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Belcher HL, Morein-Zamir S, Stagg SD, Ford RM. Shining a Light on a Hidden Population: Social Functioning and Mental Health in Women Reporting Autistic Traits But Lacking Diagnosis. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:3118-3132. [PMID: 35593995 PMCID: PMC10313531 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05583-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Female Phenotype Theory (FPT) suggests that autistic women often present with less obvious social impairments than autistic men. We examined the possibility of an exaggerated female phenotype among undiagnosed but probably autistic women. In two nationwide online surveys, we compared self-reported social functioning and mental health between diagnosed autistic women and women without diagnosis who scored ≥ 32 on the Autism Quotient. Compared to diagnosed autistic women, probably autistic women had higher empathy and general social functioning, and were more likely to have received a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder. Autistic women had typically received more mental health diagnoses prior to their ASC diagnosis than autistic men. These findings shed light on the history of misdiagnosis experienced by many autistic women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Belcher
- IOPPN, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AB, UK.
| | - Sharon Morein-Zamir
- School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Steven D Stagg
- School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Ruth M Ford
- School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
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2
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Transition from child and adolescent mental health care to adult services for young people with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Europe: Barriers and recommendations. Encephale 2022; 48:555-559. [DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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3
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Martin De Lassalle C, Lerens E, Mousset E, Kurzeja N, Poncin F, Charlier D, Wintgens A. Syndrome d’Asperger avec Haut Potentiel Intellectuel : le camouflage à l’origine des diagnostics tardifs ? EVOLUTION PSYCHIATRIQUE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evopsy.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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4
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Liu CT, Chen LM. Comprehending conjunctive entailment of disjunction among individuals with Asperger syndrome. CLINICAL LINGUISTICS & PHONETICS 2019; 33:869-883. [PMID: 30889988 DOI: 10.1080/02699206.2019.1590732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Although individuals with Asperger syndrome (AS) are often described to be semantic-pragmatic disordered, it is still unclear to what extent their semantic comprehension is impaired. The primary goal of this study is to understand the sentence comprehension of adults with AS by investigating their reading processes of sentences involving the conjunctive entailment of disjunction. More specifically, their on-line processes of reading globally ambiguous sentences containing huo 'or' in Mandarin Chinese, which can be understood as either a conjunction or a disjunction in simple negative statements, were recorded. The results indicated that both AS and typically developing groups tended to interpret the ambiguous huo as a conjunction. Additionally, both groups consistently spent significantly more time judging the appropriateness of disjunction-biased sentences. It is argued that, for adults with AS, at least some aspects of semantic knowledge are intact. Future studies are suggested to focus on different sentence types to further explore to what extent that semantics is impaired among individuals with AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Ting Liu
- College of Liberal Arts, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Mei Chen
- Department of Foreign Languages & Literature, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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5
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Affiliation(s)
- Suk-Ho Shin
- Dr. Shin’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic, Seoul, Korea
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6
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Baker P, Shweikh E. Autistic spectrum disorders, personality disorder and offending in a transgender patient: clinical considerations, diagnostic challenges and treatment responses. ADVANCES IN AUTISM 2016. [DOI: 10.1108/aia-10-2015-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
– The case of a woman with a history of offending and prolonged imprisonment is given. The purpose of this paper is to explore the complex interplay between diagnoses of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), personality disorder and gender dysphoria. A discussion on useful and less useful treatment approaches follows, given the unusual and complex clinical presentation.
Design/methodology/approach
– This is a case report with a summary of the background to this under-researched area.
Findings
– The way in which the diagnostic picture clarified over time is explained. The difficulties in accurately diagnosing are put forward and strategies to address this are suggested. Successful treatment of unusual clinical problems may require highly individualised care within generic services.
Originality/value
– The authors know of no similar case reports in the published literature. The clinical associations between ASDs, personality disorders and gender dysphoria, in forensic mental health populations, appears to be unexplored in the literature.
