Aspergers Disorder

Asperger’s Disorder (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) Counseling and Therapy Services in Orlando, East Orlando, Lake Mary, Winter Park & Clermont Florida FL

What are the symptoms of Aspergers?
According to the DSM-IVTR, published by the American Psychiatric Association, Asperger’s is a qualitative impairment in social interaction as manifested by at least two of the following:
1. Marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction.
2. Failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
3. A lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g. by lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
4. Lack of social or emotional reciprocity

Restricted repetitive stereotyped patterns of behavior interests, activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:
1. Encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
2. Apparently inflexible adherence to specific, non functional routines or rituals
3. Stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole body movements)
4. Persistent preoccupation with of objects
C. the disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.
D. There is no clinically significant general delay in language (e.g.,  single words used by age 2 years, communicative phrases used by age 3 years).
E. There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or in the development of age-appropriate self-help skills, adaptive behavior (other than in social interaction), and curiosity about the environment in childhood.
F. Criteria are not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Schizophrenia

What can you expect from counseling?

• Adult: Adults with Asperger’s can find comfort in helping professionals who understand Asperger’s and provide assistance with social skills, individually or in a group setting. Other issues face those with Asperger’s; dating or marital issues, career issues, and even anxiety or depression. Additionally, parents or caregivers of Asperger’s children may encounter frustrations, isolation, and need support themselves. Our staff can help.
• Child: Children frequently receive Occupational and Speech, as well as other therapies which improve their condition, but they rarely receive the social/emotional support which they need as well. Asperger’s children may not express themselves and their emotions like neurotypical people do, but they do feel emotions and could use guidance in being able to appropriately express themselves. One of the greatest things Asperger’s face is a lack of friendships. While it is possible, it is more challenging when one is an adult to tackle the issue of social isolation. The best time to tackle social skills is before a child turns 18.

How long does counseling take?

If the primary need is social skills, we highly recommend Total Life Counseling’s social skills groups (insert link for flyer). These groups are designed for accelerated growth and change. Each child begins learning new social skills immediately. Positive and lasting change occurs most frequently in group therapy. Counseling for those with Asperger’s is generally a longer term counseling, individually.

Why therapy?

Our therapists understand the isolation and loneness parents of Aspergers children sometimes feel. Having someone listen, unconditionally, and provide proven suggestions and resources can be a huge relief. Also, for those who have Asperger’s, it’s nice to have at least one place where s/he can express himself, and receive constructive feedback in order to help him be able to achieve his goals in life.

What can one expect from counseling?
Whether Adult, Child, or Teen, your counselor will tailor counseling to your unique, individual needs. In your very first session, you and your counselor will review your goals and come up with a strategy to achieve those goals.

Contact Us (407) 248-0030