system in their relationships.

RESOURCES

MayoClinic: Asperger Syndrome

KidsHealth: An Autism Spectrum Disorder

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Asperger Syndrome Fact Sheet

Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support: Asperger Syndrome: Treatments and Intervention

Psychology Today: Asperger Syndrome