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7
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Palermo MT, Bogaerts S. The Dangers of Posthumous Diagnoses and the Unintended Consequences of Facile Associations: Jeffrey Dahmer and Autism Spectrum Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2015; 59:1564-1579. [PMID: 25209624 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x14550642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Posthumous diagnoses are not uncommonly given to notorious public and historical figures by applying retrospectively, and typically in the absence of the individual being diagnosed, contemporary diagnostic criteria. Although this may be relatively easy and free of consequences when it concerns clear-cut medical conditions, it may have unintended repercussions in the case of psychiatric disorders by creating myths and perpetuating stigma. The case of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer is a typical example where a somewhat facile and almost syllogistic application of perhaps over-inclusive criteria may have contributed to the legend of solitary murderers as possibly suffering from an autism spectrum condition. Although there may be an understandable human need to explain abominable and heinous behaviors, the lack of the possibility to verify a diagnostic theory and the ill-advised attempt to make a diagnosis fit may de facto be the basis of prejudice and profiling that do not correspond to clinical reality. Although there is no doubt that the brain is the organ of behavior, the authors caution against a budding neo-Lombrosian approach to crime and criminality and against the all too common use of widely differing terms in the study of deviance, such as crime, delinquency, and aggression, the operational use of which, often used interchangeably even in association studies, often erroneously leads to further confusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Palermo
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA The Law and Behavior Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Bogaerts
- Tilburg University, The Netherlands Forensic Psychiatric Centre de Kijvelanden, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Lai MC, Baron-Cohen S. Identifying the lost generation of adults with autism spectrum conditions. Lancet Psychiatry 2015; 2:1013-27. [PMID: 26544750 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(15)00277-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 06/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum conditions comprise a set of early-onset neurodevelopmental syndromes with a prevalence of 1% across all ages. First diagnosis in adulthood has finally become recognised as an important clinical issue due to the increasing awareness of autism, broadening of diagnostic criteria, and the introduction of the spectrum concept. Thus, the idea of a lost generation of people who were previously excluded from a diagnosis of classic autism has arisen. Making a first diagnosis of autism spectrum conditions in adults can be challenging for practical reasons (eg, no person to provide a developmental history), developmental reasons (eg, the acquisition of learnt or camouflaging strategies), and clinical reasons (eg, high frequency of co-occurring disorders). The diagnostic process includes referral, screening, interviews with informants and patients, and functional assessments. In delineating differential diagnoses, true comorbidities, and overlapping behaviour with other psychiatric diagnoses, particular attention should be paid to anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychosis, personality disorders, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Possible misdiagnosis, especially in women, should be explored. The creation of supportive, accepting, and autism-friendly social and physical environments is important and requires a coordinated effort across agencies and needs support from government policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chuan Lai
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Cambridge Lifespan Asperger Syndrome Service (CLASS) Clinic, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Cambridge Lifespan Asperger Syndrome Service (CLASS) Clinic, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
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An Investigation of the “Jumping to Conclusions” Data-Gathering Bias and Paranoid Thoughts in Asperger Syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord 2013; 44:111-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-013-1855-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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10
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Abstract
The clinical distinction between autism spectrum disorders (ASD), also called pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and schizophrenia is often difficult to make. Here we describe a case of an adult patient presenting with a diagnosis of schizophrenia based on a history of functional deterioration and presumed persecutory delusions. A psychiatric and psychological assessment conducted from a developmental perspective, in association with direct observation and neuropsychological evaluation for intellectual disabilities and autism, led to a diagnosis of PDD not otherwise specified, with revision of the initial diagnosis of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Crivelli
- a Department of Neuroscience , University of Turin , Turin , Italy
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The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R): a scale to assist the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in adults: an international validation study. J Autism Dev Disord 2011; 41:1076-89. [PMID: 21086033 PMCID: PMC3134766 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-010-1133-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R) is a valid and reliable instrument to assist the diagnosis of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The 80-question scale was administered to 779 subjects (201 ASD and 578 comparisons). All ASD subjects met inclusion criteria: DSM-IV-TR, ADI/ADOS diagnoses and standardized IQ testing. Mean scores for each of the questions and total mean ASD vs. the comparison groups’ scores were significantly different (p < .0001). Concurrent validity with Constantino Social Responsiveness Scale-Adult = 95.59%. Sensitivity = 97%, specificity = 100%, test–retest reliability r = .987. Cronbach alpha coefficients for the subscales and 4 derived factors were good. We conclude that the RAADS-R is a useful adjunct diagnostic tool for adults with ASD.
