My child shows signs of Asperger's syndrome? Behavior mod yes, but is there help for him beyond medication.

Question

My child shows signs of Asperger's syndrome? Behavior mod yes, but is there help for him beyond medication.

Answer 1

If its asperger syndrome, then there are no drugs that will help him.  A positive diagnosis and proper social training by someone qualified is what he needs.  He doesn't need special schools, that is the worst thing for him.  He needs regular schools and additional social training.  Likewise, mom needs training too so she can deal with him properly.  Lack of proper training will ruin him for life if he does have aspergers.

Answer 2

The first step to diagnosis is an assessment, including a developmental history and observation. This should be done by medical professionals experienced with Autism and other PDDs. If Asperger's Disorder or high functioning autism is suspected, the diagnosis of autism will generally be ruled out first. Early diagnosis is also important; children with Asperger's Disorder who are diagnosed and treated early in life have an increased chance of being successful in school and eventually living independently.

Children with Asperger's Disorder may present a challenge for educators. While they appear capable and are good with memorization and factual information, they may be weak in comprehension and cognitively inflexible. Educators need to capitalize on their abilities, discovering their strengths and interests in order to develop their talents.

People with Asperger's Disorder particularly need assistance in developing their social and communication skills. Children and young adults who received social and communications skills training are better able to express themselves, understand language and become more skillful at communicating with others, increasing their likelihood of successful social interactions. Early intervention means a better chance for independent living and further education.

While few programs are designed specifically to address Asperger's Disorder, some of the treatment approaches used for people with "high functioning" Autism, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Treatment & Education of Autistic and Related Communication of Handicapped Children (TEACCH), may be appropriate for a person with Asperger Syndrome. ABA is based on the idea that behavior rewarded will more likely be repeated. ABA is typically done on a one-to-one basis and may focus on specific behaviors and communication skills. TEACCH was developed at the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina as a structured teaching approach that used the child's visual and rote memory strengths to improve communication, social and coping skills. Pictures and charts that show a daily schedule help the child with Asperger's Disorder to anticipate what will happen during the day. This is particularly important for children with Asperger's Disorder since they usually have difficulties with changes in routine.

Because children with Asperger's Disorder may be only mildly affected, they may begin school prior to being diagnosed. During the elementary years, behavioral issues and immaturity may be a problem but academically, these children frequently do quite well. The ability to memorize information, do calculations and focus intensively serves them well. But as they move through the school system, difficulties with social skills, language and obsessive behaviors become more problematic and may leave them vulnerable to teasing from classmates.

Getting special education services may be difficult because children with AS have normal or above normal intelligence and appear capable. However, every child with disabilities is guaranteed a free, appropriate public education through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Keep in mind that IDEA establishes that an appropriate educational program must be provided, not necessarily an "ideal" program or the one you feel is best for your child. The law specifies that educational placement should be determined individually for each child, based on that child's specific needs, not solely on the diagnosis or category. No one program or amount of services is appropriate for all children with disabilities. It is important that you work with the school to obtain the educational support and services that your child needs. The first step should be a comprehensive needs assessment that will become the blueprint for your child's educational plan. Then, in collaboration with your child's school and teachers, develop a well-defined and thorough Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The IEP is a written document that outlines the child's individual educational program, tailored to his or her needs. A program appropriate for one child with Asperger's Disorder may not be appropriate for another.

While many children with Asperger's Disorder may participate in mainstream society, they still need support services. Teachers need to be informed that these children are not simply acting up or being difficult.

Counselors can provide emotional support and assist with social skills, helping children with AS to learn how to react to social cues and situations. Children with Asperger's Disorder may use a "buddy" who serves as a role model for social situations and may facilitate interactions with others by explaining appropriate behavior.

Speech and language therapists may help in the use of appropriate language and occupational therapists can deal with delays in motor development.

Dr. Stephen Bauer, a developmental pediatrician at the Pediatric Development Center of Unity Health in Rochester, New York, suggests that the most important step in helping children with Asperger's Disorder is for schools to recognize that the child has "an inherent developmental disorder which causes him/her to behave and respond in a different way from other students." Because children with Asperger's Disorder respond best to a regular, organized routine, Bauer recommends the use of charts and pictures to help the child visualize the day and to prepare him or her for any changes in advance. Bauer also emphasizes the need to avoid power struggles since children with Asperger's Disorder will become more rigid and stubborn if confronted or forced.

Under the treatment link they also have :

Learning Approaches; Biomedical & Dietary Approaches; & Complementary Approaches along with other useful information.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, not. My son was diagnosed at the age of 7 after almost of year of mis-diagnosis and meds that were inappropriate. There are no meds for Aspies, your best bet is to find a therapist who has specific training in this field.  A regular counselor will not be able to address all the different levels of support you will need.

A good book to read; "The Explosive Child".  Even if your child is not "explosive" it does address many of the other tendencies of Aspies, and coping strategies for the family.  Also, a good web-site is wrongplanet.net.  It has a wealth of info.  Good luck, hope this helps.

Answer 4

A speech therapist can help with pragmatic skills.  Contact the speech therapist at your child's school, or ask your child's teacher to make a referral for you (different school districts handle these things differently).  More than likely, the ST will put your child in a small group, or maybe even work with his/her entire class at the same time, which would help your child avoid the feeling of being "singled out."  And who doesn't know a few kids that could benefit from some communication/social skills training!  Good luck with everything.  You might want to seek out a support group or something similar for yourself, even just online, to deal with the feelings you might be having about all this.

Answer 5

Intensive therapy (and this can include placement in a group therapy setting designed for children with social disorders and developmental delays), behavior mod used in school and at home to overcome any stim or behavioral issues and getting a firm diagnosis and beginning the IEP process in the schools (if you have not done either, move them to the top of the list) are all paramount.  Some kids on the spectrum need meds for various issues...attention, sleeping problems, OCD are just a few exmples..while others take nothing.  Only you, working in conjunction with your pediatrician can decide which meds may be needed, if you want to try them and if they work well enough to deal with any possible side effects.  Many parents will try diet modifications (gluten free is one that gets a lot of attention) and/or mega vitamin therapies.  These have not been proven effective in scientific studies.  Anecodotal evidence shows that about 10% of the kids using the plans show some improvement, especially if they have food allergies, bowel/digestive issues and/or nutritional issues..relieving those issues often makes the child feel better so they do better across the board.  There are several books and websites about dietary plans.  Mega vitamin therapies should be used under the guidance of a doctor as blood tests are required to check certain levels.  In the states, DAN affiliated practitioners offer advice and guidance on using alternative therapies with autistic children.  keep in mind that most insurance companies will not cover the cost of a DAN provider or the cost of the vitamins or implementing the diets.

Answer 6

Go to www.autism.com There is a section "my child was just diagnosed,what do I do" as well as tons of information on treatments and there effectiveness on children on the spectrum.