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Autism   spectrum   disorders   were   called   Asperger’s Syndrome   or   highly   functioning   autism   (HFA)   and were    named    after    Hans    Asperger,    an    Austrian Psychiatrist,   who   first   described   children   with   the characteristic   in   1944.   The   name   recently   has   been replaced   by   the   term   “autism   spectrum   disorder” (ASD). What is autism spectrum disorder? Autism     spectrum     disorder     (ASD)     is     typically characterized by the following symptoms: • Difficulties with social communication (difficulties understanding nonverbal expression and lack of social intuition) • Autistic thinking (reduced theory of mind, deficits in executive functioning) • Autistic perception highly precise, detail oriented, context-free and often overwhelming with problems of sensory integration) • Tendency for routines and stereotypical, repetitive behavior • Different perception and processing of emotions (difficulties to identify, name and regulate one’s own emotions) The   term   ‘Autism   spectrum’   captures   the   fact   that each    affected    person    shows    a    unique    set    of symptoms.   This   accounts   for   the   big   differences between      affected      people      despite      the      same diagnosis.  Assessment / Diagnostics To   date,   there   are   no   clear   biological   markers   or medicinal   tests   to   diagnose   ASD,   like   most   other mental   illnesses.   Therefore,   the   diagnosis   is   based on     a     clinical     assessment.     Questionnaires     can provide   valuable   information   and   can   be   used   as screening      tools.      In      addition      to      a      detailed anamnestic      exploration,      the      diagnosis      also includes    careful    differential    diagnosis.    ASD    can show      multiple      overlaps      with      other      mental illnesses,    such    as    depression,    anxiety,    trauma, obsessive-compulsive    disorder,    highly    giftedness, AD(H)D,       schizoid,       dissocial       or       narcissistic personality     disorder.     It     is     also     important     to distinguish   automated   coping   strategies   from   true symptoms.    For    example,    an    affected    individual may   very   well   have   learned   to   make   eye   contact and    smile.    This    does    not    yet    mean    that    this behavior is based on an intuitive need. I    also    offer    assessments.    Visit    the    assessments   page for further informaion. What are the advantages of getting diagnosed? In   my   opinion,   a   diagnosis   is   only   as   good   as   many phenomena    in    the    person's    life    it    can    explain. Knowing     about     the     diagnosis     can     therefore provide    meaning    and    thus    orientation.    Knowing where   you   stand   and   that   you   are   not   alone   with your     perception     of     the     world     may     have     a reassuring   and   normalizing   effect.   You   might   not feel   as   much   as   an   outside   but   rather   belong   to   a group,    namely    that    of    neurodivers    and    autisic people. Having      a      clear      diagnosis      also      opens      up opportunities    to    obtain    specialist    information    or seek   support.   Furthermore,   the   diagnosis   can   be an   official   legitimation   to   be   and   feel   different,   not to    be    misused    as    an    excuse    for    any    abnormal behavior,   but   as   a   first   step   on   the   way   to   self- acceptance and self-esteem. Therapy ASD     has     a     genetic     component     and     therefore cannot    be    eliminated    or    “cured"    by    therapy    or medication.   Therapy   is   based   on   the   needs   of   the affected person and can include such topics as: • Self      exploration:      Learn      the      differences between ASD and neurotypical • Train    your    self    awareness    (emotions,    body sensations, all senses, thoughts, impulses) • Train and discuss social interactions • Train    emotion    regulation    and    dealing    with stress • Improve self-worth and self-acceptance • Learn    how    to    deal    with    procrastination    and attention problems • Learn   how   to   deal   with   obsessive   thoughts   or behavioral patterns and rigid routines • Getting    your    questions    about    all    kinds    of topics         answered         (household,         sports, relationships, sex, wor, hobbies, etc.). Any   comorbid   disorders   can   also   be   treated,   e.g. depression    /    chronic    exhaustion,    anxiety,    ADHD (even   if   there   is   no   full   diagnsis).   Medication   may be     helpful     for     these     diseases     and     could     be administred by a Psychiatrist if needed. Why I like to work with patients with autism I   have   experienced   autistic   people   to   be   reliable, unobtrusive,   interested,   humble,   grateful,   honest and   direct   (and   much   more).   I   appreciate   all   these features,   maybe   because   I   feel   they   describe   me   as well. However, I am not affected by autism. Links • Online alexithymia test • Short online self-test • tonyattwood.com.au  • autismspeaks.org/what-asperger-syndrome • autism.org.uk/about/what-is/asperger.aspx • webmd.com/brain/autism/mental-health- aspergers-syndrome#1 • autism-society.org/what-is/aspergers- syndrome/ • autastic.com • Good blog with lots of topics • autismus.ch/adressen.html  Book recommendations • Tony Attwood: "The Complete Guide to Asperger Syndrome” Order book  or any other book by Tony Attwood about the topic • Rudy Simone: “Asperger’s on the job: Must- Have Advice for People with Asperger's or High Functioning Autism, and Their Employers, Educators, and Advocates” Order book • Susan Moreno: “The Partner's Guide to Asperger Syndrome” Order book • Philip Wylie: “Very late diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome” Order book • Good list with books about Asperger’s