Treatment for Asperger Syndrome - Essay Example

? Running Head: TREATMENT FOR ASPERGER SYNDROME Treatment for Asperger Syndrome School In 1944, Asperger syndrome, a neuro-developmental disorder, was named after Austrian physician, Hans Asperger. Asperger syndrome is under the categorization of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder. The brain functioning of an Asperger syndrome individual develops at a usual range but with marked deficits in social interaction and communication. Asperger syndrome, which is more prevalent in males, is rarely diagnosed and often mistaken as high-functioning autism. Because the cause is uncertain, there is no precise remedy for the disorder. Treatment approaches are primarily for improvement, rehabilitation and education on appropriate social, vocational, and communication skills. This paper will discuss Asperger Syndrome in adults, their characteristics; impairments in social functions and social and emotional factors that affect their behavior. Likewise, this paper will talk about their direction towards diversity through possible employment. Treatment and management will also be highlighted. Asperger Syndrome Asperger Syndrome (AS) was initially recognized in the early 1940s by Austrian pediatrician, Hans Asperger. In his practice, he observed four of his young male patients with typical intellect and verbal communication development but demonstrating autistic traits. Abnormalities in social interaction and communication, together with restrictive and repetitive behavioral patterns were noted. It was in 1944 when the disorder was officially named Asperger Syndrome. Asperger Syndrome falls under “Pervasive Developmental Disorders,” as stated in Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) of the American Psychiatric Association (1994) (Myles et al, 2005). Asperger Syndrome is a developmental disorder under the scope of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). AS individuals generally have normal or superior intellect. The disorder is typified by qualitative impairment in communication, social interaction and cognition; peculiarities in sensory input; restrictive number of extreme and highly focused interests; and difficulties in organization and motor movements (Attwood, 2003). Asperger Syndrome characteristics may be manifested to a bigger or smaller extent. AS individuals may have a tendency to experience exclusion and isolation and may have difficulty understanding the world around them, eventually resulting in disappointment, despair, resentment and self-disrespect (Attwood, 2003). Common Characteristics of Asperger Syndrome Adults Asperger Syndrome individuals frequently display a restricted ability for natural social communications, difficulty in initiating and maintaining friendships, repetitive behavioral patterns, and a narrow topic of interests. While a few of them may exhibit definite dilemmas in communication, such as poor nonverbal communication and obscure speech, several of these individuals demonstrate good and even higher cognition and verbosity. Asperger Syndrome comprises delays in gross and fine motor development, including walking abnormalities and peculiar gestures (Brasic, 2009). Individuals with Asperger Syndrome have normal or above average intellectual capacity but may not show social sensitivities or sympathy towards family and friends. Evidences were reported that AS individuals manifest excellence in the fields of music, mathematics, physics, and computer science. Whereas the delays demonstrated are usually devastating, several of these individuals experience optimistic results, particularly those performing extremely well in matters independent on social interaction (Brasic, 2009). Majority of AS individuals are actually proud to be diagnosed with the disorder. It is strongly believed that famous men of history such as Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison both have Asperger syndrome features (Hamilton, 2010). Qualitative Impairments in Reciprocal Social Interaction AS individuals are usually socially detached; not sensitive to the feelings of others; and obsessed in one-sided conversations about limited and specific subjects. These AS characteristics make them unsuccessful to engage in friendships and family relations and incapable of adjusting to real-life situations. They are literal and unable to get cues in other’s signals of obvious boredom, need to depart, and need to be alone. Due to frequent disappointments in building social relations, Asperger Syndrome individuals often develop feelings of severe depression that eventually may need cure or treatment (Klin & Volkmar, 1995). Some noticeable manifestations seen in AS individuals are deficits in the use of non-verbal behaviors including eye contact; facial and bodily expressions; and a lack of shared interests with the people around them (Klin & Volkmar, 1995). Because of these