Asperger’s syndrome is a developmental disorder that impacts how people see, hear, speak and interact with the world around them. If you or someone you know has Asperger’s, one of your biggest concerns may be finding effective treatment options for it. Fortunately there are several strategies to help individuals overcome this condition in 2022.
“Therapy for asperger’s in adults” is a guide to Asperger’s treatment. It includes information about the best options available in 2022. Read more in detail here: therapy for asperger’s in adults.
Despite the fact that Asperger’s syndrome is no longer an accepted diagnosis, the word is still used.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome or has symptoms that resemble Asperger’s syndrome, you’re probably looking for information on successful treatments for these sorts of autism symptoms.
Dealing with a diagnosis is never easy, and it’s understandable if you’re concerned or overwhelmed. As you construct a treatment plan and prepare for the future, your doctor is your finest source of information.
We’ve highlighted some of the most prevalent Asperger’s treatments that will be accessible in 2021, and this knowledge may be useful as you make your plans. Use the information in this page to better understand the therapies your doctor may recommend and to participate in conversations about what you should and shouldn’t do.
We’ll start with a review of Asperger’s syndrome before diving into several treatment options, such as:
What Is Asperger’s Syndrome and How Does It Affect You?
Asperger’s syndrome is a neurological condition that affects how individuals communicate, engage, move, and perceive the environment. The illness is most likely to start early in life, when kids are still growing during pregnancy, although symptoms aren’t normally seen until later in life.
The prevalence of Asperger’s syndrome is unknown to researchers. Some specialists believe that one out of every 250 persons suffers with the illness, although accurate evidence is hard to come by.
As rules evolve and relax, researchers believe that more individuals will qualify for a diagnosis than ever before. They believe that increased diagnoses are attributable to a greater awareness of the issue rather than an autism pandemic.
Prior to 2013, Asperger’s syndrome was a distinct diagnosis. It’s now referred to as autism spectrum disorder. Although doctors and therapists may never refer to a patient as having Asperger’s syndrome, the term is widely used among autistic forums.
Despite the fact that Asperger’s syndrome is no longer a diagnostic label, persons with this illness vary significantly from their autistic counterparts. They could:
- Display a variety of linguistic symptoms. Autism may make it difficult for people to communicate, and some people with autism don’t speak at all. Although people with Asperger’s syndrome frequently have well-developed linguistic abilities, their conversational tics may obstruct smooth communication and make them seem odd.
- Have higher-than-average intellect. On IQ tests, some persons with autism score low. This is not an issue for those with Asperger’s syndrome.
- Later on, you will be diagnosed. Children with autism are often diagnosed by the age of five, whereas those with Asperger’s syndrome are frequently diagnosed between the ages of eight and ten.
- It’s simple to hide symptoms. To assist someone with Asperger’s learn and emulate peers, good language skills and above-average IQ are employed. They pay a high price for this activity since they may feel as if they are continually performing or miming rather than living. They may feel weary at the end of the day as a result of their masking.
Each person with Asperger’s is different, and the symptoms listed above may appear in a variety of ways. Some individuals have them all, while others do not. When families are looking for peers to assist them, knowing how the disease normally acts might be beneficial.
Asperger’s Syndrome and ABA Therapy
ABA is the most well-researched and effective method of treatment for autism. Whether people have Asperger’s syndrome or another form of autism, this remains true. Researchers have long been intrigued by this form of treatment, and when they look further, they find that it works.
A step-by-step therapy approach is followed by ABA practitioners. They put in great effort to:
- Define your objectives. Some persons with Asperger’s syndrome need to work on conversational skills, such as switching from one subject to another. Others must focus on maintaining eye contact. Others may need assistance in coping with intense emotions without sobbing or having a tantrum.
- Find the source of the problem. Practitioners watch for when the aim becomes more probable or less likely. When meeting new individuals, do you have any conversational issues? Are loud sounds usually associated with strong emotions?
