Asperger’s Treatment Methods
According to the Autism Speaks Organization, no one method of intervention and treatment options may work for every child. Remember that your child is unique and you need to work with their strengths to help them in the best way possible. Treatment of Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) / High-functioning Autism (HFA) can help your child navigate through social challenges, capitalize on his or her strengths, and be successful. Many children with AS/HFA have made remarkable breakthroughs with the right combinations of therapies and interventions.
In an article in the New York Times, it is stated that there is no single best treatment for all children with Asperger’s Syndrome. Most experts feel that the earlier treatment is started, the better. Programs for children with Asperger’s Syndrome teach skills by building on a series of simple steps, using highly structured activities. Important tasks or points are repeated over time to help reinforce certain behaviors.
In other words, what works for one child may not work for another. It’s important also to note that what works for one child for a period of time may stop working at a later time.
In order to determine what treatments and interventions will be most effective for an individual with AS, a thorough assessment of all symptoms must be done.
Options for Treatment Include:
- Parent Education and Training
- Social Skills Training and Speech-Language Therapy
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy
- Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
- Sensory Integration/Occupational Therapy
- Medication
- Home Treatment
- Psychosocial Interventions for Asperger’s
With treatment, many children and their families can learn to cope with the problems of Asperger’s syndrome. An effective treatment program includes: parents getting involved in the treatment process; building on the child’s interests; promoting self-esteem; and last but not least, offering a predictable schedule. Such a program also teaches tasks as a series of simple steps, actively engages the child’s attention in highly structured activities, helps include the child in a typical social environment, and provides regular reinforcement of behavior.
Parents of children with Asperger’s syndrome should receive professional training so that they can continue working with their children at home. Behavioral techniques are best when adapted to suit the home environment, and they should focus on issues directly related to home life and self-help skills while continuing with the goals established in school.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to behavior treatments for Asperger’s syndrome is that everyone in the child’s life needs to work together as a team. Parents, mental health professionals, pediatricians, neurologists, educators, occupational therapists, and other professionals must collaborate to make certain everyone involved meets the needs of the child.
If you would like more information on treatments for your child, contact me at (716) 432-3656. I have years of experience treating children with Asperger’s syndrome. I believe in individualized treatment, setting realistic goals for all my clients. I am grateful to have the opportunity to provide comprehensive mental health care to my clients.