Managing With Asperger's Syndrome

The treatment plan for those with Asperger's Syndrome includes using therapy and medication to manage any distressing symptoms and also to teach the individual age-appropriate social and communication skills and when age appropriate to teach the individual vocational skills as well. Intervention, and therapy is tailored to the individual needs of the person with Asperger's Syndrome and to assist family members and other caregivers to adapt to and to understand the person who has Asperger's Syndrome.

The treatment plan may encompass social skills training to improve interpersonal interactions, cognitive behavioral therapy to improve the stress level when relating to others, and also to reduce the obsessive interests and repetitive routines of the person with Asperger's syndrome. Medication may be used if conditions such as depression or anxiety exist. Social communication intervention may include specialized speech therapy, and therapy to help with motor coordination such as physical therapy and occupational therapy for small motor skills. Educating the parents and other caregivers such as babysitters, teachers and school administrators is also often necessary in order to make a smooth transition at school after the diagnosis has been made. At the proper age vocational training will be necessary in order to teach proper job application etiquette and workplace behavior.

There are no medications that address the core symptoms and signs of Asperger's Syndrome only conditions that may co-exist with the syndrome such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Medications must be monitored closely as some abnormalities in metabolism, cardiac function and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes has been a concern. Side effects, which occur commonly with certain medications, may include sleepiness, weight gain and fatigue. Individuals with Asperger's syndrome may not be able to communicate successfully when they are experiencing these side effects so close monitoring is suggested if any types of medications are given to individuals with Asperger's Syndrome.

As of 2006, there have not been any studies to indicate the long-term outcome of individuals who have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Adults that have Asperger's Syndrome can lead normal life expectance but have been shown to have an increased prevalence of psychiatric conditions such as depression, and anxiety disorders. There has been some recorded incidence of adults with Asperger's Syndrome achieving major accomplishments such as winning the Nobel Prize, becoming professionals and leading normal family lives. Many patients report that although these things are possible they have experienced difficulty doing what to others may seem effortless. It is with determination, intervention and therapy that individuals with Asperger's Syndrome are able to lead normal lives.

As with any disease or condition, the individual and their families learn to educate themselves about the condition, disorder or syndrome, learn interventions and therapies that help them to cope with the signs and symptoms. Managing Asperger’s Syndrome takes initiative and the willingness to take action.