The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Inherent challenges exist with Asperger’s Syndrome; however, there is a “perfect storm” of factors that can negatively impact outcomes for this population. The deficit model can contribute to underestimating strengths for this population. “Impersonating” symptoms lead to misdiagnosis with tragically toxic outcomes. “Invisibility” of the disability, gender bias and multi-generational factors contribute to family systems issues. This session will explore all of the vulnerabilities to assist professional social workers and others in reconsidering AS in their existing clients. In this presentation (benefiting any participant, but targeted toward intermediate awareness training for social workers) participants will understand the “perfect storm” of complexities which lead to dysfunction in living a life with Asperger’s Syndrome and similar social/cognitive disabilities. The session establishes that many individuals with ASDs can and could live more productive, effective and satisfying lives but these complexities negatively impact their achievement, likely more so than the diagnosis itself. Diagnostic barriers including the ‘invisibility’ of these kinds of autism, gender bias and the deficit model can have tragic outcomes. Multigenerational issues, family systems problems with order and structure also negatively impact these outcomes. Dependency on traditional therapeutic models including medication dependency and traditional “talk” therapy are ineffective as well. What can be done differently? We will explore those solutions.

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