Aspergers and Primary Comorbid Conditions

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
"When a child has Aspergers Syndrome, what additional disorders is he/she likely to have?"

The answer to this question is often contingent upon the age of the child. Children with Aspergers or High-Functioning Autism most often have obsessive-compulsive disorder as a primary comorbid condition, whereas Aspergers teens seem to suffer most with depression. We'll look at each of these in turn:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder--

Researchers have found that certain psychiatric disorders are more common in those who have Aspergers. One of these is obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD. In fact, some researchers feel that Aspergers is a subset of OCD. This is especially true when the Aspergers child grows to adulthood. They may have problems with intrusive, obsessive thoughts and might perform certain ritualistic behaviors to control these obsessive thoughts. In some cases, the disorder can be very debilitating.

Medications have been used in those with OCD and Aspergers with some success. The medications stop some of the intrusive thinking and reduce the numbers and severity of compulsive behaviors while the core features of Aspergers do not change much.

Depression--

Because those with Aspergers suffer from social deprivation and feelings of inadequacy, they seem to have a higher incidence of depression as well. The depression becomes a secondary complication of having Aspergers and comes as a result of unmet needs and lack of meaningful communication—things that most people have little difficulty in getting for themselves. Antidepressant medication may be helpful in this type of depression as can psychotherapy directed at the unique problems of the Aspie.


Highly Acclaimed Parenting Programs Offered by Online Parent Support, LLC:

Popular posts from this blog

List of Symptoms for High-Functioning Autism

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
Image
"Is there a list of symptoms or traits associated with high functioning autism in children? We currently have suspicions that our 6 y.o. son may be on the autism spectrum and are wondering if we should take the next step and have him assessed."    Below is a list of common traits among children and teens with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's. However, no child will exhibit all of these traits. Also, the degree (i.e., mild to severe) to which any particular trait is experienced will vary from child to child. Emotions and Sensitivities:    An emotional incident can determine the mood for the day. Becomes overwhelmed with too much verbal direction. Calmed by external stimulation (e.g., soothing sound, brushing, rotating object, constant pressure). Desires comfort items (e.g., blankets, teddy, rock, string). Difficulty with loud or sudden sounds. Emotions can pass very suddenly or are drawn out for a long period of time. Inappropriate touching of self in
Read more

The Telltale Signs of ASD Level 1 [High-Functioning Autism]: A Comprehensive Checklist

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
Image
Below you will find the majority of symptoms associated with High-Functioning Autism (HFA), also referred to as Asperger’s. The HFA child will not usually have all of these traits. We will look at the following categories: sensory sensitivities, cognitive issues, motor clumsiness, narrow range of interests, insistence on set routines, impairments in language, and difficulty with reciprocal social interactions. Sensory Sensitivity Checklist— 1. Difficulty in visual areas: Avoids eye contact Displays discomfort/anxiety when looking at certain pictures (e.g., the child feels as if the visual experience is closing in on him) Engages in intense staring Stands too close to objects or people 2. Difficulty in auditory areas: Covers ears when certain sounds are made Displays an inability to focus when surrounded by multiple sounds (e.g., shopping mall, airport, party) Displays extreme fear when unexpected noises occur Fearful of the sounds particular objects make
Read more

Traits of Partners/Spouses with Aspergers

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
Image
The partner with Aspergers (high functioning autism) can manifest a wide range of varying behaviors with varying intensities. However feedback from their partners in marriage suggests there are many common threads in their experience of marriage. Below is a list of some common characteristics of the marriage experience and of the partner with Aspergers, as described by members of our website: • A tendency to correct and instruct those around them. • After marriage the partner with Aspergers often seems to lose motivation to keep working on the quality of the relationship as though the wedding day has “completed” their pursuit, allowing them to pursue other interests. • An essential need to have things done in a prescribed manner or order. • Apparent evidence that the partner with Aspergers is not “reading” situations or people intuitively and is consequently behaving insensitively or inappropriately for the circumstances. • Interests and hobbies of some par
Read more