Asperger’s Syndrome: Diagnosis, Treatment & Management

A Quick Guide

Asperger’s syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is also termed high-functioning autism. This is because it has less severe symptoms than autism spectrum disorder ASD. A child with Asperger’s syndrome has problems in social interactions. They are unable to understand body language or nonverbal cues. They usually show fixation on one thought or behavior. So when it comes to treatment, there are different therapies you can try out. Medications are also an option.

How to get a diagnosis?

You should consult your pediatrician if your child exhibits any signs and symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome. Since this disorder is often treated by a team of different doctors. You will be referred ahead to a mental health professional who has expertise in ASD. Some of them include:

Pediatricians: They have expertise in speech and language issues along with other developmental problems in children. 

Neurologists: They have expertise in treating various conditions of the brain.

Psychologists: They diagnose and treat issues in a person’s thoughts, emotions, and actions. 

Psychiatrists: They also help treat different mental health conditions though they can prescribe medication as well.

Treatment & Management

Every child is unique in their own way, so their treatment plan should also vary according to them. It is essential that the child understands and accepts the treatment with the idea that it will help them succeed. Only then can the treatment be successful. So the child’s progress should be monitored and changes should be made in the treatment plan when necessary. Learn more about Effective Teaching Strategies For Students With ASD.

Some of the treatment options for Asperger’s syndrome are as follows:

Applied Behavior Analysis ABA

ABA helps in behavior modification. It can encourage positive communication skills in your child while discouraging problematic behavior. Typically, praise or other positive reinforcers are used to get effective results.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT

CBT can help your child modify the way they think. It can help them in understanding their thoughts, feelings, and actions. So they can learn to better regulate their emotions and overcome their repetitive behaviors or obsessions etc. 

Parent Education & Training

Many of the methods your child is taught will be shared with you so you may practice communication skills with your child at home. To cope with the difficulties of having a member of the family with Asperger’s, Often times some families also seek the assistance of a counselor.

Speech-language therapy

Your child’s communication skills will benefit from this. For instance, your child will learn to speak with a natural up-and-down pattern instead of a monotonous tone. Additionally, they will learn how to maintain a two-way conversation. They will also learn to recognize social cues like eye contact and gestures.

Social skills training

Your child will learn social skills and more suitable methods to express themselves.  The therapist may conduct one-on-one or group sessions. The most effective way to learn social skills is to imitate typical behavior.

Medication

FDA has not authorized any specific medications for the treatment of Asperger’s syndrome. However, some drugs can help alleviate related symptoms including anxiety and depression. Your doctor may prescribe some of the following:

• Antipsychotic drugs
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Stimulants

Currently, we don’t have a cure yet. A child could learn to manage the symptoms and recognize social cues, which will help them overcome a few of the difficulties they encounter. Parents can learn the best ways to support their children with assistance. Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome are capable of succeeding academically and becoming productive community members.

We hope you found this article useful in understanding more about the diagnosis, different treatments, and management techniques for Asperger’s syndrome. For more on the signs and symptoms of Aspergers Syndrome, check out our article Asperger’s Syndrome: Some Signs & Symptoms To Look Out For