Treatment
Most forms of treatment for as individuals involve explicitly teaching them how to behave specific social situations in ways that others might take for granted. "While social skills instruction is an important strategy for promoting social success, some critics argue that it merely teaches individuals 'how to' act in specific social situations, but not how to generate any kind of 'social thinking' or problem-solving about how to act in novel or unexpected situations" and merely reinforces the rote behaviors of as (Blacher & Howell 2008). The approach may often develop on the degree of impairment. Role-plays, story-telling and 'what if' situations are common methods of instruction, as well as breaking down social skills into subskills, "such as greeting others, initiating topics, staying on topic, maintaining reciprocity, using nonverbal communication (eye contact, facial expressions, gestures) appropriately, checking in to see if the listener is still interested, and appropriately ending conversations (i.e., saying goodbye). Higher-level skills can include accepting suggestions, handling criticism, resolving conflicts, and showing empathy" (Toth & King 2008).
Regardless, of the approach, the consensus is that early intervention is necessary for all as individuals. Left untreated, a lack of social skills can have a profound impact on social and academic performance. Children with as may be teased more than their peers, and this can cause profound emotional distress, and the challenges increase with age as communication grows more subtle. "For individuals with autism, developing peer relationships and grappling with the emotional, physical, sociosexual facets of adolescence and adulthood can be especially difficult (Sullivan & Caterino 2008). The most common comorbid diagnosis in individuals with as and high-functioning autism...
It is estimated that as many as 50% of all adults with Asperger Syndrome are never correctly evaluated or diagnosed, thus these non-diagnosed Aspergers are seen as eccentric or 'just different,' or they may even receive other psychiatric diagnoses (Bauer 1996). Bauer claims to have encountered several such individuals who have been able to make use of their other skills to achieve success, both personally and professionally. In fact, many
The AS person has often spent an inordinate amount of time fixated on one particular (often peculiar) topic, and when that person is in a social environment, he or she tends to ramble on about the topic and that one-sided rambling is more important to that AS person than any other activity in a social setting, Woodbury-Smith writes on page 4. According to Woodbury-Smith, as the AS person gets older,
Another important defining characteristic of AS is that people who seem to have it are often gifted intellectually, While only a small percentage of individuals with autism are considered to be high functioning (without mental retardation), all children with AS have average to above average intelligence. In fact, many with AS may be intellectually gifted, which may mask the many difficulties they experience from adults and peers alike (Wing, 1998).
Treatment of Asperger Syndrome Asperger syndrome is considered an autism spectrum disorder that is characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive and restricted patterns of behaviors and interests, which manifest to a degree where the individuals with this disorder are still "high-functioning," and more able in the realms of various intelligences in comparison to those with autism (Toth & King, 2008). This disorder has been found
They may become distressed when they experience unexpected changes in routines. They may become distracted and not complete tasks, along with struggling with transitions between activities. Young children with autism seldom participate in pretend play. (Attwood, 2005, p. 11) Asperger's syndrome student may function on or above grade level in academic subjects, albeit, their behavioral quirks may inhibit their success. Along with a supportive learning environment, support through visual
Without further examination, one can only note the similarities in isolating behavior between Asperger's and OCD patients. In Jake's particular case, the symptoms while he was a child included insistence on sameness, preference for symmetry, and systems of arranging preferred objects (Leckman, 1999) Etiology: One can surmise that Jake is genetically predisposed to OCD through his mother. In general, OCD and some other genetically-linked psychiatric disorders can move from mother
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