Asperger Syndrome - Treatments can include

Asperger Syndrome

• Asperger's syndrome is a type of autism. It is characterized by social and communication difficulties and repetitive or restrictive patterns of behavior. 

• Asperger's syndrome is named after Dr. Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician who first described the condition in 1944.

• Asperger's syndrome (AS) used to be a standalone condition, but in 2013, it was brought under the category of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder 5 (DSM-5).

• A person with AS finds it harder to read social signals, and so it is harder for them to communicate and interact with others. These difficulties can lead to anxiety and confusion.

• People with Asperger's syndrome have normal to above-average intelligence but typically have difficulties with social skills and often have pervasive, absorbing interests in special topics.   

Treatment

Every child is different, so there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Your doctor might need to try a few therapies to find one that works.Treatment of people with Asperger syndrome consists primarily of instruction and counseling, focusing on the following areas:

Treatments can include

  1.   Social skills training

 In groups or one-on-one sessions, therapists teach your child how to interact with others and express themselves in more appropriate ways. Social skills are often best learned by modeling after typical behavior.

2. Speech-language therapy 

This helps improve your kid's communication skills. For example, he'll learn how to use a normal up-and-down pattern when he speaks rather than a flat tone. He'll also get lessons on how to keep up a two-way conversation and understand social cues like hand gestures and eye contact.

 3. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 

It helps your child change his way of thinking, so he can better control his emotions and repetitive behaviors. He'll be able to get a handle on things like outbursts, meltdowns, and obsessions.

4. Parent education and training 

You'll learn many of the same techniques your child is taught so you can work on social skills with him at home. Some families also see a counselor to help them deal with the challenges of living with someone with Asperger's.

5. Applied behavior analysis 

It's a technique that encourages positive social and communication skills in your child -- and discourages behavior you'd rather not see. The therapist will use praise or other "positive reinforcement" to get results.

6. Medicine 

There aren't any drugs approved by the FDA that specifically treat Asperger's or autism spectrum disorders. Some medications, though, can help with related symptoms like depression and anxiety.

7. Relaxation therapy

8. Encouragement of special skills (eg, music or mathematics)

9. Career counseling and orientation.