Asperger syndrome is one of the more common developmental disorders. It is characterized by significant difficulties with social interaction.
Asperger syndrome is one of the more common developmental disorders. It is characterized by significant difficulties with social interaction.
Does your child show signs of Asperger syndrome, and you are unsure where to turn for help? The main thing is not to panic, but to calmly assess the level of the child's developmental difficulty and consider options for quality treatment. The experienced specialists at CSM, who work according to modern protocols, can help you with this.
Asperger syndrome is a mild form of autism. Because the symptoms are not clearly pronounced, the final diagnosis is sometimes made at a later age.
Many methods that have proven themselves worldwide are used in the treatment of Asperger syndrome. The choice depends directly on the individual characteristics of the patient. Our clinic uses the methods that, according to scientific research, may increase the effectiveness of therapy in the correction of Asperger syndrome.
Treatment of Asperger syndrome is carried out only as a comprehensive therapy aimed at developing cognitive functions and verbal abilities. First of all, the doctors make it easier for the child to take in information and then carry out corrective work. Treatment success depends on a properly chosen sequence of interactions with the child. In this case, children learn better and respond better to therapy.
Treatment methods include:
To increase the effectiveness of treatment of Asperger syndrome, hyperbaric chamber sessions are often used. Hyperbaric oxygenation may stimulate the immune system, which may help medications work more actively and support the overall effectiveness of the treatment. Children with Asperger syndrome, as with other autism spectrum disorders, may show improvements in their condition after hyperbaric oxygenation sessions, such as:
A separate study was conducted in the USA involving children with diagnosed mental disorders. The patients received a course of treatment in a hyperbaric chamber. After the course, the authors reported improvements in the functioning of body systems, including mental health.
After the main treatment with our methods, special education teachers, psychologists and speech therapists join the work with the child. This helps achieve better results in activities such as:
Asperger syndrome does not require pharmacological correction. Medications are used only to treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia caused by difficulties in everyday life and a sense of alienation.
This condition belongs to the autism spectrum disorders. The latest classification used for diagnosis (DSM-5) does not list it as a separate disease but treats it as part of the autism spectrum. This means that, according to the classification of autism spectrum disorders, specialists use the term autism spectrum rather than Asperger syndrome in diagnosis. According to other clinicians, the condition is a separate diagnosis with characteristic features.
The exact causes of Asperger syndrome are unknown. However, it is possible that the condition is caused by neurological defects of unknown origin. Asperger syndrome affects not only children; it is also often found in teenagers and adults. It is not hereditary, but a certain predisposition to an autism spectrum disorder can be inherited.
The most frequently mentioned potential causes of Asperger syndrome include:
If the child's father is over 40, Asperger's disorder may appear in adolescence.
Because there is no clear answer to the question of the origin of Asperger syndrome, it is currently considered a multifactorial disorder of mental development. The appearance of signs of Asperger syndrome is often linked to impaired serotonin production. Cerebellar disorders may also have a certain negative influence. An unfavorable combination of hereditary factors and environmental influences around birth could have triggered an autism spectrum disorder. The result is impaired activity of the neural pathways in the brain responsible for thinking and behavior.
A favorable prognosis is possible with appropriate changes in the surrounding environment. The signs of Asperger syndrome gradually become less pronounced if the patient is treated with patience and understanding.
This mild autistic disorder is not always diagnosed in childhood, especially if the clinical picture was ignored in the past and the condition was often not recognized. Diagnosing Asperger syndrome in an adult can be difficult because some symptoms overlap with other conditions.
The most common symptoms of Asperger syndrome are:
Additional symptoms of Asperger syndrome include:
In children with Asperger syndrome, the development and course of the condition are less severe than the symptoms of early childhood autism. The condition is usually diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 8.
The clinical picture of Asperger syndrome in children includes:
Asperger syndrome in children is a heterogeneous condition, and the symptoms listed above are not necessarily present in every patient with this disorder.
Patients with this condition may suffer from various mental and psychological disorders.
