The paper provides a non-systematic review of the current literature relating to the diagnosis and epidemiology of autism. It aims to describe the way in which autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is identified, defined and diagnosed; and how changes in the conceptualisation and understanding of autism have impacted on clinical practice and research findings. Despite its diverse presentation
The paper provides a non-systematic review of the current literature relating to the diagnosis and epidemiology of autism. It aims to describe the way in which autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is identified, defined and diagnosed; and how changes in the conceptualisation and understanding of autism have impacted on clinical practice and research findings. Despite its diverse presentation and complex aetiology, the autism spectrum is increasingly well understood amongst professionals and the general public. Specific issues where gaps in knowledge remain relate to the nature of Asperger syndrome and the profile of females with ASD. The prevalence of ASD appears to be in the region of 1%. The apparent increase over time in the incidence of autism is considered. Despite the clear perception that the incidence is on the increase, this remains impossible to confirm or refute. It is not clear how proposed changes to the diagnostic criteria for ASD will affect measures of prevalence, everyday clinical diagnostic practice, or the use of terminology to describe sub-groups of autism.
Disability and Society, 25(2), March 2010, pp.135-148.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Over the last 20 years there has been a huge expansion (up to 1000%) in the number of people receiving the diagnosis autism spectrum disorder or Aspergers syndrome in Europe and the USA. This paper questions the way in which the diagnosis of Aspergers syndrome has come to be widely accepted and used as an essentially medical category. It does so by drawing upon sociological and historical the diagnosis. The aims are to ask what this might mean for health and social care practice in this field and to encourage the growth of theories and approaches that are grounded more firmly in an awareness of the social environment, while also reflecting the varied experiences and standpoints of people who carry this label.
Over the last 20 years there has been a huge expansion (up to 1000%) in the number of people receiving the diagnosis autism spectrum disorder or Aspergers syndrome in Europe and the USA. This paper questions the way in which the diagnosis of Aspergers syndrome has come to be widely accepted and used as an essentially medical category. It does so by drawing upon sociological and historical analyses of society, psychiatry and psychology, as well as the writings of service users, other practitioners in the autistic spectrum disorder field and the author's own clinical experience. It argues that the seeming popularity of this label within Western society may have as much to do with widespread social and cultural change during recent decades as with the supposed deficits of those who attract the diagnosis. The aims are to ask what this might mean for health and social care practice in this field and to encourage the growth of theories and approaches that are grounded more firmly in an awareness of the social environment, while also reflecting the varied experiences and standpoints of people who carry this label.
Subject terms:
mental health care, sociology, Aspergers syndrome, diagnosis;
Disability and Society, 24(3), May 2009, pp.343-355.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
The medical approach to Aspergers syndrome (AS) classifies it as a mental disorder. This paper critically examines the concept of mental illness as specified by the Diagnostic and statistical manual (DSM) in the light of published assessments and accounts of AS provided by a variety of sources. Taken together, these accounts provide further support for reframing AS as a socially constructed human difference rather than a pathology. The demedicalisation of homosexuality is offered as one potential model for the nature of the reframing of AS.
The medical approach to Aspergers syndrome (AS) classifies it as a mental disorder. This paper critically examines the concept of mental illness as specified by the Diagnostic and statistical manual (DSM) in the light of published assessments and accounts of AS provided by a variety of sources. Taken together, these accounts provide further support for reframing AS as a socially constructed human difference rather than a pathology. The demedicalisation of homosexuality is offered as one potential model for the nature of the reframing of AS.
Asperger's or AS) is one of several autism spectrum disorders (ASD) characterized by difficulties in social interaction and by restricted, stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests and activities. AS is distinguished from the other ASDs in having no general delay in language or cognitive development. Although not mentioned in standard diagnostic criteria, physical clumsiness and atypical use of language are frequently reported
Asperger's or AS) is one of several autism spectrum disorders (ASD) characterized by difficulties in social interaction and by restricted, stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests and activities. AS is distinguished from the other ASDs in having no general delay in language or cognitive development. Although not mentioned in standard diagnostic criteria, physical clumsiness and atypical use of language are frequently reported
The author identifies some of the reasons why adults with Asperger's syndrome are diagnosed late or misdiagnosed and how they are often placed within learning disability teams in terms of service provision. Current awareness of Asperger's syndrome is considered as well as the difficulties of correct diagnosis and full assessment, especially from the point of view of clinicians working in adult learning disability services. The article also considers the differential diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome with other disorders and looks at co-occurring conditions.
