Adults with Asperger Syndrome Sometimes Benefit from Psychotherapy, Medication
February 8th, 2009 |
A GoodTherapy.org News Update Presented by Jolyn Wells-Moran, PhD, MSW
We sometimes hear about children with Asperger Syndrome, one of the autism spectrum disorders, but don’t hear much about Asperger in adults. Yet, its prevalence among adults is the same as for children, 0.02% to 0.03%. Roy and colleagues recently published a review of the literature, their own experiences and treatment approaches in a German outpatient clinic specializing in adult Asperger Syndrome, in Deutches Arzteblatt International. They conclude that providing direction concerning problematic behaviors, and for some people, medication that addresses certain symptoms, appear to be helpful. They further suggest that psychodynamic therapy may be useful, particularly for the low self worth experienced by many people with this disorder.
Asperger Syndrome is considered a pervasive developmental disorder in which facial expression is often blunt and the voice monotone, although spoken language is usually used accurately and may be quite detailed. They often have a high degree of cognitive ability, but eye contact and recognition of others’ nonverbal communication are lacking. They tend to have difficulties distinguishing priorities, a focus on a particular interest, difficulty switching attention, and issues with relationships. People with the syndrome can appear distant and self-absorbed. Some people with the disorder can become strained by frequent or prolonged social contact, or large numbers of people.
To make a diagnosis, the disorder must be differentiated from schizophrenia, schizotypal personality, Kanner autism, borderline personality and high-functioning autism. Accompanying disorders may be depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and/or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The authors explain that they tend to see adults with Asperger Syndrome primarily for assistance with relationship issues, but that some people don’t need medication or psychotherapy. They summarize the psychotherapy recommendations of Klin and Volkmar (2000) by suggesting that the following may also be needed and helpful:
“Practicing and discussing social perceptions;
Stepwise and structured training/coaching in problem solving skills and life skills;
Practicing behaviors in unfamiliar situations;
Practicing the transfer of certain insights to other situations;
Promoting a concrete development of identity that is based on everyday behaviors;
Analyzing situations that trigger frustrations and analyzing how patients may affect others; and
Facilitating further helpful measures, such as ergotherapy or physiotherapy.” (Roy, et. al, 2009)
Bibliography
Baird G, Charman T, Baron-Cohen S et al. A screening instrument for autism at 18 months of
age: a 6-year follow-up study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2000; 39: 694–702.
Roy, M, Dillo, W, Emrich, H M, Ohlmeier, M D. Asperger´s syndrome in adulthood, Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2009, 106(5): 59-64
Fombonne E, Tidmarsh L. Epidemiologic data on Asperger disorder. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2003, 12: 15–21.
Klin A, Volkmar FR (2000). Treatment and intervention guidelines for individuals with Asperger syndrome. In: Klin A, Volkmar FR, Sparrow SS (eds): Asperger Syndrome. New York: Guilford Press; 340–66, Internet source:http://isc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/refs/43/3/150
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8 comments so far
There seems to be continuing disagreement over the diagnosis and treatment of those with autism disorders and I am sure that for those with Asperger’s syndrome this is no different. It still amazes me that there are such wide discrepancies and varying degrees along the autism spectrum, how some with the disesse are completely lost to any world other than what they are experiencing within their own heads to those who can live almost completely normal lives. Autism is a disesse that certainly needs more reserach fubding so that we can hopefully help to prevent even more cases of this growing illnes from arising among future populations.
My three year old son didn’t act normal at all. He’d rock back and forth and bang his head again and again. He wasn’t even trying to talk. His communication skills were simply not up to his playmates level. He needed help. I needed help.
We went to a team of specialists. The doctors said his development was delayed. After a battery of tests, my son was assessed by the doctor as displaying “autistic tendencies” but not enough to support a diagnosis.
“Your child is functioning beyond his abilities”, one doctor said to me before he diagnosed my son as “globally mentally retarded.”
Believing in my sons strengths I learned to “use a diagnosis as a suggestion, a springboard for possibilities, not a straightjacket.”
