Asperger Syndrome in Adults

Ruth Searle

Increasing numbers of adults are being diagnosed with Asperger syndrome while children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders - an estimated 300000 in the UK - are growing up. Until recently most information has been aimed at children with the condition or parents. Asperger syndrome (AS) in adulthood brings different challenges and crucially there are far fewer resources. According to I Exist the National Society for Autism's report on how the needs of autistic adults are ignored 45% of councils have no process for managing how autistic adults receive support if they don't fulfil the criteria for either learning disability or mental health services. As a result adults are left to cope alone - and often don't cope well with depression and other mental health problems as the result. Conversely some adults with Asperger syndrome have learned to cover up their problems so signs of the condition will often be quite subtle. This book addresses issues faced by adults with Asperger syndrome and looks at the potential of adults with Asperger syndrome exploring how they may contribute on their own terms.>