The Issues

Lack of Awareness: A general lack of awareness among clinicians and educators is the number one barrier to effective service delivery.

Clarity of Diagnosis: There is still controversy over appropriate diagnostic indicators and how the condition relates to the Autism Spectrum. Clouding the issue even further is the reality that no two individuals with Asperger Syndrome exhibit the same profile of diagnostic traits, and each individual’s traits or characteristics will change as they age and mature. For previously undiagnosed adults, separating acquired emotional problems from the underlying condition may be difficult.

Scarcity of Proven Treatments and Interventions: The majority of current research funds are dedicated to identifying the biological bases of Autism. Very little is being done to address treatments or interventions that would be beneficial in everyday life situations. Research in social/emotional skill development, social integration, sustaining families, vocational and academic support, achieving independence, and other quality of life issues is critical in improving the lives of the millions of children and adults currently living with Asperger Syndrome.

Educational Inclusion without Planning: As students with AS typically have average or above academic abilities, many are placed in inclusionary settings. Yet general education teachers, and even many special education teachers, lack the expertise to adapt the work, environment, and demands to support academic success for these kinds of students. In addition, school personnel desperately need to increase their understanding of the social circumstances in our schools today that promote the pervasive bullying of students with Asperger Syndrome.

Increasing Demand for Services That Don’t Exist: While increasing numbers of children and adults are being identified as having Asperger Syndrome, professionals with specific training and support services that are critically important are not available in sufficient numbers to address the mounting need. Services for adults are largely unavailable.

Not Just a Childhood Disorder: Contrary to society’s preoccupation with the early years, Asperger Syndrome is a lifelong concern and if not treated as such can lead to anxiety, depression, unemployment, and the adult’s inability to lead an independent and rewarding life.

Potential Cost to Society: Aging parents find themselves no longer able to support their adult children with AS and are concerned with what may happen when they are no longer there to help. For society, maintaining citizens who are dependent versus independent has an astronomical cost; for individuals, not being able to establish an independent life is a personal tragedy. In the United Kingdom, it is estimated that only 2% of individuals with Asperger Syndrome are able to maintain employment. That mirrors estimates in a number of other countries. We must find a way to utilize the many important talents that individuals with AS can contribute.