Treatment and Interventions for Those With
Asperger's Syndrome
The purpose of treatment and interventions for Asperger's Syndrome
is to give a child the best chance to improve his or her abilities
to interact with others. The treatment will be tailored to the
specific child, as each person with Asperger's Syndrome will have
differences in the number and the severity of symptoms. The
treatment plan will also revolve around the family's available
resources. The treatment plan and interventions are designed around
the symptoms exhibited by the individual with the syndrome.
Families with children that have been diagnosed with Asperger's
Syndrome can secure services by contacting the local school
district, or by contacting organizations for Asperger's Syndrome.
Federal laws require that public schools provide educational
services that are appropriate for individuals with disabilities
including those who have Asperger's Syndrome that are between the
ages of 3 and 21. There may also be certain state and local laws
pertaining to the education of those with special needs. The school
personnel will identify goals by initiating and designing an
Individualized Education Program known as an IEP. The IEP will be
specific to the particular need of the student with special needs
such as Asperger's Syndrome. The IEP will be designed based on the
evaluation of the level of disability.
Typical school programs that may be set up to meet the needs of
those students with Asperger's Syndrome include smaller groups or
classrooms, a communication specialist to work on social training,
opportunities for structured social interactions, individualized
curriculum, and an assigned counselor to help the child cope with
emotional issues encountered during school.
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Living With Asperger's Syndrome
There are certain characteristics or signs that someone may exhibit if they have Asperger's Syndrome such as not being able to meet the gaze of someone that they are greeting, having difficulty with personal space recognition, demonstrating motor clumsiness and a decreased ability to function in social situations. Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome lack nonverbal communication skills, which can affect work life, school performance and interpersonal relationships.
Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome often have difficulties when it comes to change or when it is necessary to transition from one thing to another. They may also have extreme sensitivities to sights, smells, and sounds and tastes adding to the difficulties in social situations in which these sensitivities could make it difficult to participate.
Communication is difficult for the individual with this syndrome because so much of what we express to one another is in the form of nonverbal communication.
Autism Aspergers
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Treatment:
The treatment plan will involve therapies to improve
communication, social skills, and behavioral management.
Activity-oriented groups and focused counseling may also be
offered. The treatment plan may also include other conditions such
as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar
disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety
disorder, and depression. These conditions often coexist with
Asperger's Syndrome and must also be addressed when treating the
individual. These conditions may require therapy or therapy in
combination with medications.
Ongoing research continues in an attempt to discover the cause
or causes and any preventative measures that may be taken.
Home Treatment:
Those who care for a child with Asperger's Syndrome including
parents, other family members, babysitters and other caregivers
should seek education regarding Asperger's Syndrome so that they
can better understand the individual with Asperger's Syndrome and
be better equipped to assist the individual in learning new coping
skills. Speak with the individual's physician to locate resources
for education about Asperger's Syndrome and also contact
organizations for Asperger's Syndrome.
Children with Asperger's Syndrome typically respond better when
they have daily routines and rules that are consistent. They are
able to respond better to verbal communications rather than to
non-verbal communication.
When teaching someone with Asperger's Syndrome it might be
beneficial to teach in parts that build up to the big picture
instead of trying to present the entire concept at once. They also
respond well to visual supports such as schedules, charts and other
organizational aids. It is important to be aware of sensory stimuli
in the learning environment like ticking clocks, humming machines
and fluorescent lighting; all of these things are sensory
distractions that make it more difficult for the individual to
learn.
Asperger's Syndrome
09/01/2010
Change of Character
Paul escapes the realities of his life by changing into different characters. He produced this story for ABC Open with the help of photographer Neal Rodwell.
Change of Character
09/02/2010
First Asperger's college opening
The first specialist college for young people with Asperger syndrome in Wales opens its doors.
First Asperger's college opening
09/03/2010
A journey for knowledge
BORDENTOWN CITY Itâs special because itâs the only program of its kind in the Burlington County Library System.
A journey for knowledge
08/31/2010
Autistic children find comfort in specially trained dogs
— Rebecca Heibein worries about the dangers her son could unknowingly stumble into.
Autistic children find comfort in specially trained dogs
09/01/2010
GREAT NORTH RUN: Oxford fields fundraisers
VETERAN runner Sir Christopher Ball should have no problem completing the Great North Run half-marathon to raise funds for an autism charity.
GREAT NORTH RUN: Oxford fields fundraisers
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