- Introduce a stand-in. Therapists advise their clients to concentrate on the objective act rather than demonstrating an unhelpful habit. They could break it down into little chunks, like taking a breath, smiling, counting to five, and then speaking.
- Rehearse the routine. ABA therapists coach their clients through the trigger and goal act throughout each session until the reaction is so natural that no more repetition is needed.
When compared to other persons with autism, those with Asperger’s tend to get through treatment more quickly, although they may have a lot of things to work on with a counselor. People with Asperger’s syndrome must learn to act in social situations in ways that are not natural to them. These abilities need time and effort to master.
ABA is a kind of treatment that is quite intense. Depending on the objectives, the number of hours of ABA treatment required weekly will vary from person to person.
If you’ve been diagnosed with autism, you’re more likely to receive comprehensive insurance coverage for treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider about how they may help you save money on your treatment.
Asperger’s Syndrome Medications
According to specialists, no medicines can address the basic symptoms of Asperger’s. Taking a medication every day isn’t going to help you talk or interact like a neurotypical. However, certain drugs may be useful in your daily life.
People with Asperger’s syndrome often suffer from various mental health problems that may be treated with medication, such as:
If you take care of such ailments, you may be able to concentrate on your autistic issue. You may also have less daily discomfort, making social interactions simpler.
Your doctor may advise you to:
- Medications for ADHD are available. Stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall, as well as other drugs like Intuniv, may help you concentrate and quiet a hyperactive mind.
- Antidepressants. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) may assist to correct chemical imbalances in the brain, allowing for the relief of severe depression. Obsessive thoughts may be helped by the same drugs.
- Antipsychotics. Risperdal may assist with autism-related irritability. These drugs may also make you feel less nervous and impulsive.
Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help with severe symptoms like sleeplessness. Whatever meds you take, you should keep in frequent touch with your doctor to verify that the treatment is functioning and that you are not experiencing any unpleasant side effects.
Many drugs have side effects, so you’ll have to measure the advantages against the danger of these changes. If you get a benefit from the drug, you may be willing to put up with the side effects.
Speech-Language Pathology
People with Asperger’s syndrome don’t develop language delays that are typical in autism. You may have started speaking right on time when compared to your peers. You may have an exceptional vocabulary filled with complex words, but Speech-Language Pathology may still benefit you.
Speech therapists may assist with speech mechanics, so you might concentrate on enunciation. You might also practice typical autistic speaking patterns like:
- Echolalia. When someone asks for something or makes a social request, you may feel forced to repeat your job.
- Rapid-fire delivery. When talking about something you like, you may speak fast and without hesitating. Others may be disturbed by this style of speaking.
- Pitch or tone that is unusual. You can talk in a loud or low tone that detracts from your message.
Speech-Language Pathology is held in a one-on-one format. You talk with the therapist about an issue, and you practice together.
Your therapist may also suggest that you participate in social skills groups so that you may practice speaking with other people who have autism. These groups are quite beneficial since they enable you to collaborate with a variety of individuals in real-time talks.
Speech-Language Pathology is often covered by insurance, but you’ll need a doctor to write a prescription that highlights why you need help. Some students may get Speech-Language Pathology sessions at school, and if so, parents won’t pay for that assistance.
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a kind of therapy that
Cooking, grooming, eating, working, and playing are some of the tasks that occupational therapists concentrate on. Each of these actions improves your quality of life while also allowing you to live freely.
Occupational therapists evaluate abilities and identify what areas of their clients’ lives need assistance. Then they create therapy strategies to assist their clients in achieving their objectives. They may work on many problems at the same time. If you’re having trouble applying for jobs, for example, your counselor may be able to assist you:
- Improve your hand strength so you can rapidly type an application.
- Reduce your anxiety so you can ace the interview.
- To pass pre-employment checks, slow down and follow instructions.
- Reduce the number of distractions in your life so you can concentrate on obtaining the ideal employment.
