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Asperger Syndrome Research Paper

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This paper will cover children with Asperger syndrome also referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The first indication of Asperger syndrome was observed in four children, recognized by a pediatrician named of Hans Asperger in 1944. Hans referred to the disorder as “autistic psychopathy”. Asperger syndrome was not well known until 1981 and was named by an English doctor, Loma Wing. Wing then published studies showing symptoms of Asperger syndrome. It took nearly four years before it was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The cause of Asperger syndrome is unknown; In fact, many researchers have believed that it develops in the fetus. And that twins have been known to have the syndrome. …show more content…
The American Psychological Association (APA) (2013, May) participated in a “randomized controlled trial. The study involved 28 autistic boys ages 3 to 12. Researches placed the boys in two groups based on their age and autism severity. For six months, both groups participated in standard behavioral therapy but boys in one of the groups also underwent daily environmental enrichment exercises. The trial included packets that were given to parents from the APA (2013, May) “kit contained essential oils for smell. The kit also included pieces of carpet, hard flooring, pillows, cardboard and bubble wrap that parents laid on the floor to create a multi-textured walking path.” The trial continued for 6 months and APA (2013, May) found “most current therapies for autism must be started at a very young age to be effective, whereas environmental enrichment worked for boys at least age 12.” This study indicated that in home therapy is a good way to help children with ASD. The other types of therapy that have been helped to assist with ASD are social training, cognitive behavioral therapy, occupational and physical …show more content…
Some include anti-anxiety or anti-depressants. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (2010) stated “antidepressants are safe and popular, but some studies have suggested that they may have unintended effects on some people, especially in teens and young adults. The FDA warning says that patients of all ages taking antidepressants should be watch closely, especially during the first few weeks of treatment.” There is also medical doctors who are prescribing medication off label and using certain antipsychotic medication and stimulant medication for the treatment of ASD. It is the responsibility of the parents to decide which treatment is better for their child. Parents need to do research about medication, and ask themselves; are the side effects out weighing the benefits? Sometimes the healthcare workers find it easier to medicate rather than take the time to find a good behavior therapist. The NIMH also recorded that “Prozac and Zoloft are usually prescribed…however researchers still are not sure if these medications are useful; a recent study suggested that the antidepressant Celexa was no more effective that a placebo (sugar pill) at reducing repetitive behaviors in children with ASD.” The debate between medication and therapy will ensue and hopefully with further research into Asperger syndrome, a definitive answer will prevail; nonetheless, it is a parent’s

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