Specialist Asperger’s Therapy Service

Asperger’s syndrome is a form of autism, which is a lifelong disability that affects how a person relates to other people, processes information and makes sense of the world.

Autism is often described as a ‘spectrum disorder’ because the conditions effect individuals in many different ways and to varying degrees. Asperger’s is referred to as a ‘hidden disability’ as you can’t tell that someone has the condition from their outward appearance. People with Asperger’s have difficulties in the following three areas:

• Social interaction
• Social communication
• Social imagination.

There are similarities between those with autism and Asperger’s, although individual’s with Asperger’s syndrome have fewer speaking problems and often have above average intelligence. They do not usually have learning disabilities which can accompany autism, but they may have specific learning difficulties, such as dyspraxia, dyslexia or other conditions such as epilepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Asperger’s Syndrome (AS):

CBT can be very useful for those diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, as many AS individuals experience bouts of depression, social anxiety and social difficulties. Symptoms such as poor personal management, poor concentration and obsessional behaviours exacerbate these difficulties and disrupt behaviour further, making it hard for AS sufferers to form or maintain meaningful social relationships.

At The Chelmsford Wellbeing Centre, we have a small team of BABCP Accredited CBT therapists who are able to work with older children, adolescents and adults diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and accompanying mental health difficulties.