Clinical Psychology Project
Clinical Psychology Final Project
Virginia Berry
June 15, 2011
PS380
Professor Husk
Kaplan University
Aspergers Syndrome is one of the most common autism spectrum disorders, (Hunt & Marshall, 2006). There are many symptoms that are common with children with Aspergers syndrome. One symptom may be showing intense obsession with specific subject like cars, bugs or the weather. Speaking in a monotone voice or speaking fast is another symptom of Asperger’s (MayoClinic, 2011). There are approximately 26 to 36 out of 10,000 school-age children that are diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome (Ehlers & Gillberg, 1993). Like classic autism, there is no known factor that causes Asperger’s Syndrome. Though many parents believe there is link autism by childhood vaccinations, there is no documented proof that the two are related (Downs, 2011). Treatment for Asperger’s Syndrome can be reviewed with the four major schools of psychotherapy; structuralism, behaviorism, Gestalt psychology and psychoanalysis. Structuralism is to analyze the mind in simple components and find how the components fit into a complex form, (Britannica, 2011). Behaviorism is a theory that all behaviors are learned through conditioning. Gestalt psychology theory is based off perception, (Britannica, 2011). Psychoanalysis is based on observation of individuals that are unaware of their behavior and emotions, (APSAA, 2011). Individuals living with Asperger’s Syndrome may not benefit from all four major schools of psychotherapy. Behaviorism and psychoanalysis may be the best method of treatment when coping with Asperger’s. Behavior psychotherapy is the clinical application of behavioral principles, (Pomerantz, 2008). Since Asperger’s Syndrome is not a curable disorder, behavioral therapy may help individuals with the disorder. Behavioral therapy can benefit the child with AS when paired with specialized education interventions and social skills training (kidshealth.com, 2011). I think
Virginia Berry
June 15, 2011
PS380
Professor Husk
Kaplan University
Aspergers Syndrome is one of the most common autism spectrum disorders, (Hunt & Marshall, 2006). There are many symptoms that are common with children with Aspergers syndrome. One symptom may be showing intense obsession with specific subject like cars, bugs or the weather. Speaking in a monotone voice or speaking fast is another symptom of Asperger’s (MayoClinic, 2011). There are approximately 26 to 36 out of 10,000 school-age children that are diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome (Ehlers & Gillberg, 1993). Like classic autism, there is no known factor that causes Asperger’s Syndrome. Though many parents believe there is link autism by childhood vaccinations, there is no documented proof that the two are related (Downs, 2011). Treatment for Asperger’s Syndrome can be reviewed with the four major schools of psychotherapy; structuralism, behaviorism, Gestalt psychology and psychoanalysis. Structuralism is to analyze the mind in simple components and find how the components fit into a complex form, (Britannica, 2011). Behaviorism is a theory that all behaviors are learned through conditioning. Gestalt psychology theory is based off perception, (Britannica, 2011). Psychoanalysis is based on observation of individuals that are unaware of their behavior and emotions, (APSAA, 2011). Individuals living with Asperger’s Syndrome may not benefit from all four major schools of psychotherapy. Behaviorism and psychoanalysis may be the best method of treatment when coping with Asperger’s. Behavior psychotherapy is the clinical application of behavioral principles, (Pomerantz, 2008). Since Asperger’s Syndrome is not a curable disorder, behavioral therapy may help individuals with the disorder. Behavioral therapy can benefit the child with AS when paired with specialized education interventions and social skills training (kidshealth.com, 2011). I think
References: Asperger’s Syndrome. (2011). Retrieved on June 15, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aspergers-syndrome/DS00551 Behavioral Therapy. (2011). Retrieved on June 16, 2011 from http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/asperger.html# Downs, M.F. (2011). Autism-Vaccine Link. Retrieved on June 19, 2011 from http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/searching-for-answers/vaccines-autism Ehlers, S., & Gillber, C. (1993) the epidemiology of Asperger Syndrome: A total population Study Gestalt Psychology. (2011). Retrieved on June 15, 2011 from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/232098/Gestalt-psychology Hunt, N., & Marshall, K. (2006). Exceptional Children and Youth. Houghton Mifflin Company Pomerantz, A.M. (2008). Clinical Psychology. Sage Publications. Thousand Oaks, CA Psychoanalysis. (2011). Retrieved on June 16, 2011 from http://www.apsa.org/About_Psychoanalysis.aspx Structuralism. (2011). Retrieved on June 16, 2011 from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/569652/structuralism Watkins, C.E. (2000). Asperger’s Disorder. Retrieved on June 17, 2011 from http://www.ncpamd.com/aspergers.htm