Question

What are the most beneficial therapy types available for Aspergers?

Answer

When a child is first diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, he may be referred for therapy.  Asperger’s Syndrome, as you know, is not a condition that can be cured.  Asperger’s Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition that is treated with an individualized treatment plan that may include different therapies and medications.   “The Autism Sourcebook : Everything You Need to Know About Diagnosis, Treatment, Coping, and Healing,” by Karen Siff Exkorn is one of the best published resources for families dealing with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.  Written by a parent of a child with Autism, this book covers all aspects of living with Autism once the diagnosis is received.   Here are some of the most common treatment options.

*    Young children are often treated with ABA therapy.  Applied Behavioral Analysis is a form of therapy used to teach young children basic skills in many different areas.  For example, ABA can be used to teach young children to make eye contact, to play with toys, and to identify shapes and colors.

*    Cognitive-behavioral therapy is used to treat the emotional side of Asperger’s Syndrome like anxiety, depression, and obsessions.  This therapy helps form the connections between feelings, emotions, and behavior.

*    Occupational therapy is basically used to teach independence.  Grasp, handwriting, social skills, and play skills are often included.  This therapist may help your child learn to tie his shoes of zip his jacket.

*    Sensory integration therapy may be included by the occupational therapist.  Some occupational therapists are trained in sensory therapies and some are not.  This therapy helps get your child’s sensory systems in synch.

*    Speech/language therapy covers speech articulation as well as pragmatics, or fluency.  Language therapy covers social communication, and in some cases, social skills.  Speech/language therapy will help your child learn to communicate verbally or nonverbally, if necessary, with the use of picture exchange and/or sign language.

*    Physical therapy addresses the physical awkwardness that sometimes comes with Asperger’s Syndrome.  Awkward gait and lack of balance are common complaints.  This therapist may help your child learn to kick a ball, walk up and down stairs, and ride a bicycle.

*    Social skills training is a therapy that teaches children with Asperger’s how to relate to others, making and keeping friends, how to recognize social cues and gestures, and other details such as personal space and understanding slang.

It is very important for parents to fully support and participate in their child’s therapy.  Asperger’s therapies can be successfully performed by parents in the home with the proper support and training.

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel