A Brief Overview of the Principles of Psychotherapy with Asperger’s Syndrome

Abstract

People with Apserger’s syndrome understand and respond to the world in a very different way from other people. Individual psychotherapy can be an important approach, in addition to other therapies and case management, for children with Asperger’s syndrome. A frame of reference for the therapeutic relationship with Asperger individuals is described. This addresses the perspective of those with Asperger’s as well as the perspective of others in their lives. The cognitive concepts theory of mind, central coherence, and executive functioning are briefly reviewed with an emphasis on how they help us to understand the Asperger mind, and with examples of their presentation and use in clinical assessment and psychotherapy. Perspective, intention, and awareness, as they relate to the therapeutic interventions, are illustrated with brief vignettes.

Keywords

awareness cognitive concepts intention perspective therapeutic relationship

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