Autism Therapy: Asperger Syndrome

definition of Asperger Syndrome: Neurobiological pervasive developmental disorder that is characterized by deficiencies in social and communication skills. Individuals with Asperger (or Asperger's) syndrome often have average or above average intelligence and typical language development. Asperger syndrome can be difficult to diagnose.

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Effective Methylphenidate Treatment of an Adult Aspergers Syndrome and a Comorbid ADHD: A Clinical Investigation with fMRI
Journal of Attention Disorders, by Roy, M., Dillo W., Bessling S., Emrich HE, and Ohlmeier MD, published in 2009, summarized Nov 9, 2010

Methylphenidate may help adults who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Asperger syndrome.

This case study presents an adult patient with ADHD and Aspergers syndrome. The 26-year old man had had problems since childhood with making and keeping social contacts. The authors note that when an adult has both ADHD and Aspergers syndrome the case may be complex and hard to diagnose. This is because both ADHD and Aspergers syndrome may result in poor social skills and lack of attention. In the case of this patient, treatment with methylphenidate improved his ability to function and reduced his ADHD symptoms.


Asperger Syndrome and the English Curriculum: Addressing the Challenges
Support for Learning, by Harbinson, H., and Alexander J., published in 2009, summarized Oct 14, 2010

Use of structure and small groups may help children with Asperger syndrome to understand the imaginative content of an English curriculum.

This article describes the problems that students with Asperger syndrome may have when thinking about what is taught in English class. The hardest part of English class for children with Asperger syndrome is the part of class that requires use of the imagination. The authors note, though, that each student has a unique way of looking at things and each student makes a unique journey with the content of the English class. The authors found that students who knew that they had Asperger syndrome were more willing to work in small groups to learn. Many of the students who received one-on –one help from an English teacher were able to learn to use their imaginations.


Special Report: Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention Based on Applied Behavior Analysis among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Assessment Program, by Rothenberg, BM, Samson DJ, Aronson N., Ziegler KM, Bonnell CJ, and Gere MA, published in 2009, summarized Oct 12, 2010

While early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) seems to work for autism, there are not a lot of data to support its use.

This special report is a review of EIBI to treat autism. The review covered 16 studies that use this type of applied behavioral analysis (ABA). Only two of the studies had more than 50 children. None of the studies addressed treatment for Asperger syndrome. The authors note that autism can vary quite a bit from child to child and can change over time for each child.


Enhanced Independence and Quality of Life Through Treatment with Flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique of a Patient with Both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Asperger Syndrome: A Case Report
Cases Journal, by Edebol, H., Kjellgren A., Bood S. - A., and Norlander T., published in 2009, summarized Sep 7, 2010

Flotation tanks may be a useful tool for calming the nervous system and helping with sensory integration in adults with Asperger syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

This case study describes an adult with Asperger syndrome and ADHD who was treated with flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique (flotation-REST). The 36-year old woman from Sweden also had depression. She was given 19 sessions over a year and at the end felt that she was better able to live life on her own. With time she learned to control how alert she was (arousal control). She also learned to control how active she was (activity regulation). Her senses relaxed and she became better at sensory integration.


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Florida Youngster with Asperger's Syndrome Thrives in Early Intervention Environment

Feb 5, 2012

Luke's parents noticed a difference in him from their other two children from the beginning; he was recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. They got involved with a state-sponsored early intervention program, Early Steps. Luke receives occupational therapy (OT), which has been key in helping decrease his sensory integration issues. Luke's mom said they are doing floortime at home that helps with social and communication skills. Dana L. Johnson, a pediatric therapist has been working with Luke, and at not-quite-2, Luke is speaking complete sentences and learning to read.

Read original article: Therapy Brings Son Out From His Autistic Shell and into the Arms of His Thankful Parents


Helping Kids with Autism Recognize Emotions

Nov 18, 2011

A psychology major and her professor at University of Nebraska Kearney are studying ways to help children with autism and Asperger’s to recognize emotions in other people. Mackenzie Bohl and her professor, Krista Forrest, want to find out if children can recognize emotions more easily in faces they like versus a generic face icon. For example, will a child recognize a happy cartoon character they like or a generic smiley face? Bohl and Forrest discovered that many studies on emotions used nondescript characters, so they decided to compare those results with characters children may be obsessed with. They are currently looking for Nebraska children to participate in their study. They will work one-on-one with each child in their home.

