Asperger’s syndrome is a developmental disorder characterized by a greater or lesser degree of impairment in language and communication skills, as well as repetitive or restrictive patterns of thought and behavior.
Asperger syndrome is usually diagnosed in children and the disorder continues into adulthood. There is no cure for Asperger syndrome, but people affected by this syndrome are taught social skills and behavioral skills in order to cope with the real world.
Individual treatment plan for Asperger syndrome
There is no standardized treatment procedure for Asperger’s syndrome as the range of symptom always varies to a great degree for different individuals. So health professionals focus on symptomatic treatment and an individual treatment plan specially designed to meet the needs of the affected person. Clinical studies have shown that the earlier a person with the disorder receives treatment the better he is able to learn coping skills. Social skills training, behavioral training and medicines are some of the various methods commonly used in a treatment for Asperger’s syndrome. These methods when used as part of the treatment for Asperger’s syndrome help to reduce the severity of the symptoms and enable an individual to lead a normal life.
Treatment for Asperger syndrome is focused on symptomatic relief
The treatment is focused on addressing the three core issues of Asperger disorder. These include poor communication skills, repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness or awkward physical movements. The ability of a child to communicate with other people and to learn social skills is greatly improved with the correct treatment for asperger syndrome taken up at the correct time.
Teaching social skills to people suffering from Asperger disorder
Children with Asperger syndrome are formally trained in social skills. These training sessions are usually conducted in groups so that children learn to cope well among peers.
Behavior therapy is widely used in the treatment of children affected by Asperger syndrome
Behavioral training is the primary line of treatment for individuals with Asperger’s syndrome.
Behavior therapy is used to teach the affected person techniques or skills to alter their behavior. People with Asperger syndrome are taught certain skills to cope in the social environment. They are taught communication skills and social manners and etiquette. Children and adults are encouraged to participate in organized, supervised, and structured activities. This provides them with opportunities for practicing their newly learned social skills. They also facilitate in the development of friendships.
Use of medicines in the treatment of Asperger syndrome
There is no cure for Asperger syndrome. So no specific medications are available to treat the people affected by this disorder. However, health professionals often prescribe medications to treat specific behavioral symptoms associated with Asperger syndrome, especially when they cause the individual distress or when he tends to indulge in self harming behavior. These behavioral symptoms may include severe anxiety, panic attacks, attention problems, aggressive behavior, and behavioral rigidity and mood disorders. Medicines are also used to treat repetitive behaviors especially when these repetitive gestures include inflicting injury to himself.