Currently, there is no cure for Asperger's Disorder, one of the disorders considered to be along the autistic spectrum. However, there are treatment options for those diagnosed with Asperger's Disorder that can help them to lead relatively normal and independent lives.
Psychosocial Treatments for Asperger's Disorder
Experts in neurological disorders believe that the best treatment for most patients with Asperger's Disorder is going to be a combination of therapies all of which work together to address the three primary symptoms of Asperger's:
- Poor communication skills
- Obsessive routines
- Physical clumsiness
Since no single psychosocial intervention tackles all three, a combination best serves the patient, and it is widely believed that the sooner treatment starts for the patient, the greater the efficacy.
As they write over at psychcentral.com,
An effective program builds on the child's interests, offers a predictable schedule, teaches tasks as a series of simple steps, actively engages the child's attention in highly structured activities, and provides regular reinforcement of behavior.
To that end, such a program may feature elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), social skills training, individual psychotherapy, and parent education. It may also involve psychiatric medications.
Medication-based Treatments for Asperger's Disorder
When psychiatric medications are introduced into the treatment of Asperger's Disorder, they are introduced in order to address certain aspects of the disorder that may be more pronounced. For example:
Hyperactivity, Inattention, Impulsivity
For these manifestations, mental healh care professionals may prescribe psychostimulants such as methyphenidate or dextroamphetamine; tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline or desipramine; a drug such as clonidine, or Strattera (atomextine).
Irritability, Aggression
For these manifestations, mental healh care professionals may prescribe mood stabilizers including valproate, carbamazepine or lithium; Beta Blockers like nadolol; or Neuroleptics such as olanzapine, haloperidol, risperidone or quetiapine.
Rituals, Compulsions, Preoccupations
For these manifestations, mental healh care professionals may prescribe one of the SSRI medications available on the market, such as fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, or paroxetine, or possibly a tricyclic antidepressant like clomipramine.
For this manifestation, mental healh care professionals may prescribe any one of the many SSRI medications available on the market, including sertaline or fluoxetine; or they may try tricyclic antidepressants including imipramine or clomipramine.
