Natural treatment for the symptoms of asperger's syndrome and asperger's disease.

While there are some similarities between Asperger's Syndrome and Autism, individuals with Asperger's usually have average to above-average IQ, and do not demonstrate clinically significant delays in language or self-help skills.

While they may have an extremely good command of language and a very rich vocabulary, they are unable to use language appropriately in a social context and often speak in monotone, with little nuance and inflection in their voice.

Children with Asperger's may or may not seek out social interaction, but always have difficulty in interpreting and learning the skills of social and emotional interaction with others, leading to significant impairment in relationships and peer interaction.

Although parents often notice problems at an early age, diagnosis is usually only made during preschool or later.

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Social Difficulties:

• Struggles with nonverbal communicative behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
• Fails to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
• Doesn’t often seek out interactions and prefers to play alone
• Lack of social or emotional reciprocity
• Appears unaware of others' emotions
• Appears not to hear you at times and lacks responsiveness

Behavioral Difficulties:

• Restricted and repetitive behavior
• Abnormally intense preoccupation with certain activities or areas of interest (i.e. stamps, coins, flags, cars, or airplanes)
• Will often fixate on one subject matter such as trains or sea creatures and become very knowledgeable about this topic
• Obsessive or inappropriate attachment to certain objects
• Inflexible insistence on certain rituals or routines
• Insists on sameness and becomes distressed when routines or rituals are changed
• Clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements
• Heightened sensitivity -- tends to be distressed by loud noises, bright lights, or strong tastes or textures

Communication Difficulties:

• Oddities of speech and use of language
• Often adopts a very formal tone and use of language, not using shortenings or slang
• Speech often lacks tone, pitch, and accent variations. Also has difficulty picking up on subtle conversational cues and will thus often take things very literally
• Often does not follow subtle humor, and may misinterpret sarcasm and jokes as literal and ill-intended
• Difficulty with nonverbal communication
• Language regression - loses previously acquired ability to say certain words or sentences
• Avoids eye contact when speaking and fails to pick up on subtle communication cues

Asperger's Syndrome was first identified in 1944, but was only officially recognized as a diagnostic category in the DSM IV in 1994. As a result, many children were misdiagnosed over the years with ADD, ADHD, Autism, OCD, or schizophrenia

Many different terms are currently applied, leading to great confusion on the part of parents and educators. Asperger's Syndrome may also be referred to as high functioning autism (HFA), pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD - NOS), atypical PDD, or even nonverbal learning disability (NLD).

There is still debate as to exactly how Asperger's Syndrome should be classified. In addition, it is not always an easy, clear-cut diagnosis to make. As a result, diagnostic errors continue to be made and this often affects treatment, as well as access to appropriate help and information.

Parents may find themselves going from one doctor to another, becoming more confused and frustrated in their attempts to help their child.

It may be advisable to do research before making an appointment if you suspect Asperger’s syndrome, and note down your child’s symptoms and behaviors. Ask your family doctor to refer you to a reputable specialist that deals specifically with child developmental problems.

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While both boys and girls can have Asperger's, the syndrome is more common in boys.

Currently, there is no cure for Asperger’s and the condition is a lifelong one. However, with correct treatment and therapy, many people with Asperger's can go on to lead normal lives and may even excel in certain areas of occupational functioning, especially areas which do not involve ‘people skills’. 

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Social Skills Training

This should be one of the most important components of a treatment program. Children with Asperger's Syndrome can be helped to learn social skills by an experienced psychologist.

Body language and nonverbal communication can be taught in much the same way as one would teach a foreign language. Children with Asperger's can learn to interpret nonverbal expressions of emotion and social interaction. This can assist them with social interaction, peer relationships, and prevent the isolation and depression that often occurs as they enter adolescence. In addition, recognizing that it is not Asperger's disease but rather a condition can go a long way in mentally accepting the characteristics associated with the syndrome.

Teenagers can sometimes benefit from group therapy and can be taught how to use the teenage 'slang' and language forms of their peer groups.

Educational Intervention

Because children with Asperger's Syndrome may differ widely in terms of IQ and ability levels, schools should learn to individualize educational programs for these children. Some of them may cope well in a mainstream class with additional support, while others may need to receive specialized education.

In all cases, teachers should be aware of the special needs of Asperger's children, who often need a great deal more support than first appears necessary.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapeutic approaches that focus on supportive therapy and the teaching of social skills and concrete behavioral techniques are more effective than approaches that concentrate on in-depth emotional therapy, which may be too uncomfortable and stressful for the person with Asperger's.

Children can benefit from play therapy and 'story' therapy aimed at raising awareness of nonverbal communication, development, teaching of empathy, and learning of social skills.

Diet

Although there is no conclusive evidence, there are strong suggestions that changes in diet may significantly reduce the symptoms in some children with Asperger's Disorder.

Many parents report that their children become much more manageable when certain classes of food are eliminated from the diet. These include dairy products, sugar, gluten, wheat, and some artificial colorants and preservatives like MSG and tartrazine.

It is worth consulting a trained nutritionist to assist with dietary intervention, as parents should not simply eliminate important foods from their children's diets without expert advice.

Psychopharmacological Interventions or Drug Therapy

Many children and adults with Asperger's Disorder do not need any form of medication, while others need to be treated symptomatically.

While there are no specific 'Asperger's' drugs, psychiatric drugs can be used to treat some of the problems which may manifest or be associated with Asperger's, such as ADD/HD, depression, mood swings, temper tantrums, irritability, aggression, obsessions, compulsive behaviors, and anxiety.

Many of the drugs used to treat the other pervasive developmental disorders like autism are also used to treat some of the associated symptoms of Asperger's. Like many psychiatric drugs, these often come with unwanted side effects and the risk of addiction. Their benefits should always be weighed against the potential harm they could cause, particularly in the case of children.

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Asperger’s Syndrome is classified along with four other developmental disorders under the heading of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD).

The other four are autism, childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), Rett's disorder and PDD - not otherwise specified (PDD - NOS). Children with Asperger’s are also more likely to develop other disorders such as:

• Tourette's Syndrome
• ADD and ADHD
• Epilepsy
• Depression
• Anxiety disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Learning disorders such as dyslexia or dyspraxia

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• Learn all you can about Asperger’s Syndrome.
  The more you know about your child’s problems and differences, the more you can do to help them.
  
• Find a support network of health care professionals that suit your child.
  Depending on your child’s difficulties, therapists, teachers, and tutors will begin to play a key role in your child’s development. Make sure that a clear line of communication exists between you and all those working with your child.
• Help others to understand your child.
  Parents know their children best, and are aware of what sets them off as well as what comforts them. Inform educators and professionals of these things so that their time spent with your child is more productive and personal.
• Adapt their environment.
  Respond to your child’s sensory needs by providing appropriate amounts of stimulation without overwhelming them. Small things such as buying soft fabrics, cutting scratchy labels off clothes, or dimming bright lights in the house can go a long way in helping a sensory-sensitive child.
• Concentrate on your child’s strengths.
  Asperger’s children usually develop extreme interests in certain subjects. Help your child develop these into constructive passions by providing reading and learning material in this area. Visit museums and galleries, and take trips to interesting places. If your child struggles with other learning difficulties such as math or spelling, it may be helpful to use their passions when teaching these other subjects.

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