Asperger’s disorder: A review of its diagnosis and treatment

Khouzam, Hani Raoul; El-Gabalawi, Fayez; Pirwani, Nabeel Z.; Priest, Fiona

doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2004.02.004

Cited by 59 publications

(44 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…The age of diagnosis is usually several years older for AS than for autism (Gillberg 1989), reflecting the fact that the symptoms are less severe, especially at home where the individual has their comfortable routines. Qualitatively, in comparison to autism, there is an increased likelihood of seeking social interaction in those with AS (Khouzam et al 2004).…”

Section: Autismmentioning

confidence: 98%

Functional Neuroanatomy and the Rationale for Using EEG Biofeedback for Clients with Asperger’s Syndrome

Thompson

Reid

2009

Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback

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This paper reviews the symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome (AS), a disorder along the autism continuum, and highlights research findings with an emphasis on brain differences. Existing theories concerning AS are described, including theory of mind (Hill and Frith in Phil Trans Royal Soc Lond, Bull 358:281-289, 2003), mirror neuron system (Ramachandran and Oberman in Sci Am 295(5):62-69, 2006), and Porges' (Ann N Y Acad Sci 1008:31-47, 2003, The neurobiology of autism, Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 2004) polyvagal theory. (A second paper, Outcomes using EEG Biofeedback Training in Clients with Asperger's Syndrome, summarizes clinical outcomes obtained with more than 150 clients.) Patterns seen with QEEG assessment are then presented. Single channel assessment at the vertex (CZ) reveals patterns similar to those found in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Using 19-channel data, significant differences (z-scores > 2) were found in the amplitude of both slow waves (excess theta and/or alpha) and fast waves (beta) at various locations. Differences from the norm were most often found in mirror neuron areas (frontal, temporal and temporal-parietal). There were also differences in coherence patterns, as compared to a normative database (Neuroguide). Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography Analysis (Pascual-Marqui et al. in Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol 24C:91-95, 2002) suggested the source of the abnormal activity was most often the anterior cingulate. Other areas involved included the amygdala, uncus, insula, hippocampal gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, fusiform gyrus, and the orbito-frontal and/or ventromedial areas of the prefrontal cortex. Correspondence between symptoms and the functions of the areas found to have abnormalities is evident and those observations are used to develop a rationale for using EEG biofeedback, called neurofeedback (NFB), intervention. NFB training is targeted to improve symptoms that include difficulty reading and mirroring emotions, poor attention to the outside world, poor self-regulation skills, and anxiety. Porges' polyvagal theory is used to emphasize the need to integrate NFB with biofeedback (BFB), particularly heart rate variability training. We term this emerging understanding the Systems Theory of Neural Synergy. The name underscores the fact that NFB and BFB influence dynamic circuits and emphasizes that, no matter where we enter the nervous system with an intervention, it will seek its own new balance and equilibrium.

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Section: Autismmentioning

confidence: 98%

Functional Neuroanatomy and the Rationale for Using EEG Biofeedback for Clients with Asperger’s Syndrome

Thompson

Reid

2009

Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback

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“…Researchers and clinicians report that individuals with AS display major deficits in their social skills (Gutstein & Whitney, 2002;Khouzam et al, 2004;Perry, 2004). In particular, practitioners describe individuals with AS as being socially awkward and having difficulty with empathy (Khouzam et al, 2004).…”

Section: Interpersonal Communicationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…AS is a neurological disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction, stereotyped patterns of behavior, normal to high intelligence, and a lack of language deficits ( BaronCohen, 2002;Khouzam, El-Gabalawi, Pirwani, & Priest, 2004). While some experts believe AS is a unique disorder (Freeman et al, 2002;Frith, 1991), others argue that AS is a form of high functioning Autism (Howlin, 2003;Lozzi-Toscano, 2004;Mayes et al, 2001).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Inconsistency in diagnosing AS is problematic because early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment (Lozzi-Toscano, 2004;Portway & Johnson, 2002;Safran, Safran & Ellis, 2003). Children with AS are often misdiagnosed or misperceived as suffering from Conduct Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Mood Disorders, or Schizophrenia (Khouzam et al, 2004;Perry, 2004;Tsai, 2003). The misdiagnosis is especially problematic since clinical research suggests that individuals with AS have the ability to greatly improve their social functioning when they are properly diagnosed with AS and receive treatment that is based on an understanding of the symptoms associated with AS (Lozzi-Toscano, 2004;Portway & Johnson, 2002;Safran et al, 2003).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Marriage and Family Therapists’ Ability to Diagnose Asperger’s Syndrome: A Vignette Study

2007

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The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which AAMFT clinical members can accurately diagnose Asperger's Syndrome. 171 AAMFT clinical members were surveyed using a vignette methodology. Participants were asked to read the vignette and provide a diagnosis for the child in the vignette. Four out of five participants were unable to correctly diagnose the vignette child with Asperger's Syndrome. Analyses found that the ability to correctly diagnose Asperger's Syndrome did not vary based on the participants: gender, years of clinical experience, or specialized clinical population (e.g.

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“…The nature and role of anxiety in children with ASD is complex and requires further investigations. For instance, the increased social phobia associated with teenagers with ASD may reflect the heightened social challenges they face in comparison with typically developing teenagers (Tantam 2003) and the fact that it is harder for them to adapt to new routines and meet family expectations (Khouzam, El-Gabalawi and Priest 2004), rather than being inherent to the condition. Increased anxiety in children with ASD has also recently been associated with restricted interests (a typical behavioral symptom of ASD) (Spiker et al 2012), highlighting a potential pathway for research focusing on remediating these behavioral issues (i.e., restricted interests, repetitive behaviors).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Pet Dogs Improve Family Functioning and Reduce Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

et al. 2015

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There is increasing evidence to suggest that dogs are beneficial for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in therapy sessions, and anecdotal reports suggest that dogs may have wider benefits, in a family setting. This study investigated the effect of dog ownership on family functioning and child anxiety. Using a validated scale of family strengths and weaknesses (Brief Version of the Family Assessment Measure-III [General Scale]), we compared parents of children with ASD who had recently acquired a pet dog (n = 42, Intervention group) with a similar group of parents not acquiring a dog (n = 28, Control group) at matched time points. A sub-population (n =14 acquiring a dog, n = 26 controls) completed a parental-report measure of child anxiety (Spence Children's Anxiety Scale). The primary carer completed the scales via telephone at Baseline (up to 17 weeks before acquiring a dog), Postintervention (3-10 weeks after acquisition), and Follow-up (25-40 weeks after acquisition). Over time, scores for family functioning showed significant improvements (reduced family weaknesses, increased strengths) in the dog-owning compared with the non-dog owning group. In comparison with the non-dog owning group, anxiety scores in the dog-owning group reduced by a greater percentage, most notably in the domains of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (26% greater decrease), Panic Attack and Agoraphobia (24%), Social Phobia (22%), and Separation Anxiety (22%). The results illustrate the potential of pet dogs to improve whole family functioning and child anxiety.

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Asperger’s disorder: A review of its diagnosis and treatment

Cited by 59 publications

References 27 publications

Functional Neuroanatomy and the Rationale for Using EEG Biofeedback for Clients with Asperger’s Syndrome

Functional Neuroanatomy and the Rationale for Using EEG Biofeedback for Clients with Asperger’s Syndrome

Marriage and Family Therapists’ Ability to Diagnose Asperger’s Syndrome: A Vignette Study

Pet Dogs Improve Family Functioning and Reduce Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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