Asperger Syndrome came onto the medical radar in the early 1940s. Over the next 60+ years it seems to have increased in intensity and frequency. Now AS seems almost epidemic; you no longer get blank stares when you mention Asperger Syndrome. What accounts for this increase and intensity? No one knows, though many conjecture. Perhaps, there are many factors which each contribute and by understanding and decreasing those factors, we can lessen the intensity.

This spark for this book started when I saw my first AS case. It was a little boy who had the most innocent and sweet face but couldn't control his anxiety or actions. It was as if there was a neon sign blinking "figure this out". Over the next several years, I delved into any and all medical literature on either Asperger Syndrome or its related symptoms. What could natural medicine do to stabilize the anxiety, over-reactivity, sensory issues as well as the other AS behaviors? Slowly, I developed a consistent, though flexible, treatment plan which has been successful not only for that little boy who has just graduated college and is happily working, but for many other adults and children for several years. Asperger Syndrome: Natural Steps Toward A Better Life reflects both the research and general outline for my treatment plan.

And while there are some sites offering valuable information from a psychological or pharmaceutical perspective, this site offers ongoing scientific information supporting natural medicine and provides a venue to share the contributions of the AS community. This site isn't designed "to cure" Asperger Syndrome, but to soften its features. This site offers a myriad of possible solutions to help AS children and adults both modify their behavior sufficiently to adapt to the general community and become happier, less anxious people.

When visiting this site, don't let the information overwhelm you. Read, sift through, and choose what makes sense for you or your child in your present lifestyle. Even if you only adopt 10% of what is written in my book or on this site, you will have noticeably improved your situation.

About Dr. Lawton

In addition to writing Asperger Syndrome: Natural Steps Toward A Better Life, Dr. Lawton has a naturopathic practice for adults and children in Portland, Oregon that focuses on neurological conditions such as Asperger Syndrome. She participates in a multidisciplinary practitioners study group on Autism Spectrum Conditions and has lectured to conventional and natural medical colleagues on AS treatments. She is also an attending physician at the Natural Health Center in which future naturopathic physicians are trained. She graduated with a 4-year doctoral degree from the National College of Natural Medicine.