Is Asperger's Disorder Curable, and If Not, What Should You Do?
Unfortunately, today's medical community has no cure for Asperger's disorder. However, they have adopted therapy and treatment standards by which many Asperger's sufferers are able to lead a normal socializing life.
Although Asperger's disorder or syndrome was first documented in 1944 the medical community has been slow in excepting Asperger's. This has resulted in Asperger's being officially recognized as recently as 1994. For this reason, psychiatric and psychological treatments are almost still all in the early developmental stages and continuing research is needed to improve Asperger's treatment.
However divided the medical community may seem in the treatment of Asperger's. One thing remains clear. They all agree that the sooner treatment starts, the better quality of life and Asperger's patient can expect to achieve. This is especially true in the intervention of therapeutic, educational and remedial cures. While there is no hard and fast cure to Asperger's, treatments will improve adults and children's quality of life.
One of the most dynamic and important components in treatment of Asperger's disorder is social skills training. Experience psychologists should be able to adequately train a child in nonverbal and body language type communication skills. This would be accomplished in much the same way as teaching a foreign language.
One of the most common characteristics of Asperger's, is an individual's inability to interpret or pick up on nonverbal expressions in normal conversations or in social interaction. By providing the “second language” to the child they will be able to develop and maintain peer relationships. This will help to avoid depression and isolation as they mature.
As most Asperger suffers have highly developed vocabularies they typically do not have vocabularies, consistent with their peers. That is why teenagers often benefit, in group therapy as they can learn or be taught slaying that is appropriate for their age group.
It may be necessary to employ educational intervention. As children, often have widely varying IQ levels. If possible that may be necessary to invite the school to learn, individualized education for these types of children.
There may be or will be situations where many of the children will excel in standardized classrooms. However, there will be children, who need special education to facilitate their development. It is encouraged that parents talked to their child's teacher and apprise them of the situation. Through the teacher taking the time to praise the child for their natural abilities will improve the child's overall developmental skills.
The approach taken in psychotherapy should be that of teaching solid behavioral techniques. These appear to be more affective techniques than trying to teach them emotional therapy, which oftentimes leaves Asperger's sufferers stressed and uncomfortable.
The key approach to teaching children concrete nonverbal communication and social development is accomplished through story or play therapy.
Parents and/or Asperger's sufferers should pay a detailed attention to their eating habits. If they notice a mood change or swing in themselves or their child they should make note of this and avoid such foods. Although not completely understood, it is believed that certain foods have certain effects on individuals who suffer from Asperger's syndrome. Careful attention to diet in the early stages will help develop diet plans. |