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a kind of therapy that is a proven intervention for people with autism. Sometimes, it helps people deal with social issues. Sometimes, it helps to ease mechanical problems. Some people get both kinds of benefits.
This work is critical. Researchers say only about 12% of people with autism have a full-time job. Many people with Asperger’s live at home with no meaningful activities to fill up the day. If Occupational Therapy (OT) is a kind of therapy that can address those issues, it’s worthwhile.
Insurance often pays for Occupational Therapy (OT) is a kind of therapy that, but again, you’ll need a doctor to refer you to care. Without that piece of paperwork, you may be asked to pay for treatment yourself.
Do’s & Don’ts of Asperger’s Treatment
You are entitled to a treatment plan that builds on your strengths while also addressing your flaws. You may discover a combination of treatments that work for your family with time and effort.
As you search, keep the following in mind:
- Don’t put off getting help. You may be inclined to dismiss or ignore Asperger’s symptoms since they are minor. Recognize that they will not vanish on their own. Get the help you need as soon as possible.
- Don’t waste your time looking for a cure. Treatments may assist you in living a happy and successful life, but you may still want assistance from others. The purpose of therapy isn’t to get rid of the problem completely. Instead, it’s intended to provide you with tools that you may use for the rest of your life. It’s possible that the work will continue.
- Include your family in the process. Therapy may be beneficial to parents, siblings, love partners, and others. You could improve your communication abilities so that you can work with the person you care about. You might also learn more about autism.
Treatments for Asperger’s syndrome are many and have been demonstrated to be helpful. Don’t be scared to look for the perfect one for you and then begin therapy to get the assistance you need.
References
Prevalence of Asperger’s Syndrome Profiles. The Asperger’s/Autism Network is a group of people who have Asperger’s syndrome or autism
What Is Asperger Syndrome and How Does It Affect You? Autism Speaks is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about
Asperger’s Syndrome: The Facts In Action: The Autism Community
Can ABA Help a Teen on the Autism Spectrum Who Is Only Mildly Affected? (In May of 2016). Autism Speaks is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about
A Growth Curve Analysis of Predictors of Longitudinal ABA Treatment Outcomes for Children With Autism (November 2017). Developmental Disabilities Research
Preservative Speech About Restricted Topics in an Adolescent With Asperger Syndrome: A Functional Assessment and Treatment (Updated February 2013). The Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis is a publication dedicated to the study of human behavior.
Asperger Syndrome Throughout the Day at Home and at School (September 2003). The President of ASHA.
Medication for Asperger Syndrome (February 2018). Medscape.
When Should You Consider Taking Autism Medication? (Updated September 2019) ADDitude.
Echolalia in Children With Asperger’s Syndrome: A Speech-Language Pathology Approach. (2004). Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry.
Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified Social Skills Groups (In January of 2008) Psychiatry.
Speech-Language Pathology. Autism Speaks.
Adults With Asperger Syndrome: Is Occupational Therapy (OT) is a kind of therapy that Right for You? Asperger/Autism Network.
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a kind of therapy that’s Efficacy in Children with Asperger’s Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. (October 2019). Clinical Therapeutics.
Employment. The Asperger’s/Autism Network is a group of people who have Asperger’s syndrome or autism
Asperger’s Syndrome is a kind of autism. (As of June 2019). The American Academy of Family Physicians is a group of doctors that specialize in family medicine.
Page dedicated to Asperger Syndrome. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a federal agency that researches
Asperger’s Syndrome is a kind of autism. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy is a professional organization dedicated to marriage and family therapy.
Asperger’s is a type of autism that affects social interaction, communication and behavior. There are many different treatments available for Asperger’s that can help with the symptoms. The best antidepressant for asperger’s is a drug called “Prozac.”
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Janice is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Special Education. She also holds a Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) from Queen’s University, Belfast. She has worked with and case managed children and youth with autism and other intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in home and residential setting since 2013.
