Dr. Sumit Parikh, MD

Children may be diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome by a pediatric neurologist, child psychologist, or pediatric neuropsychologist. Once a child is diagnosed with Asperger's, he or she may receive therapy or other treatments. While there are no drugs specifically intended for Asperger's, some doctors may prescribe antidepressant SSRIs (selective serotonin inhibitors) or stimulant medication to improve the mental health of some Asperger's patients.

Therapy can also help people with Asperger's, notably by improving their communication and guiding them to overcome personal issues and social difficulties. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) can help patients identify patterns of repetitive behaviors and narrow interests that may hinder them. Conversely, therapists may also teach people how to take advantage of certain Asperger's symptoms, such as an intense focus on a single interest, and use it to positively affect themselves and others. Social skills training (SST) is another behavioral therapy that helps people with Asperger's. SST encourages people with Asperger's to refine their social and conversational skills in a safe environment. By learning social cues and practicing behaviors in real time, people can better adapt to social situations. For example, someone who struggles in workplace environments may memorize a number of talking points for use during normal conversation. Other treatments may include psychoactive prescription medications for stress and anxiety associated with Asperger's, as well as physical and occupational therapy for those struggling with coordination.

Although no cure for Asperger's syndrome currently exists, therapy can significantly enhance the quality of life for many "Aspies," or people with Asperger's syndrome. With ongoing therapy and support, people with Asperger's can learn to lessen their symptoms and while also strengthening their own interests and skills.

• Migraines: one of the most prevalent types of headache, migraines typically last from two hours to three days, causing a throbbing pain on one side of the head. Nausea, sensitivity to bright lights, fatigue, and blurred vision all may accompany migraines. While migraines have no known cure, medications and lifestyle modifications may ease symptoms. Avoiding behaviors that may trigger migraines such as lack of sleep or loud, repetitive noises can improve headaches.
• Tension headaches: also known as stress headaches, these headaches are characterized by pain in the upper top part of the head and behind the eyes. Tension headaches are common and have no exact cause; however, certain practices may increase the likelihood of developing them. For example, wearing one's hair up in a tight hairstyle or wearing a restrictive hat can put pressure on the scalp, leading to a tension headache. Other causes of tension headaches may include alcohol or nicotine use, caffeine, teeth grinding, stress, overexertion, and eye strain. Some people find posture improvement, alternating sleeping positions, and neck exercise can alleviate tension headaches. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motren) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) may also reduce tension-headache pain.
• Sinus headaches: this type of headache causes pain in the sinuses, but may progress to pain and pressure in the eyes, forehead, and cheeks. These headaches are often accompanied by nasal congestion, fatigue, and ache in the upper teeth and may or may not be caused by sinus infections or sinusitis (sinus inflammation). Some sinus headaches are allergic headaches, which arise from allergic triggers such as seasonal allergies (pollen allergies) or hay fever, causing sinus pressure and facial pain. Other symptoms of allergic headaches include nasal congestion, irritated or watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Allergic headaches may be treated with antihistamine medications such as cetirizine (Zyrtec). Allergic headaches are common during pollen season, which is usually around springtime.
• Cluster headaches: these headaches occur suddenly and cause stabbing, sharp pain from one eye down to the one side of the neck. They are often referred to as the most aggravating and painful type of headaches. Other symptoms of cluster headaches include nasal congestion, droopy eyelid, and enlarged pupil on one side of the face. In the past, it was widely believed that cluster headaches were caused by a bevy or "cluster" of multiple types of headaches, such as a combination of an allergic headache and a tension headache. Medical experts now recognize that cluster headaches are a separate and unique form of headache. Cluster headaches last for around twenty minutes to two hours. They may recur throughout the period of a day or several weeks, but usually dissipate within a month. Treatment for cluster headaches includes over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motren) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Prescription Prednisone can help with swelling and Verapamil may reduce pain by relaxing the blood vessels.

Living with headaches is challenging; headaches can prevent people from fully enjoying life. Medical treatment and care in avoiding certain triggers can help those with headaches begin to feel normal once again.