Asperger Syndrome in adulthood : outcomes and access to services
Year: 2007
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Long-term studies suggest poor outcomes for adults with Asperger syndrome (AS). First, studies are reviewed exploring outcomes and life-issues for adults with AS. Overall, adaptive functioning is lower than expected given the intellectual ability associated with AS. Consideration of focal issues, including those relating to mental health, employment, and contact with forensic services, suggest adults with AS are likely to experience significant difficulties in independent living. Implications are considered, including addressing current service provision in relation to this population. Statutory services may be failing adults with AS, increasing vulnerability and risk for these individuals. While receipt of a formal diagnosis may validate challenging life-experiences and facilitate access to support, provision is limited and professionals across services lack relevant knowledge and understanding. Future directions for research and clinical practice are discussed, including identifying awareness of AS among relevant professional service groups. Next, nurses’ perceptions, causal attributions, and responses toward adults with AS presenting in mainstream health settings are reported. Participants observed a clinical-vignette depicting an adult with AS, and completed a questionnaire. Effects were considered within the context of diagnostic information regarding AS, and nurse training. Findings suggested provision of diagnostic information increased the likelihood nurses would perceive observed behaviour to be associated with an autism spectrum disorder; no effects were found relating to causal attributions or responses. Participants receiving nurse training were likely to consider observed behaviour to reflect characteristics over which others had control. Observed behaviour was associated with anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder, regardless of nurse training.
Author: Symes, Matthew David
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7026926062