AS demonstrations, they are often misunderstood and unjustly branded as being narcissistic and unfeeling. Asperger Syndrome adults are often surprised, disappointed and apologetic when they are apprehended that they acted unsuitably and cruelly (Asperger Syndrome and Adults, 2010). Qualitative Impairments in Communication AS individuals usually develop speech at a normal level. However, there are three aspects of some peculiarities in their communication patterns. They may deliver inappropriate prosodic speech such as thin variety of modulation patterns with no considerations on communicative execution on declarations of detail and witty comments. AS individuals often engage in one-sided, long speeches with no connections, reciprocity, and rationality; and frequently obsessed in monologues about narrow subjects such as train schedules, baseball statistics, historical people, names and codes. They talk continuously without considering if the other person is fascinated, bored, or wanting to shift to another topic. Despite the long one-sided speech, the AS individual still fails to prove a position or make a finale (Klin & Volkmar, 1995). Socio-Emotional Factors Affecting Behavior Asperger syndrome individuals may have problems initiating social relations with family and peers; may lack emotional attachment to parents; may have socially unacceptable behaviors and may not be perceptive of other’s thoughts and feelings. Because of these symptoms, AS individuals have greater risk of dismissal, solitude, hopelessness, and solitude. The Asperger syndrome adult may even demonstrate suicidal tendencies after an apparent rejection in courtship, dating, or marriage (Brasic, 2009). Asperger Syndrome Adults and Employment Asperger syndrome adults experience low opportunities in employment because of their restrictive disabilities. They may have trouble finding and maintaining a job. However, it is best to prefer a field that suits their limitations, and make the most of their abilities rather than emphasize on their flaws. Several individuals with Asperger Syndrome have skills that are in demand, such as in the field of information technology (Fausset, 2005). Other career suggestions by Temple Grandin, a high-functioning autistic and an assistant professor at the Colorado University are: computer programming, photography, webpage design, videogame design, and commercial art (Asperger Syndrome and Adults, 2010). Specialist employment services, assists in the job placement of people with disabilities. Employment consultants provide training and support for many AS individuals seeking employment, giving them the encouragement and boosting their confidence to penetrate the world of labor (Asperger Syndrome and Adults, 2010). The Asperger Syndrome Individual: Moving towards Diversity Hiring an efficient workforce could increase the profitability of a business and responding to customers’ demands would require a workforce that is equally diverse as the customers. As population increases, so is the shortage of skilled workers. With these, employers would no longer be able to ignore the unnoticed workforce: persons with disabilities. The government is taking steps in increasing diversity across the civil service and the business world by encouraging the employment of persons with disabilities. Some businesses that have employed Asperger Syndrome individuals have reported astonishing improvements in the overall communication of the workforce. Redefined rules have been implemented for a more clear and simple communication within the workgroup to be able to accommodate the needs of Asperger Syndrome employees (Fausset, 2005). Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is a psychosocial intervention for Asperger syndrome. This treatment is especially beneficial to adult individuals to assist in surviving emotional and mental stresses caused by social complexities (Frey, 2002). Psychotherapy is a way of managing psycho-emotional problems of psychosis or disorder in an AS individual’s personality. Skilled and licensed psycho-therapists may help in managing mental sufferings through verbal communication with the AS patient. An alternative to psychiatric medication, psychotherapy not only relieves temporary distress but modifies behavioral patterns as well. The treatment is centered on assisting the patient to learn more positive ways in dealing with emotional difficulties and increased pressures and is implemented by helping the AS individual in enhancing knowledge of self and improving social relationships with the people around them. Psychotherapy focuses on transforming negative behavioral patterns into positive ones (Frey, 2002). Different Approaches to Psychotherapy in AS Adults The psychodynamic approach originated from psychoanalysis which covers Gestalt therapy, client-centered therapy, and somatic or body therapies. Psychoanalytic therapy centers on the ideal that the