Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome

Abstract

The report summarizes the literature to date, which have focused on clarifying the diagnostic characteristics and describing anecdotal interventions of Asperger Syndrome. The suggested interventions include "structured and focused" supportive psychotherapy (Barnhill, 2001; Lord & Volkmar, 2002) to address life stressors that go along with the diagnosis and Applied Behavioral Analysis (Ozonoff, Dawson, & McPartland, 2002). The field of special education has generated a variety of suggestions for community and school-based interventions that have not been empirically evaluated. These descriptive interventions, however, may be useful in the provision of community-based mental health services to children and adolescents with Asperger Syndrome. The authors encourage collaboration across all community entities that the child or adolescent with Asperger Syndrome may encounter. Additional resources for this population may be realized through increased collaboration with the Community Developmental Disability Organizations, Schools, and Independent Living Centers (as the youth transition to adulthood).

References:

1. Barnhill, G. (2001). What's new in AS research: A synthesis of research conducted by the Asperger Syndrome project. Intervention in School and Clinic, 36(5), 300-306. 2. Ozonoff, S., Dawson, G., & McPartland, J. (2002). A parent's guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism. New York: The Guilford Press. 3. Lord, C. & Volkmar F. (2002). Genetics of Childhood Disorders: XLII. Autism Part 1: Diagnosis and Assessment in Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Journal of the America Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 41(9) 1134-1136.