Monday, December 26, 2011

Aspergers and Relationships: An Adult Love Story


Young adults with Asperger's or high functioning autism have very few resources here in BC. Autism funding is cut at age 19, and there are very few psychologists or other practitioners with experience with adults. In my own practice I see many of these young people as they try to navigate the new and complex set of relationships in college or work that are not as structured or supported as their high school experience may have been. Many young adults with high functioning autism or Asperger's disorder get into social trouble at work, refusing to sign a get well card, or making repeated social mistakes when others are trying to include them. Often the highly intelligent and skilled engineers or other professionals just can't navigate the twists and turns of "small talk." And relationships, which people with autism seek (in spite of what many think) are way beyond their reach without help. I use several books designed especially for young adults, as well as materials based upon the work of Michelle Garcia Winner, a leader in the filed of therapy with children and adolescents with Asperger's or high functioning autism. I also try to find good audio-visual resources, and the New York Times has just printed an excellent article on high functioning autism / Aspergers which contains a wonderful story about a couple and has some excellent and insightful video in it. I recommend it to teens, young adults with autism or Aspegers, and the parents, families, husbands and wires of those with high functioning autism or Aspergers.  Here is the information and link:

Navigating Love and Autism
By AMY HARMON
Published: December 26, 2011
For Jack Robison and Kirsten Lindsmith, both of whom fall on the autism spectrum, being in a relationship together has created a unique set of comforts and challenges.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/26/us/navigating-love-and-autism.html

Dr. Jim Roche
Offices in Vancouver and Burnaby
http://www.socialcognitivetherapy.com

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Key words
ADHD | ADHD coaching | workplace coaching | Anxiety and Stress | Autism and Asperger's Disorder | Individual Counselling | Child Therapy | Testing and Assessments and Learning Disabilities | Couples Counselling | Depression | The Angry Child | Anger Management | Pain Management and PTSD | Forensic Services | Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder | Vancouver | Burnaby | Coquitlam | New Westminster | Maple Ridge | Port Moody | Child Psychologist | Psychologist | Learning Disability | Assessment | Testing | Psycho-educational Assessment | Neuropsychological Assessment | Psychoeducational Testing

http://www.relatedminds.com
http://Therapists.PsychologyToday.com/rms/70682
http://www.therapistlocator.net/member?183420
http://www.bcpsychologist.org/users/jimroche
http://www.actcommunity.net/jim-roche.html
http://www.counsellingbc.com/listings/JRoche.htm

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