It took many years. My son was eventually diagnosed with “Asperger’s Syndrome” and properly treated. Psychotherapy and structured trainings
continue to provided much of the support he needs to deal with some of the challenges he faces. Nevertheless, the effects of positive psychology on my son has helped him to deal with and move beyond labels and challenging assumptions. Why? Because he believes in his ability not his disability! Now twenty-three my son is resilient and hold and ever-present positive attitude and taken hold of the life he wants for himself.
Our lesson:“A DIAGNOSIS is only a label that is used to HELP. Embrace it, it is only a snapshot in time. It can/probably will change. Know that the diagnosis can change…just as your child changes…so use the support system to your advantage, but exceed it. Go beyond it…don’t let it be the end…”
Helen C. Hipp, M.A. ~ Certified Life Coach
WithInU Life Coaching
802.899.2128 ~ 888-240-2250 ~ helen@withinulifecoaching.com
Helen thank you so much for those comments. I completely agree with you that a diagnosis is just a snapshot of what is going on and not necessarily a life sentence. Too often we label people and then never remove those labels even once treatment has been sought, administered and is successful. I think that it is so harmful that many of us cannot look beyond a diagnosis and see the real problems to treat them for what they are. I do so much appreciate your insight and hope that all is now well with your family and son.
Is it true that autism is sometimes diagnosed as early as 12 to 18 months in some children?
Last night I was interviewed by Jaimarie Ely reporter for Fox 44 news. She was interested in my response regarding the court decision that there is insufficient evidence to link Autism, to childhood vaccines. I would love to hear what you have to say!
Ruling In Autism,Vaccine Case Leaves VT Woman Wondering What’s Next
After a special court ruled Thursday there is no link between certain childhood vaccines and autism, a Vermont woman wants to know what’s next.
Helen Hipp of Jericho, Vermont, said awareness about autism has come a long way since her son was young. She brought her son, Raymond Chadwick to see many doctors when he was younger, because she knew something just wasn’t right.
“Head banging, rocking back and forth, he wasn’t developing the way his peers did,” Hipp said.
Chadwick was eventually diagnosed with autism, which is a developmental disorder which affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact. There is still no known cause for autism, although a growing number of advocates and parents have pointed to some childhood vaccines. The court rejected the claim saying there wasn’t sufficient evidence to back it.
“I just really, really hope the ruling today is about finding an answer and not about a legal decision that protects lawsuits, or industry,” Hipp said.
Hipp said her son is doing well. He is twenty three years old now and lives in a shared apartment in Williston.
“Well my favorites here are learning to cook meals and socialize and to go fun places,” Chadwick said.
Hipp said she would like to see more research but doesn’t dwell on why her son has the disorder. She said she knows how tough the ruling must be for other families living with autism.
“It’s scary, and you may get angry, you know when you have this diagnosis, particularly if there are indicators that it could have been prevented, but if that’s all you focus in on then you’re missing a lot of the wonderful positives,” Hipp said.
The court still has to make decisions on other lawsuits which claim a mercury preservative in the shots could be the cause.
I very strongly feel that since there is no clear cut evidence linking the onset of autism with vaccines that it is extremely important to have your children vaccinated. We are seeing the resurgence of many diseases in this country that are so preventable because of parents failing to give their kids the proper vaccines. How many of us want to see illnesses like measles and polio and even smallpox on the rise again simply because we are making an assumption about a link between these things without proper medical proof?
Apparently I am going to be rich because someone from Nigeria contacted me and said that the late great Prime Minister Kimbobo needs my help :)
Nan, I used to feel the same. I thought I was being a good mother immunizing my son and only irresponsible ones didn’t. I know my son was fine until shortly after he had the MMR in the UK, a triple vaccine of measles mumps and rubella. I will never be convinced that didn’t cause it. This was almost twenty years ago when hardly anyone knew the word autism, never mind Aspergers Syndrome.
It’s very easy to say do it when it’s not your child that’s at risk nor you that’s giving up the rest of your life to care for him. That makes me angry. I don’t need medical proof of how dangerous the preservatives are. I have the proof sitting on the couch in my front room.