Current Issue - Deputy Sheriffs' Association of San Diego County

columns
PERT PERSPECTIVE
Kathy Rose, Ph.D., LMFT - PERT Team Leader
Asperger Syndrome or Asperger’s Disorder is a developmental disorder
considered by many to be a mild, higher-functioning form of Autism.
Asperger’s is characterized by difficulties in social interactions,
restricted or highly focused interests which present as almost
fixations with particular topics or objects of interest; lack of or
restricted empathy; monotonic speech, as well as long-winded,
one-sided conversations with no regard for other’s reactions or
input; poor motor coordination and odd posturing; naivety and
eccentricity. A person with Asperger Syndrome will have difficulty
in reading and conveying nonverbal communication as well as
interpreting social interactions.
Asperger’s is typically diagnosed in childhood. It can be more
challenging to identify than autism, since Asperger’s involves fewer
and less pronounced symptoms. Unlike autism, language development
is generally not delayed in Asperger’s Disorder. Cognitive deficits are
also not as pronounced and most children with Asperger’s fall in the
normal range of intelligence, giving a more optimistic prognosis for
quality of life. Onset appears to be later than that of autism, although
it is unknown if this is a function of its less pronounced symptomlogy.
Asperger’s is seen in significantly higher frequency among males, and
research suggests an increased frequency among family members with
the disorder.
Anxiety and frustration contribute to the ability to function in social
settings for children who suffer from Asperger’s Disorder. Studies
conducted under the auspices of the National Institute of Mental
Health have indicated that relaxation techniques to mitigate the effects
of frustration can have a significant impact. Highly structured and
predictable environments have also been shown to help these children
better cope in both school and home settings, as change is not welltolerated.
Children with Asperger’s Disorder may also be prone to depression,
as they are drawn to forming social relationships and friendships but
are often frustrated in these attempts due to their inappropriate or odd
behaviors being “off-putting” to others. Social isolation often becomes
the norm for children with Asperger’s Disorder.
Treatment for Asperger’s Disorder typically focuses on training in
social skills and heightening the ability to read social cues when
engaging with others; addressing frustration through behavior
modification and education (cognitive behavioral therapy); individual
psychotherapy to assist with emotional issues related to the diagnosis;
and psychiatric medications which can be utilized to address issues of
depression, agitation, hyperactivity, irritability, compulsive behaviors,
and anxiety.
While Asperger’s is not “curable,” with appropriate interventions
most persons diagnosed with the disorder can lead relatively normal
and independent lives as adults. For more information on the topic of
Asperger Syndrome, contact the San Diego Regional Center at: www.
sdrc.org.
INSTRUCTORS AND STUDENTS WELCOME
LAW ENFORCEMENT DISCOUNT
Becca Berlinsky
Your Real Estate Specialist!
Selling San Diego County
for over a Decade.
Experienced!
Professional!
Dedicated!
NEW OWNER: MARGARET MIDDLETON
Daughter of Lt. Flo Helms
CLOSED
SUN & MON
Broker Associate • Realtor ® • Cell: (760) 525-5625
bberlinsky@coldwellbanker.com Lic # 01416788 Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated.
20 Silver Star December 2012