Asperger's Syndrome: Treatment, Prognosis and Research

Courtesy of the US National Institutes of Health

Asperger's Syndrome: Is there any treatment?

The ideal treatment for Asperger Syndrome coordinates therapies that address the three core symptoms of the disorder: poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness. There is no single best treatment package for all children with AS, but most professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better.

An effective treatment program builds on the child’s interests, offers a predictable schedule, teaches tasks as a series of simple steps, actively engages the child’s attention in highly structured activities, and provides regular reinforcement of behavior. It may include social skills training, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication for co-existing conditions, and other measures.

What is the prognosis?

With effective treatment, children with Asperger Syndrome can learn to cope with their disabilities, but they may still find social situations and personal relationships challenging. Many adults with AS are able to work successfully in mainstream jobs, although they may continue to need encouragement and moral support to maintain an independent life.

What research is being done on Asperger's Syndrome?

Many of the Institutes at the NIH (US National Institutes of Health), including the NINDS (National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke), are sponsoring research to understand what causes Asperger Syndrome and how it can be effectively treated. One study is using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to show how abnormalities in particular areas of the brain cause changes in brain function that result in the symptoms of Asperger's and other ASDs. Other studies include a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of an anti-depressant in individuals with Asperger Syndrome and HFA (High Functioning Autism) who exhibit high levels of obsessive/ritualistic behavior and a long-range study to collect and analyze DNA samples from a large group of children with Asperger's and HFA and their families to identify genes and genetic interactions that are linked to Asperger Syndrome and HFA.

Further Reading:

Asperger's Huh? A Child's Perspective [Amazon]