If you have a child with Asperger’s syndrome, there are several therapies that you can try to cope with it. Your doctor might suggest some treatments that can help your child cope with social challenges, impulses, emotions, motor skill deficits, and other behaviors that might be impacting their life. Just as with autism spectrum disorders, the sooner you start treatment for Asperger’s, the better for your child.

Types of Therapy for Asperger’s Syndrome

There are several types of therapy that can be used to improve Asperger’s symptoms. These include:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a type of “talk therapy” which is usually given to help a person with Asperger’s better regulate his or her emotions and impulses. It can also help children and adults cope with anxiety or depression. CBT focuses on encouraging individuals to change their thoughts and perceptions by recognizing and altering specific behaviors.

2. Sensory integration/occupational therapy: Kids with Asperger’s often have trouble controlling their senses. Additionally, they may struggle with activities that require fine motor skills. Sensory integration therapy helps children stabilize their senses. An occupational therapist shows kids how to perform certain exercises that can improve balance, hand-eye coordination, and responses to sounds or touches. The idea is that if you can better control your senses, you can better regulate your movement and emotions.

3. Social skills training and speech-language therapy: Most kids and adults with Asperger’s don’t have problems with language, but they may not know how to express their thoughts and feelings appropriately. Therapists use social skills training to help individuals learn ways to interact with peers. Speech-language therapy is another useful way to improve communication skills in someone with Asperger’s. It can also help kids recognize gestures and lead to improved eye contact.

4. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA): This is a comprehensive program that’s been used since the 1960s. It uses different approaches, such as positive reinforcement, to teach or change certain behaviors and skills in children and adults. Studies have shown that ABA is effective at improving outcomes for kids with autism spectrum disorders.

5. Anger Management: Programs that help people learn to control and cope with their anger may be helpful for children and adults with Asperger’s syndrome.

6. Family Therapies: Training parents can equip them with skills they need to assist their kids with Asperger’s. This type of therapy can help those who interact with the child to incorporate treatment strategies such as social skills training and behavioral training, at home.

7. Educational therapies: Well-structured educational programs can help children with autism spectrum disorders improve communication, social skills, and other behaviors. Educational therapies include many different activities and interventions to help kids learn ways to progress.

Apart from the above, Neurofeedback – which is a type of biofeedback- involves helping you learn to control your body’s brain function. Research has shown that it can improve attention, intelligence, and other symptoms in people with Asperger’s.

Research suggests that early intervention has the key to success when it comes to treating Asperger’s. The earlier you start a therapy, the better. It should also be remembered that every child with Asperger’s is different. You may need to try several treatment approaches before you notice an improvement. Sometimes, a combination of various therapies is most effective. A trained therapist can help you understand different options that are best suited to your child’s needs.