Pervasive development refers to skills necessary to communicate, socialize and use and enhance oneâs ideas and imagination. There exists a lag or delay in the development of these basic skills in the case of pervasive disorders. One such common disorder of pervasive development is the Aspergerâs syndrome which occurs at an age of around 11 years or more in children, usually in the school going age. During this age, most of the symptoms like inability to communicate, socialize, extra sensitivity to sensory stimuli, lack of attention, repetitive behavior etc. are identified and the condition is more common in boys. Such children develop narrow interest for things but exhibit good intelligence.
Early diagnosis
As the initial symptoms start showing, it is better to approach a doctor at the earliest for better diagnosis of the specific type and further treatment. Diagnosis can be done by a psychiatrist or a pediatric neuro physician and often requires expertise and time as there are no specific medical tests to detect the same. So, a better approach would be to adopt for early interventions in order to improve the over-all quality of life.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that all children should be screened for such disorders between18 months and 24 months of age, as, early detection immensely aids in improving the outlook of children suffering from such disorders.
Customised treatment plan
As there is no specific treatment as such; a better approach will be an individualistic, multidisciplinary approach after proper assessment and severity of the condition. Abnormal behavioral patterns can be dealt with through special modes of education, therapy, medications etc. There are a number of variations in treatment through therapy which can be applied according to requirement. Customized therapy programs with systems of rewards are usually developed to help patients to redevelop their language and communication skills and discourage defective behavior. This mode of treatment to meet the medical and psychological health of the individual works best to improve the over all quality of life.
Use of Alternative therapies
Such therapies exist which focus on the nutritional part in order to improve overall-health of individuals suffering from such disorders as many suffer from allergies which can worsen the existing situation. Alternative therapies through diet control, following detoxification techniques, intake of some vitamins are found to be helpful for some but there is no evidence which confirms the same, so it is important to consider all the pros and cons before opting for such treatments.
Use of medications to deal with psychological problems associated with the syndrome
Medications are prescribed to deal with accompanying psychiatric problems like anxiety, depression, when they start interfering with functioning. Medicines like anti-anxiety drugs, anti-depressants are given to better handle problems relating to behavior and slightly improve the ability to grasp and learn things.
Improving disability levels with other available therapies and educational interventions
A wide range of behavioral and other interventions are available to support, improve the quality of life of people suffering from Aspergerâs syndrome which can be selected as per requirement. These interventions have been benefit table for:
· Speech related disabilities
· Developing some adaptive skills
· Developing self-management skills and self-advocacy
· Application of conversational skills
· Educational support to make use of oral rather than written mode to communicate
· For reducing over-reactive tendency towards situations
Such treatment should fulfill the unique educational requirements, should implement strategies which alter the behavior and should focus on the functional needs through speech, occupational therapies. Some specially-run schools offer more comprehensive education and therapeutic options for children suffering from such disorders like applied behavior analysis,occupational and physical therapy, animal-assisted therapy, sensory integration, and speech therapy etc. Parents can avail all such options to deal with the condition.
The level of impairment may vary from one individual to another, but such therapies can in fact change the outlook of people suffering from this syndrome and support them to become more productive in future.
