Autism/Asperger's Syndrome

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Expert: - 7/13/2009


Question
Hi,

I'm doing a research project on mental illness and am just
wondering if Asperger's Syndrome is a mental illness or is
seen as one by mental health professionals.

Answer
Hi Anli

It depends on how you define mental illness. It is in the DSM-IV, which is a diagnosis manual used by psychologists as is autism and other types of developmental disabilities. But if you define mental illness as a condition in which someone has psychotic and/or emotional issues, then, no, it would not be characterized as a mental illness.

That said, individuals with Asperger's Syndrome are often seen by psychologists for different reasons. However, they also see many other professionals such as Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists.

Hope this helps

Autism

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Valerie Herskowitz

Expertise

I am an autism expert and speech pathologist (for over 30 years). I am also the parent of a child with autism. I can answer any question on autism dealing with communication, education, behavior and diet. I cannot answer questions that are medical in nature or are dealing with medications.

Experience

I have run a therapy center for individuals with autism since 1981. I lecture all over the country. I also teach classes on autism on line.

Organizations
Vice President of Communications Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Member American Speech and Hearing Association, MembernAutism Society of America, President of the National Autism Registry, Vice President of the Association for Developmentally Disabled Adults and Adolescents.

Publications
Autism Society of America's national publication (September 2008). Advance Magazine, South Florida Parenting, Spectrum Magazine, I am the author of: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology (available:www.valerieherskowitz.com)

Education/Credentials
I have a masters degree in speech pathology

Awards and Honors
I won a Stevie Award in 2004: Lifetime Achievement Award for my work with individuals with autism. My therapy center won, Judge's Choice Award Best Center in South Florida by South Florida Parenting magazine 2005.

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