The extreme limitation in areas of interest is also more prominent in Asperger s than in autism. However, there is still a fair amount of controversy over the issue of the precise relationship between autism and Asperger s. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. There is no specific treatment or cure for any of the PDDs, including Asperger s Syndrome. However, early diagnosis is essential, for the earlier intervention is initiated, the more promising the outcome.
Treatment is individualized, based on specific symptoms and rehabilitative requirements.
Appropriate educational programs will emphasize improving communication skills and social interaction, enhancing academic development, modifying maladaptive behaviors, encouraging adaptive behaviors, improving physical coordination, and developing daily living skills. Social skills are more effectively developed through interaction with normal peers, who then can also serve as models of appropriate behavior and use of language. But the educational environment must also be structured and consistent, and information should be presented visually as well as verbally. In order to help the child with Asperger s to generalize behaviors and skills learned at school, they need also to be reinforced at home. Thus parental involvement is absolutely essential to an integrated developmental program for an Asperger's child.