If your child has been diagnosed with Level One autism (formerly known as Asperger’s syndrome), you may have questions about the best way to help them. Children at this level experience different challenges from those with Level Two or Level Three autism, and Asperger’s syndrome treatments will vary to reflect those differing needs.
People with Asperger’s often exhibit characteristics like these:
- Well-developed language skills with some conversational quirks
- Avoidance of eye contact
- Difficulty navigating social interactions
- Deep special interests (such as trains or dinosaurs)
- A need for structured routines
- Strong sensitivity to sounds, light, textures, and smells
- Average to above average intelligence
- A tendency toward anxiety or depression
Because every person is unique, your child may not experience all of these characteristics, or they may experience certain ones to a greater extent than others. The goal of Asperger’s syndrome treatments is to identify the specific challenges your child faces and provide strategies to support them.
4 Common Asperger’s Syndrome Treatments
Unlike children with other forms of autism, people with Asperger’s usually don’t experience language delays, loss of speech, or intellectual challenges. Instead, they may need help learning to interact socially, navigate a back-and-forth conversation, or manage anxiety.
While the recommended treatment will depend on the specific needs of your child, many people benefit from Asperger’s syndrome treatments. Your child may benefit from one or more of the following common treatments.
- ABA Therapy – Of all autism treatments, ABA therapy has the most research-backed evidence to support effectiveness and positive outcomes. Therapy involves three steps:
- Identifying the antecedent – What happens immediately before the behavior? What is the trigger?
- Identifying the behavior – How does the person respond when the antecedent occurs? What response is the most desirable in this situation?
- Identifying the consequence – What happens as a result of the behavior?People with Asperger’s syndrome often progress quickly through therapy, but they still benefit greatly from working with someone who can help them learn behaviors that don’t come naturally to them.
- Occupational Therapy – Occupational therapy focuses on skills of daily life such as working, playing, eating, and responses to sensory stimuli. This type of therapy can help children with Asperger’s syndrome learn to follow instructions, navigate multi-step processes, and learn skills that help them succeed socially in a home, school, or job setting. They can also provide the confidence needed to prepare for independent living in the future.
- Speech Therapy – While most people with Asperger’s syndrome do not experience the same extent of speech delays that occur with other forms of autism, they may still experience challenges with communication. Speech therapy can help them improve speech patterns such as echolalia (repeating words, phrases, or sounds), speaking too quickly, dominating a conversation, or not enunciating clearly.
- Medication – Since autism is a developmental disorder and not an illness, there is no medication that can address autism itself. However, medication can help manage other symptoms that may occur alongside Asperger’s syndrome. Many people with Asperger’s are also diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, and other clinical issues. The right medication can reduce distress and make it easier for your child to benefit from treatment.
Choosing the Right Asperger’s Syndrome Treatments for Your Child
Therapies aimed at helping people with Asperger’s have a good track record of success. Once your child has received a diagnosis, talk to your therapist or doctor about what strategies would be the most helpful for the challenges your child experiences. As you navigate the process, be sure the provider you work with is a good fit for your child and that the treatment plan addresses the specific areas where your family needs support. Your child will learn better when they feel heard and respected, and finding the right therapist can make a significant difference in their ability to navigate the world with confidence.
