Symptoms:
Disorganization
Perfectionism (in certain areas of life)
Unrealistic expectations
Struggles with social skills and understanding social cues
Obsessive behavior
Selfishness
Difficulty understanding a joke or sarcasm
Prefers to spend a lot of time alone
Blunt affect (often a lack of facial expression)
Avoids eye contact
Rigid or “Black and White” thinking
The above listed items are some of the symptoms an individual with Asperger’s may experience. Counseling may benefit an individual struggling with Asperger’s to make significant changes in his or her life. Cultivation Counseling specializes in counseling services to individuals with Asperger’s and has seen individuals make significant improvements as children and adults. Below is some more information on Asperger’s.
Definition from www.autismspeaks.org: “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. With the May 2013 publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.”
Although the primary symptoms of Asperger’s cannot be cured, many with the diagnosis grow into happy and well-adjusted individuals. Treatment of Asperger’s focuses on Cognitive behavioral therapy, communication skills, and social skills training. These treatment methods focus on teaching the individual to: recognize troublesome situations, implement appropriate coping skills, recognize social cues, and interpret communication.