Asperger's syndrome and autism are both disorders on the autism spectrum. The symptoms of these disorders include communication problems, poor coordination, irregular movements, obsessions, extreme temper tantrums and having a need for a specific routine. These communication and behavioral problems can make it hard for children and teens who struggle with these disorders to be successful in school and have friends; however, there are treatments to reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied behavior analysis is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a way to treat autism spectrum disorders. It's a technique developed from B.F. Skinner's psychological research. This form of treatment helps to reduce unwanted behaviors and encourage positive behaviors. In this treatment, children are observed and practitioners note what skills the child has and what skills he needs to learn. Then the practitioner selects treatment goals such as improving nonverbal communication and uses positive reinforcements over the long term to help reach the individual goals. It's important that children in these programs receive one-on-one attention.
Dietary Changes
According to the National Institute of Mental Health and the Mayo Clinic, a special diet is one form of treatment for disorders on the autism spectrum. For instance, doctors may suggest that the parents restrict certain things such as gluten and yeast. It's also recommended that parents look into their children's food allergies, because they can trigger some symptoms of autism.
Medications
Some children who suffer from a disorder on the autism spectrum have issues with aggression or attention, throw extreme temper tantrums and harm themselves. There are no specific medications to cure autism or Asperger's syndrome; however, there are medications that can reduce the above listed symptoms, such as Risperdal and Zyprexa. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that many medications used to treat these symptoms have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and need more research.
Communication and Behavioral Therapies
There are many treatment programs that use structured activities as well as therapy to treat the communication and behavioral issues associated with disorders on the autism spectrum. Communication treatments include learning communication skills such as talking at a normal pace and making eye contact. Behavioral treatments include working on specific behaviors such as coordination and posture.
Autism is more serious that Asperger's syndrome. Therefore, children and teens suffering from autism usually need a highly structured educational program. With the help of communication and behavioral treatments, children with Asperger's syndrome are more likely to attend school with children who do not have one of these disorders.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
According to the Mayo Clinic, cognitive behavioral therapy is a successful way to treat Asperger's syndrome. It can help to reduce many of the unwanted behaviors such as temper tantrums and obsessions. A cognitive behavioral therapist works with a child and his parent to learn how thoughts lead to emotions which then lead to behaviors. The therapist works with the child to gain better control over his thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
