Showing papers on "Asperger syndrome published in 1994"

Sampling the form of inner experience in three adults with Asperger syndrome

Abstract: Three adults with Asperger syndrome were invited to talk about their inner experiences, using an experience sampling and interview technique. They reported thoughts primarily or solely in the form of images. By contrast, normal adults previously tested with this technique reported inner experiences of a variety of forms. The present report suggests the feasibility and potential interest of the experience sampling method with high-functioning individuals with autistic disorder.

Subtypes of Autism by Cluster Analysis.

Abstract: Multidisciplinary data from 166 children with autistic spectrum disorders were subjected to cluster analysis. Cross-validation between random halves of the sample showed acceptable consistency of the clustering method. Four clinically meaningful subtypes emerged from the analysis. They did not differ in demographic characteristics but did show, on average, distinct differences in behavioral and cognitive areas. Over half of the sample fell into a subtype described as typically autistic with abnormal verbal and nonverbal communication, aloofness, impaired social skills, and sensory disturbances. Another 19% were similarly autistic but with moderate to severe mental handicap. The remaining children formed two subtypes: a high-functioning Asperger-like group who were overactive and aggressive, and a small group who were impaired in social and language skills, had restricted interests, and a family history of learning problems. This study highlights important differences among children with autism and emphasizes relationships between cognitive functioning and subtypes of the disorder.

Cohesive discourse in pervasive developmental disorders.

Abstract: Investigated the use of cohesive links to create a reciprocal conversation in individuals with autism, Asperger syndrome, and a control group of children and adolescents with nonspecific social problems. All subjects engaged in a 10-minute conversation with an examiner that touched on various topics. The conversation was audiotaped, transcribed, and coded blindly for several types of cohesive links. Compared to controls, the higher functioning autistic group referred less to a previous stretch of the conversation and more to an aspect of the physical environment. The Asperger group, on the other hand, was very similar to the controls except they made more unclear references that were difficult to interpret. Implications of these findings for understanding the communicative failure of subjects with pervasive developmental disorder are discussed.

A preliminary study of right hemisphere cognitive deficits and impaired social judgments among young people with Asperger syndrome.

Abstract: Seven children and young adults with definite signs of Asperger syndrome were administered a battery of tests designed to test: intelligence; left and right cerebral hemisphere functioning; ability to discriminate eye gaze; and social judgment. The subjects revealed a non significant tendency to have a higher verbal IQ than visual IQ; and their right hemisphere functioning seemed impaired. They were also poorer at discriminating eye gaze and revealed difficulties in making hypothetical social judgments. The data are considered with reference to Rourke's (1988) work on non-verbal learning disabilities together with the ideas of Tantam (1992) on the “social gaze response” and Baron-Cohen's (1993) Eye-Detection Detector model. The possible links between social judgment and theory of mind (Frith, 1991) are briefly explored.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents. A 6-22-year follow-up study. Clinical descriptions of the course and continuity of obsessive-compulsive symptomatology

Abstract: Forty-seven individuals (28 male and 19 female) referred for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in childhood were followed-up 15 years later (range 6-22 years) in respect of psychiatric and personality disorders. In early adulthood, the patients could be sub-divided into 4 groups of about equal size. One group had no later OCD, another had OCD on a sub-clinical level, a third group had an episodic course of OCD, and a final group had a chronic and often very disabling OCD. Outcome was similar in males and females, except that more girls had an episodic course. Eating disorder was diagnosed in 4 (21%) of the females, and Asperger syndrome in 2 (7%) of the males, at follow-up.

Asperger Syndrome: A Label Worth Having?

Abstract: Summary Currently of increasing interest to other professionals, the Asperger syndrome label has yet to achieve widespread currency amongst EPs. Despite the often well‐founded arguments against the use of a medical and diagnostic model in our work, this article makes the case for the usefulness of the Asperger concept in helping to plan for the curricular and social needs of a small but often misunderstood group of children.

Susceptibility to social influence in adults with Asperger's syndrome: a research note.

Abstract: Asch's line judgement task was used to compare the susceptibility to social influence of adults with Asperger's syndrome with that of two groups of controls one of which was matched on verbal IQ. There was no overall difference between the three groups' mean rate of conformity but in contrast to both groups of controls, the subjects with Asperger's syndrome were significantly more likely to adopt a consistently conforming or nonconforming strategy. There were also significant differences between the groups in their interaction with the other participants. The implications of the findings are discussed in the context of current theories of autistic social dysfunction.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents. A review of the literature.

Abstract: The literature on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents is reviewed. On the basis of the epidemiological data it is concluded that OCD is far more common among children and adolescents than was previously believed. However, good epidemiological studies in other parts of the world than the US are still needed. Follow-up studies of the course of OCD with a childhood onset are still very few in number. Recent studies show that OCD is a disabling disorder for many of the patients, also in adult life, but that a considerable proportion of the patients seems to "recover" from their obsessions and compulsions in adulthood. There are indications that treatment response in childhood, parental psychopathology, and severity of the OCD migh predict the outcome. The biological aspects of OCD are reviewed. The serotonin transmitter system seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of adult as well as childhood OCD. Additionally, most studies demonstrate a high degree of neuropsychological and neurological deficits in children with OCD. Comorbidity in childhood, and the concept of OCD spectrum disorders are presented. Childhood OCD seems to be associated with depression, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and empathy disorder, whereas there seems to be no convincing relation between OCD and schizophrenia.

Pervasive Developmental Disorders: PDD-NOS, Asperger's Disorder and Autism. Parent Information Booklet.

Abstract: DOCUMENT RESUME

Asperger syndrome. A new diagnosis in the international classification of diseases

Abstract: Asperger's syndrome (AS) is a new diagnosis in the 10th edition of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). AS is closely related to infantile autism and belongs to the so-called pervasive developmental disorders. The characteristics of the disorder are qualitative abnormalities in reciprocal social interaction, restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests and often motor clumsiness and problems with nonverbal and social aspects of communication. The sex ratio is about eight boys to one girl and the prevalence among schoolage boys is about 0.3%. The abnormalities normally persist into adulthood. Early diagnosis and a combination of social, educational and psychiatric interventions are necessary to relieve the stress on the person with AS and his family. Differential diagnoses and assessment are discussed.