Dr. Watson's Wall Of Words
Messages from PASSAGE Facilitator and Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Watson's Parenting Emerging Adults Presentation
ParentingEmergingAdultswithASandNLD2.pptx
Dr. Watson's Q & A
Q: What is the difference between those with classic autism but higher functioning verses those with AS?
A: There are definite similarities between classic autism and Aspies, especially when you are looking at a person who is HFA and an Aspie who is toward the lower end of the normal IQ and adaptive skills range. However, for the most part I see these as very different categories. I don’t know if I want to say that they are not on the same spectrum, but I wish the spectrum was renamed Pervasive Developmental Disorders Spectrum because the term Autism is loaded. As you know, Aspies typically want to relate but have a hard time with all of the unspoken rules of social behavior. In contrast, people with Autism aren’t all that interested in initiating social interactions except to engage others in a one-sided conversation about what is on their mind. I agree with the following differential found at www. Aspergers.com: "It is believed that in Asperger's Disorder: onset is usually later, outcome is usually more positive, social and communication deficits are less severe, circumscribed interests are more prominent, verbal IQ is usually higher than performance IQ (in autism, the case is usually the reverse), clumsiness is more frequently seen, family history is more frequently positive, and neurological disorders are less common." Schools do not make a differential between anybody on “the spectrum”. The label given is always Autism. This can be disconcerting for parents as they have accepted the Asperger’s diagnosis, but are now told that their kid is Autistic. It is my understanding that the next version of the DSM will do a better job of providing clearer demarcation.
Dr. Watson promises more to come!