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Natural treatment for the symptoms of asperger's syndrome and asperger's disease.

Asperger’s Syndrome

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What is Asperger’s Syndrome?
Diagnosing Asperger’s Syndrome
What Causes Asperger’s Syndrome?
Help for Asperger’s Syndrome
More Information on Asperger’s Syndrome

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What is Asperger’s Syndrome?

Asperger's Syndrome is a neurobiological disorder that is classified as one of the pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Often it may be incorrectly called Asperger's disease; however, it is actually a condition characterized by significant impairment in social interaction as well as the development of repetitive and restricted fields of interest, activities, and interests.

Comparing Asperger's Syndrome and Autism

While there are some similarities between Asperger's Syndrome and Autism, individuals with Asperger's usually have average to above-average IQ, and do not demonstrate clinically significant delays in language or self-help skills.

While they may have an extremely good command of language and a very rich vocabulary, they are unable to use language appropriately in a social context and often speak in monotone, with little nuance and inflection in their voice.

Children with Asperger's may or may not seek out social interaction, but always have difficulty in interpreting and learning the skills of social and emotional interaction with others, leading to significant impairment in relationships and peer interaction.

Although parents often notice problems at an early age, diagnosis is usually only made during preschool or later.

Diagnosing Asperger’s Syndrome

If you feel your child is unlike other children in terms of social interactions, communication, and behavior, and the symptoms outlined below sound familiar, then it is advisable to get a professional opinion.

Many parents notice that their child is developmentally different, but are often blinded by the fact that their child is very bright and even more advanced than age-mates in certain areas such as memory or vocabulary.

It also often only becomes an issue when peer interactions are observed and problems arise, such as in school settings. The earlier you take your child for an evaluation, the more he or she will benefit from treatment should a diagnosis be confirmed, and specialized education can be arranged.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome

Social Difficulties:

Struggles with nonverbal communicative behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
Fails to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
Doesn’t often seek out interactions and prefers to play alone
Lack of social or emotional reciprocity
Appears unaware of others' emotions
Appears not to hear you at times and lacks responsiveness

Behavioral Difficulties:

Restricted and repetitive behavior
Abnormally intense preoccupation with certain activities or areas of interest (i.e. stamps, coins, flags, cars, or airplanes)
Will often fixate on one subject matter such as trains or sea creatures and become very knowledgeable about this topic
Obsessive or inappropriate attachment to certain objects
Inflexible insistence on certain rituals or routines
Insists on sameness and becomes distressed when routines or rituals are changed
Clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements
Heightened sensitivity -- tends to be distressed by loud noises, bright lights, or strong tastes or textures

Communication Difficulties:

Oddities of speech and use of language
Often adopts a very formal tone and use of language, not using shortenings or slang
Speech often lacks tone, pitch, and accent variations. Also has difficulty picking up on subtle conversational cues and will thus often take things very literally
Often does not follow subtle humor, and may misinterpret sarcasm and jokes as literal and ill-intended
Difficulty with nonverbal communication
Language regression - loses previously acquired ability to say certain words or sentences
Avoids eye contact when speaking and fails to pick up on subtle communication cues

Asperger's Syndrome was first identified in 1944, but was only officially recognized as a diagnostic category in the DSM IV in 1994. As a result, many children were misdiagnosed over the years with ADD, ADHD, Autism, OCD, or schizophrenia

Many different terms are currently applied, leading to great confusion on the part of parents and educators. Asperger's Syndrome may also be referred to as high functioning autism (HFA), pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD - NOS), atypical PDD, or even nonverbal learning disability (NLD).

There is still debate as to exactly how Asperger's Syndrome should be classified. In addition, it is not always an easy, clear-cut diagnosis to make. As a result, diagnostic errors continue to be made and this often affects treatment, as well as access to appropriate help and information.

Parents may find themselves going from one doctor to another, becoming more confused and frustrated in their attempts to help their child.

It may be advisable to do research before making an appointment if you suspect Asperger’s syndrome, and note down your child’s symptoms and behaviors. Ask your family doctor to refer you to a reputable specialist that deals specifically with child developmental problems.

Who is More Likely to Develop Asperger's Syndrome?

While both boys and girls can have Asperger's, the syndrome is more common in boys.

Currently, there is no cure for Asperger’s and the condition is a lifelong one. However, with correct treatment and therapy, many people with Asperger's can go on to lead normal lives and may even excel in certain areas of occupational functioning, especially areas which do not involve ‘people skills’.

What Causes Asperger’s Syndrome?

The causes of Asperger’s Syndrome remain unknown, although there appears to be a definite genetic component, as it tends to run in families. Asperger's is NOT caused by bad parenting or problems in the family.

Evidence has shown that there may be certain 'triggers' which precipitate the condition, including environmental factors like pollution, food intolerances (particularly to foods containing wheat, gluten, sugar and dairy products), digestive problems, and even childhood vaccinations (particularly the MMRI).

There are also suggestions that Asperger's Syndrome may sometimes be linked to high levels of Candida in the stomach. Clearly much more research is needed in this area.

Help for Asperger’s Syndrome

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While there is no specific treatment or 'cure' for Asperger's Syndrome, there are many interventions that can significantly improve the functioning and quality of life of people and children with Asperger's. It is important to properly classify the condition and remember that it is not Asperger's disease, but rather a syndrome.

Herbal and homeopathic remedies can be viable alternatives to synthetic drugs and may be just as effective, with far fewer risks and side effects.

It is important that you only use natural remedies from a reliable source, as the quality of herbs used as well as methods of preparation may affect the strength and effectiveness of the remedy.

Depending on the symptoms that need treatment, certain herbal ingredients such as St. John’s Wort, Melissa officinalis, Passiflora, and Chamomile, among others, may be recommended as part of a holistic treatment plan.

Natural remedies may often contain a combination of ingredients for best effect. A holistic treatment plan aims to address the underlying cause of the problem and does not just treat the symptoms in isolation. In this way, it provides an all-around approach to greater well-being.

Additional Treatments for Asperger's Syndrome

Social Skills Training

This should be one of the most important components of a treatment program. Children with Asperger's Syndrome can be helped to learn social skills by an experienced psychologist.

Body language and nonverbal communication can be taught in much the same way as one would teach a foreign language. Children with Asperger's can learn to interpret nonverbal expressions of emotion and social interaction. This can assist them with social interaction, peer relationships, and prevent the isolation and depression that often occurs as they enter adolescence. In addition, recognizing that it is not Asperger's disease but rather a condition can go a long way in mentally accepting the characteristics associated with the syndrome.

Teenagers can sometimes benefit from group therapy and can be taught how to use the teenage 'slang' and language forms of their peer groups.

Educational Intervention

Because children with Asperger's Syndrome may differ widely in terms of IQ and ability levels, schools should learn to individualize educational programs for these children. Some of them may cope well in a mainstream class with additional support, while others may need to receive specialized education.

In all cases, teachers should be aware of the special needs of Asperger's children, who often need a great deal more support than first appears necessary.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapeutic approaches that focus on supportive therapy and the teaching of social skills and concrete behavioral techniques are more effective than approaches that concentrate on in-depth emotional therapy, which may be too uncomfortable and stressful for the person with Asperger's.

Children can benefit from play therapy and 'story' therapy aimed at raising awareness of nonverbal communication, development, teaching of empathy, and learning of social skills.

Diet

Although there is no conclusive evidence, there are strong suggestions that changes in diet may significantly reduce the symptoms in some children with Asperger's Disorder.

Many parents report that their children becom