| Does having Asperger's or autism mean you can't be | | | | such as feelings of sadness or anxiety, whether or not |
| suffering from depression as well? Absolutely not! Just | | | | the patient has an ASD in addition. |
| because you've been diagnosed with an Autism | | | | It's also confusing because so much of the information |
| Spectrum Disorder, that doesn't mean that you're not | | | | and research about autism and Asperger's is about |
| also dealing with other mental health issues, like | | | | children. But that doesn't mean that there aren't many |
| depression, other mood disorders, or anxiety, as well. | | | | adults with ASDs. And many of these adults have |
| As a therapist who specializes in working with | | | | never been formally diagnosed. Some people may |
| individuals with Asperger's Syndrome and autism, I | | | | think that their feelings of sadness or anxiety are just |
| frequently talk with clients who think that because they | | | | a part of having the ASD. But that's not true. Many |
| have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) they can't | | | | individuals with ASDs live happy and healthy lives. |
| be suffering from any other psychological problem. | | | | There's little data about psychological issues and |
| And that's a problem, because the painful symptoms | | | | ASDs. Probably the most extensive research is from |
| resulting from depression, other mood disorders, or | | | | Mohammad Ghaziuddin. He's published a number of |
| anxiety can be treated. Both psychotherapy and | | | | peer reviewed journal articles, as well as the book |
| medications can be effective. | | | | Mental Health Aspects of Autism and Asperger |
| I think some confusion arises from terminology. Children | | | | Syndrome. Although the data is scarce, it appears that |
| with ASDs are frequently treated with a range of | | | | the rates of depression, anxiety and other mental |
| different types of "therapy", from behavioral, to | | | | disorders disorders are actually higher in individuals |
| relational, to social skills therapies. All of these can be | | | | dealing with ASDs. |
| effective in dealing with the behaviors and symptoms | | | | So, what should you do if you suspect you've got an |
| of ASDs, but they are very different from "therapy" - | | | | ASD and another psychological disorder as well? Get |
| meaning psychotherapy - aimed at dealing with various | | | | help. Find a trained professional, such as a doctor, a |
| psychological issues. Certainly, there can be an overlap. | | | | licensed therapist or psychologist to work with. It's best |
| For example, I often do some social skills "therapy" | | | | to focus on professionals who are familiar with ASDs |
| when working with depressed clients dealing with | | | | and who enjoy working with individuals on the autism |
| social isolation. But the difference is that | | | | spectrum. With the appropriate help, you can be feeling |
| psychotherapy typically deals with psychological issues, | | | | much better. |