The consequences of Asperger syndrome include:
To help prevent complications, it is important to see a psychologist or psychiatrist in a timely manner.
Testing and instrumental diagnostics are prescribed by a specialist depending on the patient's condition. Diagnosis is usually carried out jointly by a pediatrician, a neurologist, a psychiatrist and a psychologist.
One of the most popular tests for Asperger syndrome is designed to help in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. It is the AQ (Autism Spectrum Quotient) test. It consists of 50 items, and covers questions in the areas of social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, communication and imagination. Adults and older children take the test for Asperger syndrome on their own, while parents help younger children.
Diagnosing Asperger syndrome requires differentiating it from other behavioral disorders with similar symptoms. Therefore, the doctor may also use other questionnaires that include an observation scale for diagnosing autism and a checklist for evaluating indicators of the condition.
CSM uses a wide range of methods certified under Ukrainian legislation to diagnose autism (autism spectrum disorders), including Asperger syndrome, among them: ADOS-2, Leiter-3, Conners-3, the CASD test, PEP-3, WISC-4.
The purpose of instrumental diagnostics in Asperger syndrome is to rule out concomitant conditions:
Properly selected and delivered therapy helps address the problems of Asperger syndrome. The earlier the diagnosis is made and treatment is started, the better the outcome of therapy tends to be. As the person grows up and develops, some symptoms of the condition may become milder and, in some cases, may disappear. However, regular visits to the doctor are needed to avoid relapses.
Because the etiological factor is undetermined, there is no specific prevention of the condition. Early diagnosis of Asperger syndrome is the key point, and with the right treatment approach it may lead to a significant reduction of symptoms. In addition, responsible behavior of the pregnant woman during pregnancy is recommended.
The most important thing for a child with Asperger syndrome is a sense of safety and understanding, which parents can provide. Their support and unconditional acceptance are the basis of the child's progress. It is especially important to understand the patient's body language, facial expressions and gestures. It is worth teaching the child how to start, maintain and end conversations, how to behave in different places, and so on. Social skills training can help reduce the symptoms of the condition. Asperger syndrome allows patients to fulfill themselves in professions where contact with other people is limited. With proper guidance in childhood, these people are able to work, support themselves and live independently.
CSM Clinic is a modern full-cycle medical facility staffed by highly qualified specialists with extensive experience in working with this condition. Treatment of childhood autism and ASD at our center is based on an individual, comprehensive and continuous therapeutic approach. During a consultation with a psychologist, a neurologist and a psychiatrist, the patient can not only take a test for Asperger syndrome but also receive an individual treatment plan. Contact CSM Clinic to work on improving the condition and managing the symptoms.
Наталья П 11.05.2021
Asperger Syndrome: Is There Treatment?
Хочу відзначити лікарів клініки Козубенко О.Г. та Чернову О. І за індивідуальний підхід до моєї дитини при діагностиці синдрому Аспергера. Лікарі розробили ефективну схему лікування. Вже пройшли третій курс реабілітації, і я дуже задоволена результатом. Ваня став потроху пробувати розмовляти, став спокійнішим, нарешті ми можемо їздити в громадському транспорті.
Светлана Николаевна 18.04.2021
Asperger Syndrome: Is There Treatment?
Хочу выразить огромную благодарность всем специалистам ЦСМ по п-ту Василия Порика. Ваша поддержка и неравнодушие дорогого стоит. Хочу также поблагодарить Чернову Оксану Юрьевну, очень хороший психолог. В течении курса, всегда была рядом, помогала прекратить истерику, давала важные советы. Спасибо огромное.
Анна 02.04.2021
Asperger Syndrome: Is There Treatment?
Хочу выразить огромную благодарность всему коллективу ЦСМ. Очень хорошая клиника, есть все необходимое оборудование, лаборатория. Команда врачей, это квалифицированны специалисты, знающее свое дело. Огромное спасибо Беньковской А.В. ребенок просто в восторге, от занятий. Уже после трех посещений я увидела прогресс. Спасибо огромное.