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Kuenssberg R, McKenzie K. Confirmatory factor analysis of the Adult Asperger Assessment: the association of symptom domains within a clinical population. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2011; 32:2321-2329. [PMID: 21831593 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2011.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a behaviourally defined disorder characterised by impairments in three domains of social interaction, communication, and repetitive, stereotyped behaviours and activities. Proposed changes to diagnostic criteria suggest that the diagnostic triad may no longer fit as the best way to conceptualise ASD, and that social and communication impairments should be considered as a single domain. The aim of this study was to examine the structure of symptom domains within the Adult Asperger Assessment (AAA; Baron-Cohen, Wheelwright, Robinson, & Woodbury-Smith, 2005), a diagnostic tool for high functioning adults. As theoretical models already exist, confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine data from a clinical population of adults (n = 153) diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and High Functioning Autism (HFA). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to fit different models based on the structure proposed by the authors of the AAA, the traditional triad and the newly proposed diagnostic dyad. Analysis suggested that none of the tested models were a good fit on the AAA dataset. However, it did highlight very high correlations between social and communication factors (r > 0.9) within unmodified models. The results of the analysis provide tentative support for the move towards considering ASD as a dyad of 'social-communication' impairments and repetitive/restricted interests behaviours and activities, rather than the traditional triad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renate Kuenssberg
- Learning Disability Psychology Service, Lynebank Hospital, Halbeath Road, Dunfermline KY11 4UW, United Kingdom
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13
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Abstract
Our objective was to describe the prevalence, comorbidity, and neuropsychological profiles of children with hoarding and learning disabilities. From 61 children with learning disabilities, 16.4% exhibited hoarding as a major clinical issue. Although children with learning disabilities and hoarding displayed greater rates of obsessive-compulsive disorder (30%) as compared to those with learning disabilities without hoarding (5.9%), the majority of patients belonging to the former group did not display obsessive-compulsive disorder diagnosis. When learning disability patients with hoarding were compared to age-, sex-, and IQ-matched learning disability subjects without hoarding, hoarders exhibited a slower learning curve on word list-learning task. In conclusion, salient hoarding behaviors were found to be relatively common in a sample of children with learning disabilities and not necessarily associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, supporting its nosological independence. It is unclear whether underlying cognitive features may play a major role in the development of hoarding behaviors in children with learning disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée Testa
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Australia. .
