Psychological Disorder in Adolescents and Adults with Asperger Syndrome

Abstract

The distress and disability caused by Asperger syndrome are a consequence of the core syndrome itself, and any neurological or physical disorders which may be associated with it. Distress and disability are also influenced, to a much greater degree than has previously been recognized, by the personal reactions of the sufferer and the social reactions of those around him or her. One important type of personal reaction is the development of a psychological disorder secondary to Asperger syndrome. There is growing evidence that these reactions are commoner and more severe than has been thought previously. They include affective disorders, anxiety-related disorders and conduct disorders. Their manifestations may be altered by the presence of Asperger syndrome. Treatment usually involves a combination of psycho- education, social change, psychotropic medication and counselling.

Experiences of Receiving a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Survey of Adults in the United Kingdom

“…Fourth, findings regarding the prevalence of depressed mood and anxiety should be interpreted with caution, as the scales used were not designed for people with ASDs. Therefore the validity of questions and cut-off points may be different amongst this group; e.g., people with ASDs often have high trait anxiety as part of their condition, which may not be pathological (Tantam, 2000). Related to this, ADULT ASD DIAGNOSIS SURVEY 28 factors other than the specific diagnosis (e.g., pre-existing mental health conditions, family chaos, medical complications) may have played a role in how respondents experienced and viewed the diagnostic process and it is important to consider these when assessing the results (e.g., satisfaction levels).…”

Revisión de estudios e investigaciones relacionadas con la comorbilidad diagnóstica de los Trastornos del Espectro del Autismo de Alto Funcionamiento (TEA-AF) y los trastornos de ansiedad

“…perseveraciones, conducta ritualística- (Gillberg y Billstedt, 2000;Gillott, Furniss y Walter, 2001;Kim, Szatmari, Bryson, Streiner y Wilson, 2000;Lecavalier, 2006;Leyfer et al, 2006;Sverd, 2003;Sterling et al, 2008;Tantam, 2000;Volkmar y Klin, 2000); la manía, depresión y ansiedad -fobias específicas y ansiedad generalizada- (Gadow et al, 2004;Gillott et al, 2001;Green et al, 2000;Kim et al, 2000;Lecavalier, 2006;Leyfer et al, 2006;Sverd, 2003;Sterling et al, 2008;Tantam, 2000;Volkmar y Klin, 2000); la Esquizofrenia (Gillberg y Billstedt, 2000;Holguin, 2003;Volkmar y Klin, 2000;Wolf, 1998); la agresiones (Gadow et al, 2004;Gillberg y Billstedt, 2000;Holguin, 2003;Lecavalier, 2006;Leyfer et al, 2006;Sverd, 2003;Sterling et al, 2008;Volkmar y Klin, 2000;Wolf, 1998); y otros como la catatonia, los trastornos de la alimentación, el mutismo selectivo o los Trastornos de sueño (Gillberg y Billstedt, 2000).…”

Parents of Children with Asperger Syndrome: Relationships between Early Attachment Experiences and Parenting Behaviors

“…They will make repeated inappropriate efforts to interact with a peer and continue to repeat the unsuccessful overture becoming increasing frustrated and ultimately acting out. (Attwood, 2007;Barnhill, Hagiwara, Myles, Simpson, Brick, & Griswold, 2000;Dewey, 1999;Dissanayake, 2004;Harris, 1994;Harris & Powers, 1984;Myles & Adreon, 2001;Myles & Simpson, 1998;Tantum, 2000).…”

“…Yet, references are repeatedly made within these studies to the important role parents play in the child's life and the crucial need to include them in the planning, behavior management, and skill development. (Attwood, 2007(Attwood, , 1998Barnhill et al, 2000;Klin, Volkmar, & Sparrow, 2000;Myles & Adreon, 2001;Ozonoff, Dawson, & MacPartland, 2002;Schuntermann, 2002;Tantum, 2000).…”

“…And yet again, references continue to be made of the critically important role of parents and the need for them to be included in the planning and behavior management and skill development. (Attwood, 2007;Buron & Wolfberg, 2008;Barnhill, Hagiwara, Myles, Simpson, Brick, & Griswald, 2000;Edwards & Da Fonte 2012;Klin, Volkmar, & Sparrow, 2000;Myles & Adreon, 2001;Ozonoff et al, 2002;Schuntermann, 2002;Tantum, 2000;Volkmar & Wiesner, 2009) In an effort to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of parents with children with AS, this study investigated the relationship between the early parental attachment experiences to the style of parent behaviors (supportive/engaged or hostile/coercive) toward the child with AS. Correlations between demographic characteristics and parenting behaviors were also examined.…”