Running head: Challenges of Autism and Aspergers Syndrome 1

Challenges of Autism and Aspergers Syndrome

Eleanor Wend HS 513 T301 Assignment 3.3 Bellevue University September 18, 2011

Challenges of Autism and Aspergers Syndrome

Abstract This paper will explore the differences between autism and Aspergers disorder and the challenges faced by those diagnosed with these disorders. A review of the television special entitled I Have Autism shown on MTVs True Life will include the challenges faced by the three individuals featured in this special and some solutions they utilized to resolve these challenges. Also discussed will be the role of therapy and counselors in providing solutions to these challenges. Keywords: autism, Aspergers disorder, challenges, therapy approaches

Challenges of Autism and Aspergers Syndrome

Introduction Autistic and Aspergers disorders were first identified in the 1940s by two different psychiatrists on two different continents. Autistic disorder was extensively described by Dr. Leo Kanner in 1944 through his work as a child psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Aspergers disorder was described by an Austrian psychiatrist, Hans Asperger in 1944. Not until his work was translated into English did it become apparent there were similarities in the spectrum of symptoms. The causes of these conditions are still a mystery and the diagnosis is a constellation of symptoms with distinct differences in functioning between those with early infant autism and Aspergers disorder. Differences and similarities in autistic and Aspergers disorder The symptoms these two disorders share in common include: Delays in social interaction, language for social communication, symbolic or imaginative play; impairment in non-verbal communication like eye contact; lack of imaginative, spontaneous activities; restricted, repetitive, stereotyped interests, behaviors and activities which includes persistent interest in parts of objects. The differences between autistic and Aspergers disorders include: a higher percentage of male to female occurrence: autistic is 4:1 male to female and Aspergers is 6:1 male to female. In Aspergers disorder speech is generally not delayed but is Autistic-like in repetitive, monotone and lack of first person. There is a clumsiness and poor motor control that is not usually present in autistic disorder. Also there is a higher level of social functioning in Aspergers although still a bizarre use of language focused on favorite topics. There is an above average intelligence with a prodigious memory related to favorite topics. (Netherton, et.al. 1999)

Challenges of Autism and Aspergers Syndrome

Three individuals with Autism, their challenges and Solutions The three individuals featured in I Have Autism shown on MTVs True Life were all diagnosed with autistic disorder but each had a different spectrum of symptoms. Jeremy is diagnosed with severe autism and is non-verbal; Jonathan is diagnosed as Idiot-savant and Elijah has Aspergers disorder. Each faces different challenges and needs different supportive services and therapy approaches. Jeremy has never had friends and lacks communication skills. Jonathan is very talented in art and has language but suffers from high emotional reactivity and acting out. Elijah is a very talented comedian on stage and wants to try to communicate living with the stigma of autism to his audience but fears exposing him to ridicule. The solutions are varied and utilize a combination of technology and supportive services in the form of aides and therapy. All of them involve the need to increase communication and interpersonal interactions as well as individual interventions. With Jeremy the solution is assisted communication with a new adaptive technology called the Lightwriter and an aide. It also involves his family relations and organizing a social event: his first party. The issues that I see in this solution involve the interaction of the aide in interpreting Jeremys wants and desires for him since he is still non-verbal himself. It is very intriguing to watch how he utilizes the Lightwriter by pushing a single key that represents his communication. Also his sensitivity to lots of stimuli has to be taken into consideration with sensitivity by his family and friends. Jonathon is a talented artist and expressive in his communication through his art. He faces the challenge of emotional outbursts and uncontrollable anger which upsets people around him. In his scenario the therapist is working with Jonathan and his father on self-intervention strategies to

Challenges of Autism and Aspergers Syndrome

increase his internal control. Also interesting is the identification of the situations that cause the stress reaction and frustration. He has a lot of internal frustration about being diagnosed autistic. The internal feelings of being diagnosed autistic are also evident with Elijah who has Aspergers disorder. He is writing his own material about being diagnosed with autism but afraid of being vulnerable to the world. His family is very supportive in assisting him to find a creative avenue through a comedy workshop to build his confidence about taking risks. As a future counselor what stood out for me was the team work of support that provides the needed therapy and assistance to those diagnosed with autism. I am excited about the custom therapy that can provide answers to those individuals and their families who have this disorder. I see the need for interacting with the family and the community so that the consistency of response reinforces the new skills and interventions for the client as well as those with the client themselves. I found a couple articles that concluded there is measurable benefit to providing counseling therapy for individuals with autistic disorder. The goal could be a simple as the author of one article stated: Helping individuals develop subjective self-satisfaction should be the goal in any treatment program, achieved through direct therapeutic interventions as well as environmental supports. (Szymanski, 2000) Conclusion In conclusion there are many challenges that face those with the autistic disorder diagnosis and their families but the answers are equally creative and can be effective. Providing the counseling to both the individual and the family is vital and an ongoing need.

Challenges of Autism and Aspergers Syndrome

References Francis, Allen et al., Task Force. (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.

Netherton, Sandra D., Holmes, Deborah & Walker, Eugene C. (Eds.). (1999). Child and Adolescent Psychological Disorders: A Comprehensive Textbook. New York. Oxford University Press. Prout, H. Thompson and Nowak-Drabik, Karen M. (2003). Psychotherapy With Persons Who Have Mental Retardation: An Evaluation of Effectiveness. American Journal on Mental Retardation: March 2003, Vol. 108, No. 2, pp. 82-93. Retrieved September 18, 2011, from http://www.aaiddjournals.org. Szymanski, Ludwik S. (2000) Happiness As a Treatment Goal. American Journal on Mental Retardation: September 2000, Vol. 105, No. 5, pp. 352-362. Retrieved September 18, 2011, from http://www.aaiddjournals.org.