Cause Diagnosis and Treatment of Aspergers
Syndrome
As of this date, there is no known cure for
Asperger's Syndrome, but there are effective treatments and
medications that can be used to intervene and redirect behavior so
that the individual can function better in social
situations.
There is no known cause for Asperger's Syndrome but experts and
researchers are still studying the syndrome. There may be multiple
causes, but more studies are needed in order to determine what they
may be. It may turn out that Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is associated
with other mental disorders like depression and bipolar disorder,
or there may be environmental factors that effected the development
of the brain, which may be found to have an impact in the
development of Asperger's Syndrome. It has been determined that AS
has not been caused by emotional deprivation. AS is not the result
of bad parenting. Asperger's Syndrome is a neurobiological
disorder.
As of this date, there is no known cure for Asperger's Syndrome,
but there are effective treatments and medications that can be used
to intervene and redirect behavior so that the individual can
function better in social situations. Education is paramount to
early intervention and understanding when coping with someone with
AS. It is important to educate parents and teachers and other
adults who come into contact with children and adults with AS so
that their behaviors can be understood and modified with help from
treatment and therapy. Individuals receiving this assistance can
lead functioning lives.
Asperger's Syndrome is difficult to diagnose and many children
have been misdiagnosed before receiving the diagnosis of Asperger's
syndrome.
A specialist in psychosocial evaluation usually performs an
evaluation. A history of symptoms is usually taken, and the child's
development of motor skills and language skills as well as
personality and behavior patterns are observed. The child's social
development is assessed as well as communication skills and social
interaction.
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When it is AS and not highly functioning autism the onset of characteristics is usually later and the outcome is typically more positive. In AS the social and communication deficiencies are less severe and the obsessive interests are more prominent. In individuals with AS the verbal IQ is typically higher than the performance IQ scores and with individuals with high functioning autism the performance IQ is higher than the verbal IQ. Individuals with AS are known frequently seen with clumsiness as a characteristic and this is not true of those with high functioning autism. The family history is also present with those with AS.
Aspergers Checklist
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Asperger's Syndrome is treated using behavior interventions,
psychotherapy, education of parents and other adults in contact
with the child, and medications. Specialized educational
interventions are necessary as well as social training, and
language therapy. Sensory integration training is necessary for
young children in which occupational therapist help to desensitize
the child to stimuli such as light, sound and touch. Older children
undergo psychotherapy or behavioral/cognitive therapy. Medications
may also be used as part of the treatment plan. There should be a
team aspect involving all of the caregivers medical and otherwise
of the child including doctors, teachers, babysitters, friends,
other family members and parents. Getting help early is key to
being able to help the child to cope with the signs and symptoms of
AS.
Children with AS respond to self-help programs and programs that
address the areas of deficiency such as curriculum or programs that
address the particular needs of the child.
Families with children with AS need support for emotional and
physical needs.
The key to success is through education and early
intervention.
Asperger's Syndrome
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
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
08/31/2010
Bus vanishes, NY transit impostor arrested again
A man who commandeered a subway train at age 15 and has repeatedly posed as a transit worker was arrested again Tuesday on charges he stole a bus in New Jersey and drove it to a New York airport.
Bus vanishes, NY transit impostor arrested again
08/31/2010
Bus vanishes, NY transit impostor arrested again
A man who commandeered a subway train at age 15 and has repeatedly posed as a transit worker was arrested again Tuesday on charges he stole a bus in New Jersey and drove it to a New York airport.
Bus vanishes, NY transit impostor arrested again
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