Behavioural and Emotional Disturbance in High-Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome

by Bruce Tonge, Avril Brereton, Kylie Gray and Stewart Einfeld (1999) autism 3, 117-130.

“This study aimed to determine whether there were differences in behavioural and emotional disturbance (psychopathology) between children and adolescents with high-functioning autism and Asperger syndrome.“

“It was found that children and adolescents with Asperger’s disorder presented with higher levels of psychopathology than those with high-functioning autism, were more disruptive, antisocial and anxious, and had more problems with social relationships.“ (p. 117)

“Of particular clinical relevance is our finding of extreme symptoms of anxiety and disruptive behaviour in the Asperger group. However, these psychopathological problems are potentially open to treatment. Anxiety symptoms might be responsive to cognitive behavioural interventions and psychopharmacological treatment.“ (p. 125).

“The relatively better verbal skills and theory of mind capacity of children with Asperger syndrome might create a greater demand on the part of others for social response and interaction“ (p126)

“ ...the results of this study support the differentiation between high-functioning autism and Asperger’s Disorder.“ (p. 127)

“Furthermore, young people with Asperger’s disorder have higher levels of psychopathology than those with high-functioning autism and therefore require at least equivalent levels of clinical service, educational assistance, and social and family support“ (p. 128).