Aptos, CA psychologist: Is Asperger’s Disorder a “hot” diagnosis? Why?

Like designer jeans, Asperger’s Disorder has become a “hot” diagnosis.

Asperger’s is much more preferred by parents as a diagnosis than a diagnosis of Mental Retardation. Or Autistic Disorder. It’s easy to see why: In Asperger’s Disorder the person’s cognitive I.Q and functional abilities (self care abilities, ability to work) are in the normal range.

In Asperger’s Disorder, only the social abilities are in the Borderline or Deficient range.

One young woman I recently had the opportunity to assess (a young 18 year old with Asperger’s) said that she preferred to learn over the Internet — with her lap top on her bed — so she did not have to interact with people. She views her mother as her best and only friend. She tries to stay “with it” by not showering and having dirty hair — as that is socially acceptable here in Santa Cruz, California. She is right — in Santa Cruz, California dirty hair and rarely washing hair or taking showers is “in”. In certain circles.

written by Dr. Cameron Jackson DrCameronJackson@gmail.com Monterey Bay Forum www.FreedomOK.net

I got this — thank you — from Autism Blogger:

“Storyline on the new NBC sitcom “Parenthood” is raising public awareness of Asperger’s syndrome – at least according to Google searches.

“Asperger’s” (and various misspellings) were among the top Google trends Wednesday morning after the second episode of the hourlong drama, which features a character with Asperger’s, aired Tuesday night.

“Asperger’s is a form of high-functioning autism often characterized by inability to pick up on social cues, heightened sensitivity, and an intense focus on only one or a few interests. Because it is at the low end of the autism spectrum, people without awareness of the condition may assume someone with Asperger’s is simply quirky or socially awkward. (This is not an accurate description of Asperger’s — Dr. Jackson www.FreedomOK.net

On “Parenthood,” parents Adam and Kristina Braverman (played by Peter Krause and Monica Potter) are told their young son Max (played by Max Burkholder) may have Asperger’s, and Adam is seen struggling to connect with his son.

“Parenthood” writer and executive producer Jason Katims has a 13-year-old son with Asperger’s, and has said NBC was “supportive but wary” about the Asperger’s plotline.

“They want to be careful of making something either feel too heavy, or something where you’re not talking to a large enough audience,” Katims told the Newark Star-Ledger.

“My hope would be that it normalizes it,” Katims continued. “So there’s no stigma to it, no mystery to it.”