behavioral growth and personality development are connected to subconscious desires and inconsistencies in the upbringing of the Asperger syndrome individual. Gestalt therapy highlights the standards of egotistical consciousness and understanding accountability of the patient’s personal actions. In the Client-centered therapy, individuals have their own sources for understanding and modifying their behaviors. Somatic or body therapies comprise: rhythmic dance approach, holotropic breathing exercises, and Reichian therapy (Frey, 2002). The behavioral approach includes different “behavior modification techniques” or BMTs and principles, such as social skills instruction, dream therapy, sex psychoanalysis, and desensitization method. Desensitization technique blends muscular stress release and strong release of emotions through visual-metaphorical work outs. The AS patient loosens up and the therapist vocally puts imaginative scenes, involving sights of the patient’s apprehensions (Frey, 2002). Controlling behavior is the main point in the cognitive approach. There are two types of this approach, namely the “rational-emotive therapy” and “reality therapy”. “Rational-emotive therapy” is formed on the idea that episodes within Asperger syndrome individuals do not cause distress in people although disappointment is caused by their outlook on such episodes. On the other hand, “reality therapy,” is founded on the belief that individuals search for personal fulfillment, and their learned behaviors are used to achieve that fulfillment. When humans gain satisfaction, happiness is likewise achieved, whereas some people may feel discouraged and enraged when goals are not achieved (Frey, 2002). The family systems approach, a commonly used and greatly valued therapy, focuses on improving social relations in the family. This approach sees behavioral problems as the contributing factor in family disintegration or integration. Another principle of family therapy lies in self-differentiation and sibling-differentiation. This approach aims to develop individuality in the family and at the same time maintaining close relations within the family. In general, family therapy does not deal with domestic issues alone; it also enhances constructive interactions between each member (Frey, 2002). Counseling, the most fundamental form of management, offers guidance and psychological/moral support to the Asperger syndrome adult. Short-term counseling helps the individual in coping with typical problems involving marital issues, family planning, drug and alcohol abuse, bereavement, or life-threatening sickness. Long-term counseling focuses on dealing with the AS individual’s emotions and outlook in life which hinders accomplishments and progress (Frey, 2002). Group psychotherapy is less costly because it does not need the regular presence of the therapist during sessions. The therapist comes once in a while to provide encouragement and organize the group interactions. Sharing alike emotional issues within the group proved to be therapeutic. Through exchanged communication, members of the group learn from each other’s advice and experiences. In a group therapy, members are encouraged to implement learned behaviors (Frey, 2002). All of the discussed types of psychotherapy call for an ambiance of complete shared trust and privacy. Loss or lack of any of this overall security, may make victory evasive (Frey, 2002). References American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (4th Edn.) (DSM-IV). Washington DC. APA, 77. Asperger Syndrome and Adults. (2010). Better Health Channel. Retrieved 28 February 2011 from: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Asperger_ syndrome_and_adults Attwood, T. (2003). Asperger Syndrome. Orphanet Encyclopedia. Retrieved 27 February 2011 from: http://www.orpha.net/data/patho/GB/uk-asperger.pdf Brasic, J. R. (2009). Asperger’s Syndrome: Developmental and Behavioral. eMedicine Pediatrics. Retrieved 28 February 2011 from: http://www.emedicine.medscape.com Fausset, M. (2005). Employing People with Asperger Syndrome: A Practical Guide. London: National Autistic Society. Frey, R. J. (2002). Asperger Syndrome Information. Health Line. Retrieved 27 February 2011 from: http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/asperger-syndrome Hamilton, J. (2010). Asperger’s Officially Placed Inside Autism Spectrum. National Public Radio. Retrieved 28 February 2011 from: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123527833 Klin, A. & Volkmar, F. R. (1995). Asperger Syndrome: Guidelines for Assessment and Diagnosis. Yale Child Study Center. Retrieved 28 February 2011 from: http://www.med.yale.edu/chldstdy/autism/asdiagnosis.html Myles, B. S. et al. (2005). Life Journey Through Autism: An Educator’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome. Organization for Autism Research. 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