Expert: James Michael Roan - 9/24/2009

Question
I have a new client that seems to present and wants to inquire about having Aspergers.  He's 25 years-old w/ limited vocation success.  He seems intelligent (broad base of knowledge) but doesn't tolerate social situations.  Sleeps in a cot in his apartment and seems to have a social phobia.  How does one go about diagnosing Aspbergers in an adult?  I'm sensing he may be.  Please advise where to start.  I'm just a new counseling intern.  Thanks

Answer
Hi Joyce;

Please understand that I do not, at any time, attempt to diagnose or rule out a diagnosis or condition over the Internet.

Welcome to the business! I don't believe there are any norm referenced tests out there yet for  rating adults over 22 years of age. The closest thing we have is the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) at: http://www.autismresearchcentre.com/tests/cast_test.asp  A study was conducted with adults and it demonstrated good reliability for adults scoring 15 or over. Generally, we have to rely on childhood memories or parent memories of their behavior growing up. Based on my experience with adults, you generally find them in careers supporting a concrete thinking style such as math, science, IT, etc., and where independent work predominates over social networking. Depression is often a comorbid condition. They may make friends but are terrible at maintaining friendships and relationships. They have high social anxiety.

So, I suggest you discuss his early childhood development through to adolescence. Then have him complete the CAST and Tony Attwood's Australian Scale for Asperger's Syndrome at: http://www.memphisneurology.com/pdfs/handout_aspergers_scale.pdf

Also, if he is close to 22 years of age have him fill out the Gilliam Asperger Disorder Scale (GADS). It's not free but one of your colleagues should have one. Feel free to write me back and let me work with you through this.

Kind regards,
James



Disclaimer:

While James Michael Roan has attempted to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, the information is provided in good faith without any express or implied warranty. The purpose of this web site is to provide information to families with children, teens, and adults with an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delay. James Michael Roan does not prefer any one organization to another, and it is not responsible for the information listed on an organization's web site, or any disseminated information either verbal or written. Please be advised we are not giving medical advice and that circumstances can dictate different treatments. If these issues affect you or your loved ones you should seek professional advice. This site is operated for informational purposes only. At no time will James Michael Roan attempt to diagnose or dismiss a potential diagnosis over the Internet. We hope that you find our resources useful.


Bio

James Roan is a certified school psychologist who has been consulting in the areas of autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and learning difficulties in the United States and in Ireland for over ten years (http://www.jamesroan.com). James earned his M.Ed. in School Psychology and M. Ed. in Adult Education and receives ongoing post graduate training in autism at the University of Washington’s Autism Center. James Roan has traveled to Galway, Limerick, Mayo, Clare, Dublin, Cork, Waterford, and other cities and counties across Ireland assessing children and adults, and consulting with solicitors (lawyers) in defense of children with disabilities. James Roan was the consulting assessment professional responsible for many of the autism and AD/HD screening tools and other content for Access Special Needs.Com. James Roan consulted with the graduate department of the Waterford Institute of Technology in Waterford Ireland in the development of their graduate program for the certification of private autism tutors. James has conducted formal assessments of students in the Autism Unit in the Claddagh National School in County Galway Ireland.