The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

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. 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.

Learning Objectives: