The ASA's 38th National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders (July 11-14, 2007) of ASA

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, AZ

http://www.autism-society.org/
For a complete author index with session numbers, please click here
Saturday, July 14, 2007: 10:00 AM-11:15 AM
Rainmakers Ballroom B
#2705- Asperger Syndrome: The Results of a National Study on Characteristics*
This session will provide information on the results of a nationwide study of 150 adolescents with AS, the largest study of its kind, to date. Specifically, information on the following characteristics of AS will be presented: intelligence quotient (IQ), sensory profile, academic performance, adaptive behavior, behavior/emotional issues, problem solving, and temperament.

Presenters:Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D., Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence Disabilities, Chief of Programs and Development - Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D. is Chief of Programs and Development for the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence Disabilities. The recipient of the 2004 Autism Society of America’s Outstanding Professional Award and the 2006 Princeton Fellowship Award, she has written numerous publications on autism and Asperger Syndrome including Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Solutions for School Success (with Adreon), the winner of the Autism Society of America’s Outstanding Literary Work. Myles is on the executive boards of several organizations and was just acknowledged as the second most productive researcher in ASD in the world from 1997 to 2004.

Hyo Jung Lee, M.A., University of Kansas, Doctoral student, Project coordinator - Hyo Jung Lee, M. A. is a doctoral student at University of Kansas. She has been working as a project coordinator of a national-wide study on Asperger syndrome. In addition, she has presneted at national and international conferences on autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Currently, she is working at Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence and doing research on several issues related to ASD including diagnosis.

Bryan Smith, M.S, University of Kansas, Student - TBD

Terri Cooper Swanson, MS, Ed., MT-BC, University of Kansas, Doctoral Student - Terri Cooper Swanson, M.S. Ed., MT-BC is a doctoral student at the University of Kansas in the Special Education Autism/Asperger Syndrome program. Previously, Terri worked with adolescents and adults with disabilities as a music therapist, supervisor of a therapeutic recreation program, and as a consultant on autism spectrum disorders. She has authored several research articles and book chapters, and has consulted and presented internationally on autism spectrum disorders.

 
Although Asperger Syndrome (AS) is widely used as a diagnostic term since AS was included as a category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Diseases-Fourth Edition (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994), few studies have been conducted to identify the characteristics of AS. The lack of information on AS has produced controversy in terms of the diagnostic definitions and related considerations such as adaptive behavior, communication skills, sensory profile, and comobidity issues. As a result, many professionals and parents have had difficulties in identifying and understanding the child's needs in order to provide appropriate interventions and supports. In this regard, this session will provide information and possible implications for individuals with Asperger syndrome (AS) based on the results of a nationwide study of 150 adolescents (ages 12-18) with AS. This research-based information includes general characteristics of AS in intelligence, adaptive behavior, social/emotional, and sensory areas. The results of a family demographic profile will also be presented. In addition, incidents of bullying as reported by the adolescents, themselves will be presented. Finally, appropriate interventions for individuals with AS will be presented.

See more of General Submissions

See more of The ASA's 38th National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders (July 11-14, 2007)