Going into my internship, I knew about Asperger's and Autism in a general basis. I was not aware of the differences and similarities between the two conditions, nor was I aware of much about the diagnose at all. After spending a few weeks in my internship, I began researching and discovering more about both conditions, which I found to be helpful in working one-on-one with my client.
Below, I put together some general questions and questions specifically related to my internship, to help inform and bring awareness to Asperger's and Autism. Through these questions and answers, I was able to gain knowledge on the topic, as well as give some from my own work experience.
General Questions on Autism and Asperger’s:
What is Autism?
Autism is a mental condition, that interferes with an individual socially, behaviorally, and verbally. It affects their speech and communication in some instances, as well as their behavior/actions in social settings. There is a wide variety and range of the disorder, so conditions differ in severity.
Autism effects 1 in every 68 births in the United States currently. This diagnoses is found higher in boys than it is in girls, at a rate of 1 in every 54 births. Boys are five times more likely to be affected by Autism that girls.
What is Asperger’s?
Asperger’s, is now on the spectrum with Autism, so it is defined in the same way except for severity. Asperger’s is considered high-functioning Autism; therefore, the individual’s tendencies may not be as obvious. People with Asperger’s tend to struggle socially and behaviorally, but not so much verbally.
What is the difference between Asperger’s and Autism?
According to Doctor Kenneth Roberson, there are three differences between Autism and Asperger’s. First, people with Asperger’s tend to have IQs that fall in the normal range, whereas Autistic people have lower IQs.
Second, he discusses how speech is a difference. As I said before, people with Asperger’s speech is not so much affected whereas Autistic peoples are. People with Autism don’t necessarily have the same speech and language abilities. People with Asperger’s have this ability, yet they may just not pick up on social cues and understand all forms of speech.
Lastly, the age of detection differs. Asperger’s is noticed when a child enters school whereas Autism in usually detected by two-years-old.
What are the similarities between Asperger’s and Autism?
Also, according to Doctor Kenneth Roberson, there are many similarities between the two conditions. Both tend to shut people out and isolate. Resistance to change is also a big factor within both conditions. The lack of feelings is seen throughout both conditions, they don’t necessarily connect with people easily. Autism and Asperger individuals tend to have fascinations with objects. And lastly, they lack sense of humor or ability to understand it.
Why did they change Asperger’s to Autism on the spectrum?
Asperger’s is now considered “high-functioning Autism” on the DSM spectrum because the two were viewed as so similar, it might as well be on the spectrum. There are many similarities and differences as listed before.
Sources:
http://www.kennethrobersonphd.com/difference-aspergers-syndrome-autism/
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/facts-about-autism
http://nationalautismassociation.org/resources/autism-fact-sheet/
Questions Related to my Internship:
In your eyes, do you think Asperger’s should be considered “high-functioning Autism”?
Personally, I feel the two are different. When I think of Autism, I consider a low-functioning person. I understand the spectrum has a high-functioning end, I just feel the support and care of the two are different. With my client, social skills are ultimately the main goal, where I feel someone with Autism has more goals to work on.
I think Autism has a huge range and by having Asperger’s, there was some flexibility and maybe not as much stigma around it for the person who has it. When I work with my client, I think Asperger’s so much more than Autism. I would be curious to talk to people with high-functioning Autism and see what they would prefer to identify as.
What are some Autistic characteristics you have noticed with your client?
When working with my client, I definitely picked up on their dos and don’ts pretty quickly. For instance, whenever we run errands, the client has multiple bags and I offer to help carry them, yet they don’t like other people touching their belongings. Recently the client actually did ask for my help which I thought was a big step for them.
Socially the client struggles. I feel that is the biggest goal. The client is very matter-of-fact and obsesses over things. They do not pick up on social cues and on what is necessarily appropriate at the time and place. I noticed that when talking about something, the client makes best eye-contact when it is something they know like the back of their hand, otherwise, eye-contact is minimal.
What is the best way to deal with an Autistic person when they are having an episode?
Luckily, I have not had to deal with too many harsh or bad episodes. I of course have been warned and prepared if I do. I did experience a minor episode where the client got very emotional and upset, and I just listened to what they had to say and gave some guidance and advice. I urged the client to discuss these matters with their case workers.
I think the best way to deal with the episode is to be calm, don’t touch them, let them kind of get their feelings out there, and when they are ready, ask them if they want advice. These are the steps I took and they worked in my situation.
Have you noticed progress with your client and their tendencies?
I definitely have noticed progress with my client and their tendencies! I think the client really enjoys having someone my age rather than an adult with children and such. I think it doesn’t feel as much as a session and more of “hanging out” in their mind.
I have really noticed a change in the client’s eye-contact and comfort level with me. A few weeks in the client gave me hugs at the end of the session which was a big step due to the sensory problems. Socially, we are still working at things, but I have seen big changes when we are out. The client definitely wants to make progress which I feel is important.
Has working with the client made you notice things around you in other people? Such as, Autism tendencies?
Working with someone who has high-functioning Autism, really allowed me to notice things around me. I have actually seen tendencies in some adults I know, that may have just gone un-diagnosed due to the time period they were born in. Again, I see the Asperger’s piece of this jump out a lot more than Autism, but I’ve for sure seen things I wouldn’t have before working with the client.
I feel it’s a lot more common than we think, and after talking with some adults, many people in older generations have gone un-diagnosed due to stigma and what was accepted and not. An older adult woman I know due to family, has always struggled socially, and through working with my client, I can now see this person may be on the spectrum. It does really open your eyes a lot.