I've been asked by a number of people if there is time during the summer for any further adult assessments for autism spectrum disorder or Asperger's Disorder: yes. I have several days set aside for patients who are seeking an assessment for adult Aspergers or adult autism, as I know there are not many clinicians prepared to complete this work.
What does testing for adult Aspeger's or adult autism spectrum disorder consist of? Primarily we look at symptoms and behaviours you had as a young child. This is done with a structured clinical interview, the ADI-R. In addition to that we engage in a structured interview process called the ADOS which requires you to participate in a number of activities and answer some questions about your current life and thoughts. Usually individuals take a structured personality assessment to rule out possible disorders that may look just like adult autism or Aspegers, and when appropriate we use some neuropsychological tests to help flesh out the diagnosis. It is just about necessary to have someone who knows you well, especially your behavioural and social history, to complete some forms about these issues.
We usually start with an initial one hour session and discuss your current signs, symptoms and problems so that we can make a good choice about the appropriateness of proceeding with an assessment.
For more information on testing for Aspeger's Disorder or autism spectrum disorder in adults, teens/adolescents or children, please visit my website and then contact me directly.
My website can be found at www.relatedminds.com
Dr. Jim Roche
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Adult Autism and Asperger's Syndrome Reading
In my practice I provide services for children, teens and adults with autism spectrum disorder and Aspergers Syndrome. Often adults come by with marital problems or oner relationship issues and we work on social learning skills and CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) that is helpful to them in their relationships. Often, however, I am asked for book recommendations. I don't think there are currently any "GREAT" books out there to recommend because most adults have very specific issues and problems and often want direct, specific and to the point advice. Most books, on the other hand, are more targeted to a general reading audience. This only makes sense as its hard to write and sell a book about a small and particular topic. Because of this face to face therapy is often the best way for adults to approach issues.
now most issues adults with Aspergers or high functioning autism do have are not that different than the general population so it's more than appropriate to look at workbooks and self help books that anyone their age would look at - and get some advice and "translation" of the materials from someone who knows about Aspergers Syndrome in adults.
In spite of all this, I'll make a few recommendations of books you might want to own, have around for reference, or maybe just borrow from the public library to skim through:
Aspeger's From the Inside Out: A Supportive and Practical Guide for Anyone with Asperger's Syndrome by Michael Carley and Peter Gerhardt
Emotional Mastery for Adults with Aspegers: practical techniques to work with anger, anxiety and depression by Leslie Burby and Mark Blakey
(For clinicians) Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Adults Asperger Syndrom by Valerie Gauss, MD
Aspeger's on the Job: Must-have Advice for People with Asperger's or High Functioning Autism and their Employers by Simone and Temple Grandin
Parenting a Teen or Young Adult with Aspeger Syndrom (Autism Spectrum Disorder0 by Brenda Boyd
Asperger Syndrom and Long Term Relationship by Ashley Stanford
These are some of the books patients have spoken positively about and that I have reviewed. Again, I think the best idea is to see a professional who is familiar with Asperger's Syndrome and high functioning autism across the age span and develop and individualized intervention plan. It's always important to start with psychoeducation - learning more about what is going on - and the best place to start from my point of view is with works and writings by Michelle Winner at www.socialthinking.com While most of her materials are aimed at teens, the insights are valuable to everyone of all ages. When you find someone to work with, you should also make sure that that professional is VERY familiar with her work and has used and applied it in a number of settings.
I hope these suggestions are helpful. for more information about my practice in the field of autism spectrum disorder and adult Aspeger's Syndrome please visit my web page at www.relatedminds.com or call me for an appointment. I provide individual counselling for children, teens and adults with Aspeger's Syndrome and ASD, couples/marriage counselling or therapy and do home and workplace observations and work with schools and workplaces. I also provide assessments and testing for adults with autism/Asperger's and work on numerous legal cases relating to workplace issues and adults with Aspegers.
now most issues adults with Aspergers or high functioning autism do have are not that different than the general population so it's more than appropriate to look at workbooks and self help books that anyone their age would look at - and get some advice and "translation" of the materials from someone who knows about Aspergers Syndrome in adults.
In spite of all this, I'll make a few recommendations of books you might want to own, have around for reference, or maybe just borrow from the public library to skim through:
Aspeger's From the Inside Out: A Supportive and Practical Guide for Anyone with Asperger's Syndrome by Michael Carley and Peter Gerhardt
Emotional Mastery for Adults with Aspegers: practical techniques to work with anger, anxiety and depression by Leslie Burby and Mark Blakey
(For clinicians) Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Adults Asperger Syndrom by Valerie Gauss, MD
Aspeger's on the Job: Must-have Advice for People with Asperger's or High Functioning Autism and their Employers by Simone and Temple Grandin
Parenting a Teen or Young Adult with Aspeger Syndrom (Autism Spectrum Disorder0 by Brenda Boyd
Asperger Syndrom and Long Term Relationship by Ashley Stanford
These are some of the books patients have spoken positively about and that I have reviewed. Again, I think the best idea is to see a professional who is familiar with Asperger's Syndrome and high functioning autism across the age span and develop and individualized intervention plan. It's always important to start with psychoeducation - learning more about what is going on - and the best place to start from my point of view is with works and writings by Michelle Winner at www.socialthinking.com While most of her materials are aimed at teens, the insights are valuable to everyone of all ages. When you find someone to work with, you should also make sure that that professional is VERY familiar with her work and has used and applied it in a number of settings.
I hope these suggestions are helpful. for more information about my practice in the field of autism spectrum disorder and adult Aspeger's Syndrome please visit my web page at www.relatedminds.com or call me for an appointment. I provide individual counselling for children, teens and adults with Aspeger's Syndrome and ASD, couples/marriage counselling or therapy and do home and workplace observations and work with schools and workplaces. I also provide assessments and testing for adults with autism/Asperger's and work on numerous legal cases relating to workplace issues and adults with Aspegers.
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