The author identifies some of the reasons why adults with Asperger's syndrome are diagnosed late or misdiagnosed and how they are often placed within learning disability teams in terms of service provision. Current awareness of Asperger's syndrome is considered as well as the difficulties of correct diagnosis and full assessment, especially from the point of view of clinicians working in adult learning disability services. The article also considers the differential diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome with other disorders and looks at co-occurring conditions.
One of the increasing number of people diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome in adulthood, New Zealand-born Jen Birch relates her story with humour and honesty, taking us through the years of frustration and confusion that led to her diagnosis in 1998. Now that she can put her life experiences into context, she candidly describes her continual search for 'normality', including her experiences at work, her difficulties with relationships, her time spent in psychiatric hospital and her struggle for correct diagnosis in a country where the syndrome is relatively unknown. Talking positively about how her life has changed since the 'revelation', Jen aims to use this new-found knowledge to inform others about the syndrome and how, once its pros and cons are understood, life can be lived to the full.
One of the increasing number of people diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome in adulthood, New Zealand-born Jen Birch relates her story with humour and honesty, taking us through the years of frustration and confusion that led to her diagnosis in 1998. Now that she can put her life experiences into context, she candidly describes her continual search for 'normality', including her experiences at work, her difficulties with relationships, her time spent in psychiatric hospital and her struggle for correct diagnosis in a country where the syndrome is relatively unknown. Talking positively about how her life has changed since the 'revelation', Jen aims to use this new-found knowledge to inform others about the syndrome and how, once its pros and cons are understood, life can be lived to the full.
Subject terms:
life story work, adults, Aspergers syndrome, diagnosis;
As many as 1 in 100 people are affected by Asperger's Syndrome (AS), the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum. With humour, optimism and compelling honesty throughout, this insightful handbook provides invaluable practical advice, including: AS facts and figures, Asperger's questionnaires, advice and guidelines on diagnosis, Asperger's and employment, how to handle the difficult times,
As many as 1 in 100 people are affected by Asperger's Syndrome (AS), the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum. With humour, optimism and compelling honesty throughout, this insightful handbook provides invaluable practical advice, including: AS facts and figures, Asperger's questionnaires, advice and guidelines on diagnosis, Asperger's and employment, how to handle the difficult times, personal accounts from people with AS and their partners. By researching expert opinion and telling her own story, Barbara Jacobs reveals the truth about people with AS and those who love them.
Among various autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism (AS-HFA) are similar diagnoses. Representing a majority of ASD cases, these two diagnoses are used interchangeably, and Ozonoff (M.I.N.D. Inst.) and her co-authors rightfully make little distinction between them. In Part 1 of this book, the authors cover definitions, diagnosis, causes, and treatments
Among various autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism (AS-HFA) are similar diagnoses. Representing a majority of ASD cases, these two diagnoses are used interchangeably, and Ozonoff (M.I.N.D. Inst.) and her co-authors rightfully make little distinction between them. In Part 1 of this book, the authors cover definitions, diagnosis, causes, and treatments of AS-HFA, while Part 2 considers living with AS-HFA, channelling a child's strengths, and dealing with home, school, and the social world and life as an adult with AS-HFA. Throughout, readers will find excellent examples and solutions to basic problems; also included are numerous instances of older children who went beyond basic communication issues to social situations such as dating, school, living on their own, and employment. Most books on AS-HFA focus on early intervention and basic skills, but this book offers help for older children and adults as well, making it very valuable. Strongly recommended for public libraries and academic libraries with autism or education collections.
This is a book offering guidance on supporting an adult with high functioning autism or Asperger syndrome. It deals practically with the emotional and physical issues arising throughout an individual's life, such as marriage, developing hobbies and ageing.
This is a book offering guidance on supporting an adult with high functioning autism or Asperger syndrome. It deals practically with the emotional and physical issues arising throughout an individual's life, such as marriage, developing hobbies and ageing.