What are the treatments for Asperger’s syndrome?
There is no pharmacological treatment for symptoms of autism. However, related problems such as ADHD, concentration problems, anxiety, fear of social interaction and depressed moods can be treated with medication when necessary, without having any influence on the syndrome.
Therapeutic support is recommended for the child to improve social interactions. This may include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: To teach people with Asperger’s how to act socially and cope with their emotions to help address anxiety and other personal challenges such as fears, obsessions, interrupting, and tantrums;
- Speech therapy: To help with voice control;
- Parent education and training;
- Social skills training classes: To help with conversational skills and understanding social cues such as making eye contact with other people, showing interest in what the other person says, not obsessing over one topic;
- School adjustments and educational support: People with Asperger’s can do well in a normal school model, but will usually need to be supported by outside professionals or be in smaller classes;
- Physical therapy: It helps to develop core body strength;
- Occupational therapy: To improve coordination (hand-eye coordination) and help with the motor and sensory skills.
Like everyone, autistic people have things they’re good at as well as things they struggle with. Being autistic does not mean they can never make friends, have relationships, have a working life or build a family. They just might need extra help with these things. Though many questions about the condition remain, it is clear that it is possible to lead a fulfilling and happy life with Asperger’s.
