Asperger Help

Working with Autism and Other Social-Communication Disorders

Marjorie F. OIney
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities such as Asperger's Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder present special challenges to rehabilitation counselors. Although their experiences have been described clinically, seldom have the perceptions of individuals with autism and their parents been actively sought. This article reviews the literature on autism from a variety of perspectives: medical, behavioral, social, and personal. An analysis of 18 first hand accounts, interviews, and autobiographical works by people with autism and their parents contribute insights into the experience of autism and related disabilities. The article concludes with specific suggestions to help rehabilitation counselors maximize the success of individuals with autism and related disabilities.

To read entire paper, click attachment below.