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14
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Stoesz BM, Montgomery JM, Smart SL, Hellsten LAM. Review of Five Instruments for the Assessment of Asperger's Disorder in Adults. Clin Neuropsychol 2011; 25:376-401. [DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2011.559482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda M. Stoesz
- a Department of Psychology , University of Manitoba , Manitoba , Canada
| | | | - Sherri L. Smart
- a Department of Psychology , University of Manitoba , Manitoba , Canada
| | - Laurie-Ann M. Hellsten
- b Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatchewan , Canada
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Keegan A. Book reviews: Destructive Leaders and Dysfunctional Organizations—A Therapeutic Approach Alan Goldman. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2009. 238pp. £24.99 (pbk), £60.00 (hbk). ISBN 9780521717342. MANAGEMENT LEARNING 2011. [DOI: 10.1177/13505076110420010705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Most children who have Asperger's Syndrome (AS) are not identified until early school age, when social difficulties with other children become evident. Consequently, primary school teachers have an important role to play both in the recognition and management of the condition. OBJECTIVES Our study sought to examine the perception of primary school teachers regarding the recognition and management of AS. METHODS A structured questionnaire on the recognition and management of AS was circulated to all 90 primary school principals in the Fingal County of Dublin for them to copy and distribute to teachers in their schools for completion. Self-addressed envelopes were provided to each principal for the return of completed questionnaires. RESULTS Three hundred and forty-three completed questionnaires were returned by 54 out of the 90 school principals. Fifty-eight per cent of respondents reported that they had ever taught a child with the condition and 49% reported that recognition and management of emotional and behavioural disorders was covered in their undergraduate training. Some 78.4% said that they would recognise the symptoms of AS in a child, with those who had training on the recognition and management of emotional and behavioural disorders being more likely to report that they would recognise such symptoms while 71.1% said children with AS should be taught in mainstream classes. However, 77.3% did not think mainstream schools are presently adequately resourced to cater for children with AS. Some 96.2% said they would like to receive in-service training from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services on the detection and management of children with AS. CONCLUSION There is a need for formal in-service training for all primary school teachers in the recognition and management of children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The recognition and management of children with PDD should also be included in the curriculum of all undergraduate teacher training institutions in Ireland.
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17
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Adapted to explore: Reinforcement learning in Autistic Spectrum Conditions. Brain Cogn 2010; 72:317-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2009.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2009] [Revised: 10/10/2009] [Accepted: 10/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Autism spectrum disorders in infancy and toddlerhood: a review of the evidence on early signs, early identification tools, and early diagnosis. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2009; 30:447-59. [PMID: 19823139 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0b013e3181ba0f9f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To date, the biological basis of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) remains unknown. Thus, identification and diagnosis are reliant on behavioral presentation and developmental history. There have been significant advances in our knowledge of the early signs of ASD through the use of retrospective videotape analysis, parental report, screening studies, and more recently, studies on high-risk infant siblings. Despite behavioral markers being identified within the first year of life, the current average age of diagnosis for ASD remains at approximately 3 years or older. Consequently, these children are not receiving intervention in their early years, which is increasingly recognized as an important time to begin intervention. There remains little research on the prospective identification of these children in a community-based sample before 18 months. It is recommended that future prospective studies monitor behavior repeatedly over time, thereby increasing the opportunity to identify early manifestations of ASD and facilitating the charting of subtle behavioral changes that occur in the development of infants and toddlers with ASD.
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Abstract
Autism is a diagnosis characterized by social and communication impairments. Onset of autism occurs before the age of 3. However, there can be delays in identification, diagnosis, and treatment. A number of symptoms of autism overlap with other childhood mental health disorders, often accounting for a delay in correct diagnosis. The following case highlights how a high-functioning female child with autism was misdiagnosed as having depression at a relatively late age. Clinicians with high-functioning child clients, who appear to have a flat affect and social isolation, are advised to be aware of the possibility of autism in such presentations. Issues around differentiating the diagnosis between depression and autism in children will be discussed, along with assessment and treatment of this particular case.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tanya L. Hanstock
- The Bipolar Program, Hunter New England Area Health
Service, Newcastle, Australia, and School of Psychology, University of New
England, Armidale, Australia,
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20
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Da Fonseca D, Viellard M, Fakra E, Bastard-Rosset D, Deruelle C, Poinso F. [Schizophrenia or Asperger syndrome?]. Presse Med 2008; 37:1268-73. [PMID: 18417316 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2008.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2007] [Revised: 12/21/2007] [Accepted: 01/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with Asperger syndrome are often diagnosed late or are wrongly considered to have schizophrenia. Misdiagnosing Asperger syndrome creates serious problems by preventing effective therapy. Several clinical signs described in Asperger syndrome could also be considered as clinical signs of schizophrenia, including impaired social interactions, disabilities in communication, restricted interests, and delusions of persecution. A number of clinical features may facilitate the differential diagnosis: younger age at onset, family history of pervasive developmental disorder, recurring conversations on the same topic, pragmatic aspects of language use, oddities of intonation and pitch, lack of imagination, and incomprehension of social rules are more characteristic of Asperger syndrome. Accurate distinction between Asperger syndrome and schizophrenia would make it possible to offer more treatment appropriate to the patient's functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Da Fonseca
- Centre Ressources Autisme PACA, Service de pédopsychiatrie, Hôpital Sainte-Marguerite, F-13009 Marseille, France.
