Comparative Study of Neurocognitive Profiles of Children with High Functioning Autism (hfa), Asperger’s Syndrome (as) and Intellectual High Potential (gifted): in What Are They Different?

BackgroundWhether autism spectrum maps onto a spectrum of brain abnormalities and whether Asperger's syndrome (ASP) is distinct from high-functioning autism (HFA) are debated. White-matter maldevelopment is associated with autism and disconnectivity theories of autism are compelling. However, it is unknown whether children with ASP and HFA have distinct white-matter abnormalities.MethodVoxel-based morphometry mapped white-matter volumes across the whole brain in 91 children. Thirty-six had autism spectrum disorder. A history of delay in phrase speech defined half with HFA; those without delay formed the ASP group. The rest were typically developing children, balanced for age, IQ, gender, maternal language and ethnicity. White-matter volumes in HFA and ASP were compared and each contrasted with controls.ResultsWhite-matter volumes around the basal ganglia were higher in the HFA group than ASP and higher in both autism groups than controls. Compared with controls, children with HFA had less frontal and corpus callosal white matter in the left hemisphere; those with ASP had less frontal and corpus callosal white matter in the right hemisphere with more white matter in the left parietal lobe.ConclusionsHFA involved mainly left hemisphere white-matter systems; ASP affected predominantly right hemisphere white-matter systems. The impact of HFA on basal ganglia white matter was greater than ASP. This implies that aetiological factors and management options for autism spectrum disorders may be distinct. History of language acquisition is a potentially valuable marker to refine our search for causes and treatments in autism spectrum.

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Work of Support Group for Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome in Russia

Autism and Developmental Disorders ◽

10.17759/autdd.2020180208 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 55-62

Author(s):

A.S. Steinberg ◽

A.L. Voskov

Keyword(s):

Support Group ◽

Asperger's Syndrome ◽

Asperger’S Syndrome ◽

High Functioning Autism ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Social Adaptation ◽

Screening Tests ◽

Autism Symptoms ◽

High Functioning ◽

Independent Life

Problems with Asperger's syndrome diagnostic in adults in Russia and obsolete practice of replacement of the diagnosis after age of 18 caused necessity of organization of specialized supports and efforts for social adaptation of such individuals. Experience of organization and leading the support group (that works since 2010) for adults with Asperger’s syndrome and high functioning autism is described: conditions, rules and recommendations for its organization. The discussed topics include autism awareness, social integration, personal relationships, autism symptoms and coping strategies, independent life. The participants report that the group is beneficial as a comfortable place for socialization, life experience exchange, development of self-acceptance, self-awareness and independent life skills. Involvement of psychologists in leading of some group meetings showed the necessity to extend their knowledge about autism spectrum disorders in adults. A review of screening tests and other aspects of self-diagnosis is given. Analysis of functioning of the support group for people with Asperger's syndrome and high-functioning autism confirmed large demand on this kind of help and its necessity for improving life quality.

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