Recent research for treatment of asperger's

Asperger’s syndrome is a disorder that affects a child’s developmental skills primarily in the category of communication and socialization. These children have a great deal of trouble in social settings and they noticeably focus on specific topics of interest and wanting to learn everything about it. It is a psychological disorder that is grouped along with the autism spectrum disorders, which are also known as pervasive developmental disorders. Asperger’s disorder is known as a mild case of the autism spectrum disorders.

Children with Asperger’s disorder may display a lack of eye contact with others, awkward body movements and gestures and little facial expression. They enjoy and do focus on one topic and talk all about it. They have trouble with interpretation of other people. They may be poorly coordinated and their speech may be monotone or fast. The symptoms of Asperger’s can mimic normal childhood development. The key to the difference is when a child has trouble adapting to social settings and the above symptoms interfere with doing so. This is the time when outside intervention should be considered after consulting with your child’s pediatrician.

The cause of Asperger’s syndrome is thought to be in part responsible due to genetics. Although Asperger’s disorder cannot be cured children can learn to cope better with specialized therapies in the areas of communication, socialization, and behavior. Some children benefit with the use of medications, such as those used in the treatment of ADHD, which some Asperger children have characteristics of.

Recent research for treatment of Asperger’s syndrome and autism is in using the hormone, oxytocin, which occurs naturally in people. This hormone is thought to be able to allow people with this disorder better awareness and reaction capabilities when interacting socially and in terms of emotions. The concept of oxytocin is not clear. However, it is thought to encourage bonding in a relationship. It is a hormone that is expelled when a woman has an orgasm or goes through the birthing process. A clinical psychologist, Adam Guastella, is the leader of this study. This study has been done previously in humans and did show significant abilities in understanding the expressions of others. Expectations are high for this study and testing is being accomplished using male subjects in their early to late teen years with the use of a nasal spray made up of oxytocin. This test will be conducted for a year and then follow-up will be done.

Anytime that research is being done on this mysterious psychological illness everyone gets excited and anticipates big dreams in their future. They will cling to just about any type of encouragement to bring normalcy to their lives. As long as there are people trying, there is hope for the future.