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Ritvo RA, Ritvo ER, Guthrie D, Yuwiler A, Ritvo MJ, Weisbender L. A Scale to Assist the Diagnosis of Autism and Asperger’s Disorder in Adults (RAADS): A Pilot Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2007; 38:213-23. [PMID: 17610152 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-007-0380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2006] [Accepted: 03/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
An empirically based 78 question self-rating scale based on DSM-IV-TR and ICD-10 criteria was developed to assist clinicians' diagnosis of adults with autism and Asperger's Disorder-the Ritvo Autism and Asperger's Diagnostic Scale (RAADS). It was standardized on 17 autistic and 20 Asperger's Disorder and 57 comparison subjects. Both autistic and Asperger's groups scored significantly higher than comparison groups with no overlap; sensitivity, specificity, and content validity equaled one. Cronbach's alpha coefficients of internal consistency of three subscales were satisfactory. Gender, age, and diagnostic categories were not significantly associated factors. The RAADS can be administered and scored in less than an hour and may be useful as a clinical scale to assist identification of autism and Asperger's Disorder in adults. The RAADS does not distinguish between autism and Asperger's Disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riva Ariella Ritvo
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Salmon G, Cleave H, Samuel C. Development of multi-agency referral pathways for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, developmental coordination disorder and autistic spectrum disorders: reflections on the process and suggestions for new ways of working. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2006; 11:63-81. [PMID: 17087487 DOI: 10.1177/1359104506056321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This article summarizes the rationale for multi-agency working when assessing children and young people with suspected neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, developmental coordination disorder and autistic spectrum disorders. Details of referral pathways that have been drawn up for each separate disorder are given and the process through which multi-agency agreement was reached is described. Key features thought to be common to all three pathways are discussed and factors thought to have contributed to successful multi-agency working highlighted. The work is described in the context of existing national policy documents in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gill Salmon
- Trehafod Child and Family Clinic, Swansea, UK.
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25
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Abstract
PURPOSE To review Asperger syndrome characteristics, assessment tools, interventions, outcomes, and the role of the nurse practitioner in diagnosing and caring for children with Asperger syndrome. DATA SOURCES Review of published literature on and diagnostic criteria of the condition. CONCLUSIONS Asperger syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder or an autism spectrum disorder that is thought to have an incidence higher than that of autism. Asperger syndrome is different from autism, with a lack of delayed language as the most distinct difference between Asperger syndrome and autism. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Because of the importance of early diagnosis of Asperger syndrome for outcome improvement, screening at all well-child visits from infancy on is of utmost importance to primary care pediatric nurse practitioners. With early diagnosis, timely intervention is possible, which is proven to show improvement in outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Schnur
- Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Abstract
Publishing my paper on Asperger's syndrome in 1981, and suggesting that it is part of the autistic spectrum, has had various consequences. These include the growth of interest in the syndrome among the general public as well as professionals. Controversy over definitions of subgroups and prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders has increased. Adult psychiatrists are becoming aware that high functioning autistic disorders can underlie psychiatric conditions. Naming the condition has helped many with the syndrome to greater understanding of their skills and disabilities. It has highlighted the special contribution people with Asperger syndrome have made to the world. There has been a growth of specialist services but many more are needed. Describing and naming the syndrome has had mainly positive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna Wing
- National Autistic Society Centre for Social and Communication Disorders, Elliot House, 113 Masons Hill, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9HT, UK.
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