Coping with problems in social interaction in Asperger's Syndrome : an investigation of persons with higher education
Year: 2006
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This study investigated the social interaction problems of six persons with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) and higher education, and coping with the problems.There are very few previous studies on the subject.The significance of the participants' strengths and of the diagnosis in coping with the problems was also examined.The data was collected by WAIS-III battery, self-report forms (RSE, CISS, WCQ) and thematic interview.According to WAIS battery, almost all participants were well above average in terms of their cognitive performance, with the verbal component being higher than the performance component in most cases.The participants had faced many problems in social interaction.Of these, communicational problems, problems in social situations and social relationships were central.The participants had found several strategies for coping with the problems.On the basis of the self-report forms, task-oriented/focused strategies were the most important strategy group.By and large, there were no differences in the relative use of strategies between the participants and comparison group.In addition to active, task-oriented/focused strategies, the interview data revealed strategies involving others, avoidance-and control-focused strategies as central strategy groups.Resources of thinking and general linguistic talents were important strengths.The effects of the diagnosis have been mainly positive, although some difficulties have also been encountered by the participants.Four of the six participants being female, this study sheds light on the situation of AS females, who are a minority in the AS population.Small sample size and the narrowness of the sample can be regarded as weaknesses.Further studies should include wider samples with participants functioning in different levels.The results can be applied to AS rehabilitation, especially to the assessment of coping strategies, adjustment training and AS peer groups.
Authors: Antti Korhonen, Mari Raappana
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2211008107