5 Things You Need to Know About Asperger's Syndrome Treatments

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1. Learning What Aspergers Syndrome Is

Asperger's syndrome is a milder form of autism that is characterized by difficulties in social situations and a circumscribed interest in a certain activity. While it is considered a form of autism, it is typically a less severe and more treatable form of the disorder. Individuals with Asperger's typically find refuge in a particular subject of interest, which can greatly diminish their social skills or functioning if not tempered with some form of therapy.

2. Increased Withdrawl From Peers Is an Indicator

While Asperger's is a manageable form of autism, being aware of the signs are particularly important in childhood. While it may seem that some children are less interested in social interaction and find more solace in individual pursuits, this tendency must be measured against the child's ability to interact with other people on a social and emotional level when required to. An increased aloofness, minimal eye contact, failure to use normal human gesturing, robotic or flat speech, oversensitivity to environmental stimuli, and a lack of interest in play with peers or peer interaction are typical signs that one should be screened for autism.

3. Learning to Play With Others

One of the most effective and widely used treatments available to anyone with Asperger's syndrome is social conditioning therapy. Social conditioning helps individuals with the syndrome interact more effectively with their peers, and recognize and value social interaction skills in their own lives. Recognizing the signs early and intervening both in the home and at school are greatly helpful in reorganizing the child's ability to socially interact. Play therapy is typically performed by child psychologists or developmental specialists.

4. Learning to Cope With the World

Often individuals with Asperger's syndrome find it difficult to interact with the larger community because of their sensitivity to external stimuli. Loud noises, rough textures, being touched and some smells can send an individual with Asperger's syndrome into a state of discomfort and even panic. Sensory integration is a method of treatment that allows the person to become accustomed, in a non-threatening manner, to sensory information that they might otherwise find offensive or distracting. It allows the person to become more comfortable with living in a world full of sensory information.

5. Attention and Love Go a Long Way

Being sensitive to the special considerations of an individual with Asperger's is crucial to developing more integrative social skills. Many times people with the syndrome have great intellectual gifts and talents that should be nurtured and recognized by family and peers. Teaching these children that there is nothing wrong with them, and that they can be better versions of themselves, is a great way to integrate certain forms of therapeutic intervention. Finding a knowledgeable professional and catering to therapeutic needs are key to successfully navigating through the complications of Asperger's syndrome.

About this Author

Sterlin Mosley holds a Bachelor's degree in English writing and is currently pursuing Master's degree in human relations where he focuses on counseling psychology. His research interests include personality psychology and mental health pathology. Sterlin's hobbies include working out five days a week, and he has received 20 hours of personal trainer certification coursework.

Last updated on: 11/18/09

Member Comments

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by Kagorae on September 4, 2008 at 6:46 PM

This is a great article, it has helped me to understand my disorder a bit better. I can't wait to show this to my mom, she'll love it.

This has also helped me to identify that my youngest brother is most likely has Asperger's like me.

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