Asperger’s syndrome is considered to be a high functioning form of autism. People suffering from this disorder usually have difficulty in interacting socially, engage in repetitive behaviours, may be clumsy and have delayed motor milestones. Symptoms of the syndrome normally come to light within the first few months of a child’s life. By the age of three the disorder is quite obvious in those suffering from it.

Doctors normally look for a core group of behaviours to diagnose Asperger’s syndrome. Some of these behaviours include:

• Abnormal eye contact

• Aloofness

• Failure to turn when called by name

• Failure to use gestures to point or show

• Lack of interactive play

• Lack of interest in peers

Treatments for Asperger’s Syndrome 

There is no single best treatment for all children suffering from Asperger’s syndrome. One thing that most experts agree on is that the sooner the treatment starts the better will be the results. Some of the frequently used programs for skill building in patients suffering from this syndrome include:

• Cognitive behaviour or talk therapy - this therapy aims to help children cope with their emotions, correct repetitive behaviours, and obsessions

• Parent training - is imparted with a view to help parents use the same techniques that are being taught in the classroom for changing behaviour of the child at home.

• To build and develop motor skills in children suffering from this syndrome physical or occupational therapy is very useful

• For overcoming issues related to social interaction such children are trained specifically in groups in Social Skills

• Children with speech impairment are given Speech and language therapy to help them learn the art of conversing well.

Trainings for Asperger’s Syndrome 

A detailed description of two specific types of training imparted to children suffering from Asperger's syndrome is given below:

Communication and Social Skills Training - This training basically equips children suffering from Asperger’s syndrome to pick up the rules of socialisation and communication. The rules are taught in an explicit manner and rote fashion. In addition to verbal communication emphasis is also given to certain specific aspects like interpreting communication techniques like gestures, eye contact, tone of voice, humor and sarcasm.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - This therapy aims to curb problem behaviours in children suffering from Asperger’s. The problem behaviours may include tendency to interrupt, obsessions, meltdowns and or angry outbursts. Cognitive behavioural therapy equips a child to recognise troublesome situations like a new place or an event with lots of social demands. In addition to equipping the child to recognise such situations in real life this therapy also educates them on specific learned strategy to cope with the situation.

In addition to therapies some doctors also recommend the use of medicines to improve specific symptoms of Asperger’s like anxiety, hyperactivity or depression. However, this is no medication which specifically treats Asperger's syndrome. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antipsychotics, and stimulants are often prescribed by doctors to treat problems like anxiety and aggression in children suffering from this syndrome.

With treatment, children suffering from Asperger’s syndrome and their families can cope with this disorder to a large extent. However, despite treatment in many children Social interaction and personal relationships may continue to be a problem.