Asperger Syndrome in adulthood : outcomes and access to services
Asperger Syndrome in adulthood : outcomes and access to services
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.
University of Southampton
Symes, Matthew David
f940d4a6-827a-42df-ae07-b22c5f716b22
2007
Symes, Matthew David
f940d4a6-827a-42df-ae07-b22c5f716b22
Symes, Matthew David
(2007)
Asperger Syndrome in adulthood : outcomes and access to services.
University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.
Record type:
Thesis
(Doctoral)
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.
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Published date: 2007
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Local EPrints ID: 467147
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/467147
PURE UUID: 6cbf3347-8777-493e-b56f-d6850ca52973
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Date deposited: 05 Jul 2022 08:13
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 21:00
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Author:
Matthew David Symes
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