Asperger Disorder Treatment

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The approaches of Asperger disorder treatment come in a number of different forms. Since this condition is mysterious in nature, there are various theories about which approaches yield the best results.

Asperger disorder treatment strategies might come in various forms, but they each focus on specific areas. There is no known cure for pervasive developmental disorders, and many individuals who have Asperger syndrome see no need to be "cured."

The focus is to help the individual navigate through his or her environment without significant behavioral problems. These treatment programs also seek to help develop strong interpersonal relationships and deal with social situations comfortably.

What are the areas of concern for Asperger syndrome?

1. The primary concern in most cases of AS is social skill development. While many children with autism and related pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) have significant deficits
   in language skills, children with Aspergers do not.

2. Communication concerns usually fall under social interaction. Programs often help the child find a way to initiate play or conversation appropriately. Figurative language and humor are typical stumbling blocks for people with this diagnosis.

3. Behavior problems may occur when a child with Asperger syndrome is faced with a new and challenging situation. Changes in routine can be frightening and can lead to tantrums.

4. Sensory processing can be disrupted in many cases. For example, a child might have difficulty concentrating if he or she is wearing a certain fabric. Fluorescent lights can cause sensory problems, and any number of other sensory inputs can be uncomfortable for many children with the Asperger disorder.

What kind of treatments are available?

There are many different approaches to treating Asperger syndrome, including medication. Many of these strategies reflect the general theories behind the nature and causes of autism and related pervasive developmental disorders.

1. Dietary and vitamin interventions like casein and gluten-free diets and vitamin B supplements are popular among those who believe that these disorders are caused by a food allergy or "leaky gut" syndrome.

2. Applied behavioral analysis is an approach that breaks tasks down into small, teachable steps. Each step is introduced in a sequential manner before the next one is introduced. This approach has proved to be very successful in most cases of autism; however, this teaching strategy isn’t ideal for some children who have Asperger syndrome.

3. Sensory integration is a powerful tool that serves to help elevate some of the discomfort accumulated from sensory overload. These activities are quite simple and include normal activities like swinging or feeling various textures.

4. Relational Development Interaction (RDI) is a program specifically designed to help improve social skills. Greenspan’s Floortime is another relational approach that works with the child’s interests and preferred play activities.

5. Social stories are valuable tools for helping children with Asperger syndrome build expectations about social situations. Social stories can be specifically designed for each individual case.

Each individual who has Asperger syndrome is unique. It's crucial that each program is designed to suit the individual no matter which Asperger disorder treatment is chosen.

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