Asperger's Syndrome

Home » Asperger's Syndrome » Treatment, Other Therapies, Follow Up, Prognosis

Treatment

Children who have Asperger's syndrome think and function very differently than other children. In most cases, they need special help and coaching to function more successfully in their school and home environments. Treatments for AS focus on helping children manage in these settings.

Special education services, behavior therapy, speech therapy, and physical or occupational therapy may help the child learn to function more effectively and harmoniously with others. Training and counseling for parents and other family members also may be helpful.

There are no specific medications used to treat AS. However, children who suffer from anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, or obsessive-compulsive disorder as a result of Asperger's syndrome may benefit from medication to help with these symptoms. When these medications are prescribed, the child will be monitored by his or her health care provider at regular intervals throughout treatment.

To treat depression, drugs such as fluoxetine (Prozac®, Sarafem®) may be prescribed. It is important for parents to work closely with the child's health care provider and to fully understand how to monitor the child for side effects of antidepressant medication. In some children and teenagers, these medications may increase suicidal thoughts and actions.

Other side effects that should be reported to the child's health care provider immediately include the following:

• Aggressive or impulsive behavior
• Agitation or restlessness
• Increased activity level
• Increased chattiness
• Increased depression or anxiety
• Increased irritability
• Panic attacks
• Sleep difficulties
• Strange moods or behavior changes

Children should be monitored especially closely when they first begin taking antidepressant medication or if the dosage of the medication is changed. These medications should not be discontinued or the dosage changed without consulting a qualified health care provider.

To treat obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCD), clomipramine (Anafranil®) may be prescribed. Clomipramine is also an antidepressant and increases the risk for suicidal thoughts and actions in children and teens. Patients should be monitored closely while taking this medication. Side effects that should be reported immediately to the child's health care provider include the following:

• Breathing difficulties
• Depression
• Eye pain
• Hallucinations
• Increased heart rate
• Loss of bladder control or difficulty with urination
• Muscle stiffness
• Seizures
• Tiredness
• Tremors
• Weakness

The following side effects, which generally are less serious, should be reported to the child's health care provider if they persist or cause particular discomfort:

• Changes in appetite
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Intestinal symptoms
• Loss of memory or difficulty concentrating
• Nervousness
• Sinus congestion

These medications should not be discontinued or the dosage changed without consulting a qualified health care provider.

To treat inattentiveness or hyperactivity, stimulants such as methylphenidate (Concerta®, Ritalin®) or dextroamphetamine (Dexadrine®) may be prescribed. These medications can be habit forming and should be used with caution in patients who have heart problems or psychiatric conditions. The child's health care provider will take a careful health history and perform a medical evaluation before prescribing this medication.

Methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine can interfere with the child's growth and weight gain. If this occurs, the child's health care provider should be contacted right away. The following serious side effects also should be reported immediately:

• Chest pain
• Distorted perceptions of reality
• Dizziness
• Extreme tiredness
• Hallucinations
• Hives
• Mood changes
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness in arms or legs
• Pounding heartbeat
• Seizures
• Shortness of breath
• Speech difficulties
• Vision problems

The following side effects generally are less serious and should be reported to the child's health care provider if they persist or cause particular discomfort:

• Dry mouth
• Gastrointestinal distress
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shakiness, nervousness, or restlessness
• Sleep problems

These medications should not be discontinued or the dosage changed without consulting a qualified health care provider.

Other Therapies

Training in social skills

A good training program in social skills teaches children who have AS through clear explanations, illustrations, and sufficient repetition. The child's health care provider can provide assistance in finding a qualified behavior therapist.

Sensitivity (e.g., to noise, light, or touch)
Some children with AS are overly sensitive to noise, light, or touch. If this is the case, the child's health care provider can offer advice for finding a behavior therapist to help the child manage these stressful situations.

Motor skills and physical coordination
An occupational therapist can help children who have delays or difficulties with motor skills or physical coordination. Some children with Asperger's syndrome have difficulty with handwriting, learning to tie their shoes, picking up new movements in physical education class, or other fine and gross motor skills.

Speech and language issues
A speech and language therapist may be able to help children who have difficulties with the volume, rhythm, or tone of their speech. The child's health care provider can provide assistance in finding a qualified therapist.

School and family issues
Most children who have Asperger's syndrome need some kind of special education accommodations at school to help them learn and work more effectively. An individualized education plan (IEP) at school usually is necessary. The child's therapist may be able to offer advice on how to seek special services at his or her school.

Parents, siblings, and other family members or caregivers may also benefit from special training or counseling services. Talk with the child's health care provider about finding a psychotherapist who has experience working with families who have children with developmental issues.

Follow-up

Children who have Asperger's should be monitored regularly with regard to social skill development and mental health issues. It is important for parents to communicate regularly with teachers to ensure that the child is receiving appropriate services at school and is making adequate yearly progress.

Prognosis

The prognosis for people who have Asperger's syndrome varies greatly and is strongly influenced by early diagnosis and effective treatment. In many cases, the patient is able to lead a healthy and productive life that includes completing college and having a professional career.

People who have AS are at increased risk for developing depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent Asperger's syndrome; however, early diagnosis and intervention is the best way to prevent behavioral and emotional complications related to the disorder.

© 1998-2008 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Asperger's Syndrome Resources

	Join Our Asperger's Syndrome Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
Are you interested in becoming a nurse? Take this test. Advertising Disclaimer To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar.