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Journal of Autism and Developmental... Feb 2008This paper reviews the literature examining social skills training (SST) programs for youth with AS/HFA, with an emphasis on critically evaluating efficacy and... (Review)
Review
This paper reviews the literature examining social skills training (SST) programs for youth with AS/HFA, with an emphasis on critically evaluating efficacy and highlighting areas of future research. The review highlights the disparity between SST programs described in the extant literature, including lack of a universal definition of social skills, various levels of intensity and duration of treatment, divergent theoretical backgrounds, and variety in services provided in clinic or classroom settings. Overall, it is clear that, despite their widespread clinical use, empirical support for SST programs for children with AS/HFA is minimal at this time. Based on this critical review, a "roadmap" for future research, consistent with recommendations put forth by a leading group of autism researchers, is presented.
Topics: Adolescent; Asperger Syndrome; Autistic Disorder; Behavior Therapy; Child; Child, Preschool; Clinical Trials as Topic; Generalization, Psychological; Humans; Intelligence; Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; Social Behavior
PubMed: 17641962
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-007-0402-4 -
Journal of Child Psychology and... Jun 2015To examine the diagnostic stability of a childhood diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome (AS) into adulthood in a prospective longitudinal study, and identify the predictors of...
OBJECTIVE
To examine the diagnostic stability of a childhood diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome (AS) into adulthood in a prospective longitudinal study, and identify the predictors of stability.
METHODS
One hundred males with AS diagnosed in childhood (T0) according to Gillberg's AS criteria, were followed up prospectively into adulthood over an average of 19 years (range 13-26 years). Fifty males (mean age 30 years) participated in this second follow-up (T2) of the cohort. Seventy-six had participated in a previous follow-up (T1) at mean age 22 years (47 participated in both follow-ups). Diagnosis at T2 was assessed using three sets of diagnostic criteria (Gillberg's AS criteria, DSM-IV Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and DSM-5 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) criteria) and compared to previous assessments. Background predictors of diagnostic stability were analyzed. General functioning at T2 was assessed and compared to T1.
RESULTS
There was a decline in the stability of AS diagnosis over time, the rate dropping from 82% at T1 to 44% at T2, when using the Gillberg criteria. There was also a significant decrease in the rate of cases fulfilling any PDD diagnosis according to the DSM-IV, from 91% at T1 to 76% at T2 in the 47 cases followed up twice. Severity of autism spectrum symptoms at T1 was the main predictor of diagnostic stability at T2. Twenty percent of those meeting criteria for a PDD diagnosis according to DSM-IV, did not meet DSM-5 ASD criteria although they had marked difficulties in everyday life.
CONCLUSION
Asperger Syndrome, when considered as an ASD/PDD diagnosis, was fairly stable into adulthood, but there was a significant increase over time in cases no longer meeting criteria for an ASD diagnosis according to the DSM-IV, or AS according to the Gillberg criteria. Cases with a stable diagnosis showed significantly more core ASD symptoms in adolescence/young adulthood.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Asperger Syndrome; Child; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Young Adult
PubMed: 25283685
DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12334 -
Soins. Psychiatrie 2014
Topics: Adult; Asperger Syndrome; Comorbidity; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depressive Disorder; Humans; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide, Attempted
PubMed: 25562905
DOI: No ID Found -
L'Encephale Dec 2012During recent years, fictions featuring a character with Asperger syndrome have been increasingly produced in literature, cinema and TV. Thus, the public has gradually...
BACKGROUND
During recent years, fictions featuring a character with Asperger syndrome have been increasingly produced in literature, cinema and TV. Thus, the public has gradually discovered the existence of this specific category of autism spectrum, which is far removed from old popular representations of autistic disorders, often associated with mental retardation.
OBJECTIVES
To describe the reactions generated by these characters in order to identify their major functions and also to try to explain their recent increase in fictions.
METHODS
First, we explored international publications concerning this topic. A group of experienced clinicians systematically examined works of fiction produced between 2000 and 2010 that included a character with Asperger syndrome. More than 30 productions have been identified and analyzed using a method adapted from focus group.
RESULTS
Over 30 productions have been recorded and analyzed. The reactions generated by these characters are described. They range from fascination to empathy; if these heroes sometimes induce laughter (because of comedy situations), they also lead us to question our vision of the world and ask ourselves about notions such as difference, normality and tolerance. We illustrate this phenomenon with examples from literature, cinema or television.
DISCUSSION
Four hypotheses are proposed trying to explain the recent multiplication of these fictional characters with Asperger syndrome. The first puts forward authors' informative and educational motivations, these authors being aware of this issue. The second is supported by the "hero" concept, which has evolved gradually into the figures of the scientific world and the so-called "Geek" community. The third hypothesis, a metaphorical one, considers these heroes as symbols of a future society: a hyper systematized society, devoid of empathy, as if to warn of a risk of evolution of humanity toward a generalized mental blindness. The fourth and last hypothesis explores the personal resonance, supported by identification mechanisms.
CONCLUSION
The dissemination of such fictional characters and their specific characteristics helps make Asperger syndrome a cultural component of our modern society. Such a wide distribution, supported or even promoted by associations, could contribute to better information and therefore to greater acceptance of these persons who frequently experience releases and harassment. Whatever the fate of Asperger syndrome in future classifications, the multiplication and the success of fictional productions demonstrate a growing and probably irreversible enrollment in popular culture.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Asperger Syndrome; Awareness; Empathy; Focus Groups; France; Health Education; Humans; Literature, Modern; Medicine in Literature; Metaphor; Motion Pictures; Public Opinion; Social Adjustment; Social Values; Television; Young Adult
PubMed: 23200611
DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2011.12.009 -
Der Nervenarzt May 2011There is an increase in awareness in professionals that the Asperger syndrome (AS) in adulthood is associated with specific problems and burdens which may well differ... (Review)
Review
There is an increase in awareness in professionals that the Asperger syndrome (AS) in adulthood is associated with specific problems and burdens which may well differ from those in childhood and adolescence. The core symptoms of AS generally persist into adulthood, however in contrast to childhood and adolescence there is no specific support system for adults in Germany. Also the environment of the afflicted patient changes thus producing different challenges and problems. In addition a subgroup of patients with high functioning AS primarily presents in adulthood generally due to secondary psychosocial problems, depression or anxiety. Difficulties in social interaction, problems with modified daily routines and unforeseen situations cause severe frustration for the majority of the patients. While several therapy programs have been developed and implemented for children and adolescents, for adults there are none. Also there is a lack of comprehensive concepts addressing the specific needs of adult patients with AS. From an economic perspective this is particularly unfortunate since affected people often have good or excellent partial abilities and might be very valuable employees. In this article existing therapeutic concepts for AS are summarized and a newly designed group therapy program for adult patients with Asperger syndrome in Freiburg is introduced (Freiburg Asperger-spezifische Therapie für Erwachsene, FASTER) which specifically addresses the needs and problems of adult patients with AS.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aptitude; Asperger Syndrome; Child; Combined Modality Therapy; Cooperative Behavior; Humans; Interdisciplinary Communication; Interpersonal Relations; Psychotherapy; Psychotherapy, Group; Social Behavior; Socialization
PubMed: 20857273
DOI: 10.1007/s00115-010-3121-6 -
Australasian Psychiatry : Bulletin of... Feb 2014The incidence of Asperger's syndrome is reported as above average in young people presenting with gender dysphoria. Patients with Asperger's syndrome, however, are prone...
OBJECTIVE
The incidence of Asperger's syndrome is reported as above average in young people presenting with gender dysphoria. Patients with Asperger's syndrome, however, are prone to obsessive preoccupations. This paper points out that the apparent dysphoria may in some cases prove to be a transient obsession.
METHOD
Cases from the author's clinical practice were reviewed.
RESULTS
Two young men with histories suggesting Asperger's syndrome presented with strong convictions of gender dysphoria, asking for hormonal and surgical treatment. Treatment was withheld and after several years both came to repudiate their 'transgender phase'.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients asking for sex reassignment should be assessed for indications of Asperger's syndrome. Irreversible treatments should be withheld until it is clear there is a genuine issue of transsexualism.
Topics: Adolescent; Asperger Syndrome; Child, Preschool; Gender Identity; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Male; Transsexualism; Young Adult
PubMed: 23897727
DOI: 10.1177/1039856213497814 -
Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience :... Nov 2011The question of whether Asperger syndrome can be distinguished from autism has attracted much debate and may even incur delay in diagnosis and intervention. Accordingly,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The question of whether Asperger syndrome can be distinguished from autism has attracted much debate and may even incur delay in diagnosis and intervention. Accordingly, there has been a proposal for Asperger syndrome to be subsumed under autism in the forthcoming Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, in 2013. One approach to resolve this question has been to adopt the criterion of absence of clinically significant language or cognitive delay--essentially, the "absence of language delay." To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of people with autism to compare absence with presence of language delay. It capitalizes on the voxel-based morphometry (VBM) approach to systematically explore the whole brain for anatomic correlates of delay and no delay in language acquisition in people with autism spectrum disorders.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search for VBM MRI studies of grey matter volume in people with autism. Studies with a majority (at least 70%) of participants with autism diagnoses and a history of language delay were assigned to the autism group (n = 151, control n = 190). Those with a majority (at least 70%) of individuals with autism diagnoses and no language delay were assigned to the Asperger syndrome group (n = 149, control n = 214). We entered study coordinates into anatomic likelihood estimation meta-analysis software with sampling size weighting to compare grey matter summary maps driven by Asperger syndrome or autism.
RESULTS
The summary autism grey matter map showed lower volumes in the cerebellum, right uncus, dorsal hippocampus and middle temporal gyrus compared with controls; grey matter volumes were greater in the bilateral caudate, prefrontal lobe and ventral temporal lobe. The summary Asperger syndrome map indicated lower grey matter volumes in the bilateral amygdala/hippocampal gyrus and prefrontal lobe, left occipital gyrus, right cerebellum, putamen and precuneus compared with controls; grey matter volumes were greater in more limited regions, including the bilateral inferior parietal lobule and the left fusiform gyrus. Both Asperger syndrome and autism studies reported volume increase in clusters in the ventral temporal lobe of the left hemisphere.
LIMITATIONS
We assigned studies to autism and Asperger syndrome groups for separate analyses of the data and did not carry out a direct statistical group comparison. In addition, studies available for analysis did not capture the entire spectrum, therefore we cannot be certain that our findings apply to a wider population than that sampled.
CONCLUSION
Whereas grey matter differences in people with Asperger syndrome compared with controls are sparser than those reported in studies of people with autism, the distribution and direction of differences in each category are distinctive.
Topics: Asperger Syndrome; Autistic Disorder; Brain; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Language Development Disorders; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Nerve Fibers, Unmyelinated; Neuroimaging
PubMed: 21406158
DOI: 10.1503/jpn.100138 -
Psychiatria Polska 2011Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PPD) refers to the group of disorders characterised by delayed or inappropriate development of multiple basic functions including... (Review)
Review
Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PPD) refers to the group of disorders characterised by delayed or inappropriate development of multiple basic functions including socialisation, communication, behaviour and cognitive functioning. The term,,autistic spectrum disorders" was established as a result of the magnitude of the intensity of symptoms and their proportions observed in all types of pervasive developmental disorders. Asperger's Syndrome (AS) remains the most controversial diagnosis in terms of its place within autism spectrum disorders. AS if often described as an equivalent of High Functioning Autism (HFA) or as a separate spectrum-related disorder with unique diagnostic criteria. Another important issue is the relationship between AS and speech disorders. Although it is relatively easy to draw a line between children with classical autism and speech disorders, the clear cut frontiers between them still remain to be found. The main distinguishing feature is the lack of stereotypic interests and unimpaired social interaction observed in children with speech disorders, such as semantic-pragmatic disorder.
Topics: Asperger Syndrome; Autistic Disorder; Child; Child Behavior; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Models, Psychological; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Severity of Illness Index; Social Behavior; Social Isolation
PubMed: 22220491
DOI: No ID Found -
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of... Mar 2007Asperger's syndrome has been recognized recently. Diagnosis is done by DSM-IV-TR, ICD-10 or Autistic Spectrum Diagnosis. Medical care is performed by adjustment of... (Review)
Review
Asperger's syndrome has been recognized recently. Diagnosis is done by DSM-IV-TR, ICD-10 or Autistic Spectrum Diagnosis. Medical care is performed by adjustment of environmental atmosphere, educational treatment and/or medication. Patients are cured by parents or teachers who can understand their thinking or behavior pattern. Educational treatment is important to compensate the lack of "mind of theory", of integration of central nervous system and of executive functioning. Medication is applied only secondary symptoms, such as hallucinated or delusional complaints or change of mood or compulsive behavior. Some of this syndrome's patients have excellent abilities and will accomplish great achievement in adult. We need protect them from bullying or secondary social withdrawal in adolescent age.
Topics: Antipsychotic Agents; Asperger Syndrome; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Hallucinations; Humans; International Classification of Diseases; Mood Disorders; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Patient Education as Topic; Prognosis; Social Environment
PubMed: 17354552
DOI: No ID Found -
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of... Mar 2007Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (i.e., autism and Asperger syndrome) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, although its etiology is still unclear. Neuroimaging studies have... (Review)
Review
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (i.e., autism and Asperger syndrome) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, although its etiology is still unclear. Neuroimaging studies have attempted to identify the neurobiological basis of ASD. This article reviews recent progress in ASD research using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET). MRI studies documented structural and functional abnormalities in cerebella, the frontal lobes, the temporal lobes, and limbic systems of individuals with ASD. SPECT and PET studies suggested that abnormalities of the serotonergic system, in addition to decreased regional cerebral blood flow in the frontal and temporal lobes, are implicated in the pathophysiology of ASD.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Asperger Syndrome; Brain; Child; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Positron-Emission Tomography; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon
PubMed: 17354556
DOI: No ID Found