Although Asperger's disorder cannot be cured, various therapies treat the associated symptoms. Asperger's disorder falls on the autism spectrum. People with Asperger's disorder struggle with speech and language problems, rigid thought patterns, delayed motor skills, difficulty interpreting social cues and sensory sensitivity. Treatment for Asperger's tends to require a team approach to treat the various symptoms of the disorder.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy assists people with Asperger's disorder with completing activities of daily living. Occupational therapists address symptoms such as sensory processing problems, repetitive behaviors and poor motor skills that interfere with tasks such as grocery shopping or grooming. Children with Asperger's disorder benefit from occupational therapy to address academic tasks, such as writing. Occupational therapists help children with desensitization to overstimulation, such as loud noises at recess.
Behavior Therapy and Parent Training
Parents of children with Asperger's disorder learn behavior management strategies through parent training. Behavior therapy provides parents with tools to reduce tantrums, aggression and other disruptive behaviors. It also teaches parents how to support children in reducing ritualistic behaviors and obsessions. Reward systems assist children with Asperger's disorder in learning how to regulate emotions and tolerate distress. Parents learn how to provide increased structure, give clear instructions and provide predictable consequences.
Individual Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy provides mental health treatment for people with Asperger's disorder. Cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT, provides a specific type of psychotherapy that assists people with Asperger's disorder in identifying feelings and recognizing distorted thought patterns. CBT also assists people in making behavioral changes, such as reducing repetitive behaviors. Therapists teach strategies to improve social interactions by helping people with Asperger's learn to empathize with other people. CBT also treats underlying mental health issues that sometimes accompany Asperger's disorder, such as depression and anxiety.
Group Therapy
Group therapy provides social skills training for people with Asperger's disorder. People with Asperger's disorder struggle to show interest when others are talking and have difficulty understanding how their comments impact others. People with Asperger's disorder have limited interests and exhibit ritualistic behaviors, further interfering with their social relationships. Group therapy teaches appropriate ways to participate in a conversation by asking questions and making eye contact. Participants learn how to interpret gestures, body language, humor and sarcasm.
References
- Asperger's Association of New England; Adults with Asperger Syndrome: Is Occupational Therapy Right for You?; Elaine Hill, OTR/L; 2011
- KidsHealth: Asperger Syndrome
- Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association; Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Adult Asperger Syndrome; Valerie Gaus, Ph.D.
- "Asperger's Answer Book: The Top 275 Questions Parents Ask;" Susan Ashley Ph.D.; Oct. 2006