Read original article: People with Autism Struggle to Determine Emotion


Ten Tips for Parenting Kids on the Autism Spectrum

Nov 4, 2011

This article on parenting tips was written by Dr. Sarita Freedman, a clinical psychologist. Freeman suggests ten ideas that might seem obvious, but may get lost in the emotions of parenting a child with autism. Among her suggestions, which she details in the article, are: 1) Take care of your emotional health first; 2) Participate in your child’s activities even if they may feel strange to you; 3) Praise your child’s appropriate behavior; 4) Capitalize on what is unique about your child; and 5) Know when to ask for help.

Read original article: Top 10 Strategies for Success: Emotional Parenting of the Child with Autism/Asperger's or PDD


Siblings with Autism Present Special Challenges

Nov 1, 2011

This great article is by a mom with a neurotypical son and a son with Cerebral Palsy and Asperger’s. Jody Shaw starts by sharing her older son’s expectations for his relationship with his new brother. When the next three years were spent on therapies and doctor appointments, her older boy began to act out. Shaw explains some techniques she found useful including communication, books or movies on the subject, and community sibling workshops. All of these helped the family learn understanding and coping skills that helped each other.

Read original article: Siblings and Autism: How Are Kids Affected by Special Needs Brothers and Sisters?


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Please comment on this autism topic.

AUTISM = California ABA Behavior Analysis + Special Education is the "3 in 1" Autism Therapies Treatment in California & Singapore

Oct 13, 2011 by Anonymous

St. Andrew Autism Center is the Help and service provider in Singapore for autism therapies in ABA behavior intervention and special education.

Autism is an EPIDEMIC affecting Singapore children. The "3 in 1" Autism Therapies Treatment of " Autism + ABA + Special Education"  is to help children with Autism, ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Giftedness etc and related disabilities with learning, emotional and developmental needs to develop the communication, academic and social skills necessary so that they can successfully participate in their Singapore MOE schools or pre-schools, and communities. 

SeokLay Lau MA in Special Education, California State University Los Angeles, CalABA member.

Seoklay Lau's Public Profile <http://sg.linkedin.com/pub/seoklay-lau/34/621/5b>


AUTISM = California ABA Behavior Analysis + Special Education

Sep 22, 2011 by Anonymous

AUTISM is an EPIDEMIC affecting Singapore children.

To help Singapore children with Autism, ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Giftedness etc and related disabilities with learning, emotional and developmental needs to develop the communication, academic and social skills necessary so that they can successfully participate in their MOE schools and pre-schools.

Seoklay Lau MA in Special Education CSULA, CalABA member.

Seoklay's Public Profile <http://sg.linkedin.com/pub/seoklay-lau/34/621/5b>


Re: NEWS - Improv Workshop Helps Kids with Autism with Their Social Skills

Aug 24, 2011 by Anonymous

Thank you so much for mentioning the Shenanigans class that Jstar conducted recently in the Detroit area. To give a little more insight, Jstar owns his own theater and co-produces the Spontaneous Combustion - Motor City improv festival. He was excited to discover an opportunity to also bring Shenanigans to some new faces in Detroit. It sounds like the kiddos had a wonderful time!

My grandson, diagnosed with Asperger's, is the inspiration for Shenanigans, when, several years ago, I struggled to find a way to help his social growth. After much research, I came across improvisational theatre, saw a good fit for the skills I wanted to target, and couldn't find a similar program here in Atlanta or anywhere. So I decided to develop a program and find someone involved in improv theatre who could get excited about my vision and help me move it forward. I found Jstar and brought him on as my charter instructor in 2009, and he has been an enthusiastic champion for Shenanigans ever since. 

Shenanigans is an applied improv theatre program targeting those with special needs, especially Asperger's, high-functioning autism, and related conditions. We use the process of learning improvisational theatre games and exercises to work on social skills by unveiling the mysteries of human interaction. The main tenet of improv, "Say Yes, and..." teaches our students better adapting skills when the unexpected pops up, and flexibility to deal with those changes and move forward. 

With our growing team of instructors, the Shenanigans program has spread throughout the metro Atlanta area. We are now reaching beyond our home city to bring the Shenanigans-style approach to others who are interested. 

I am always eager to talk more about our wonderful program and the benefits our actors receive from their participation.

Sandy Bruce, Founder & Exec Dir, Shenanigans (www.ShenanigansImprov.com - on Facebook: /ShenanigansImprov)


Thank You

Mar 23, 2011 by steveborgman

Thanks for the great information about parents pulling together to advocate for their adult children.  There is so much information out regarding children on the autism spectrum, but not a lot about services and transition processes for adults on the autism spectrum.

Stephen Borgman, Prosper With Aspergers


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    • Synonyms for Asperger Syndrome include: Asperger, Asperger's, Asperger's Syndrome, aspergers, Asperger’s, Asperger’s Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome
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