ASD in Adults

The neurological disorder known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is often linked to infancy, frequently lasts into adulthood. A lot of attention has been paid to understanding and helping kids with ASD, but it's important to also talk about what it's like to be an adult on the spectrum. In this article, we discuss the difficulties experienced by adults with ASD and the critical roles that adult psychotherapy in Petaling Jaya and autism psychologists in Selangor play in helping them on their path to improved mental health.

Comprehending Adult ASD

A variety of difficulties with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors are indicative of autism spectrum disorder. Adults may experience these difficulties in a variety of subtle ways, so it's critical to identify and cater to their particular requirements.

Social problems often linger and affect how relationships are formed and maintained. It may be difficult for adults with ASD to understand nonverbal signs, which makes interacting with others in social contexts difficult. There may also be problems at school and on the job because people with ASD may find it hard to fit in with the social rules of these places.

Adults with ASD Face the Following Challenges:

Employment and Education: Because of their trouble interacting with others and their strict adherence to routines, many individuals with ASD find it difficult to find and keep a job. Additionally, difficulties with communication and sensitivity to certain stimuli might hinder academic endeavors.

Mental Health: Adults with ASD are more likely to have mental health problems including anxiety and sadness. Stress levels may be raised by the fight to conform to social standards and the ongoing attempt to hide social challenges.

Relationships: For individuals with ASD, establishing and maintaining relationships may be difficult. If you can't read social cues and talk about how you feel, you might feel alone, which can hurt your relationships at work and in your personal life.

Diagnosis

It may be difficult to get an ASD diagnosis as an adult for several reasons:

• Individuals who were not diagnosed when they were younger could have more subtle features / presentation that are more difficult to identify. Sometimes, individuals only seek a diagnosis much later in life. For instance, Ms Ng had assessed and diagnosed men and women between ages 30 to 60 with Autism Spectrum Condition, and often, adults feel much at ease receiving an accurate diagnosis which explains their sense of confusion and "not fitting in" with the people around them since early life.

• There are multiple assessment tools to assess for Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) according to the DSM-5 criteria. Ms Amy uses a range of assessment tools which looks at a person's mood, stress levels, autism traits, sensory features, ways of socialising, and a comprehensive clinical interview, before reaching a diagnosis of Autism or ruling it out.

Treatments or Therapy

The following are some typical treatments provided to people with autism: ABA therapy, or applied behavior analysis, may include any or all of the elements stated below:

• Training using Discrete Trials

• System for Picture Exchange and Communication (PECS)

• Using Social Scripts

• Assessment of Functional Behavior (FBA)

• Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

• Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)

While the above-mentioned treatments are commonly provided, Ms Ng chooses to use a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with the focus on accepting one's autistic features which have advantages, and principles of Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS), created by Dr Ross Greene. ABA often focuses on changing core features of Autism, which Ms Ng asserts that is neither useful or affirming of one's unique experience of his/her surroundings or the world.

PEERS® Can Improve Social Skills:

The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is an evidence-based therapy aiming to enhance social interactions and relationships for autistic individuals.

Collaborative and Proactive Solutions

Autism psychologists in Selangor use Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS), a collaborative method of problem-solving, to address behavioral issues and provide a thorough and customised treatment experience. Increasing number of psychologists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapist get trained in Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) to support the mental health and wellbeing of clients of all ages. Ms Amy Ng is one of the few psychologists in Malaysia who has completed basic training in CPS. She plans to continue advanced training in the model in the near future.

Why Consult Ms Amy Ng?

Dr. Amy NG is the psychologist in Selangor for certain reasons listed below:

• Innovative Approach: Rather than relying on conventional reward and punishment schemes, Ms Amy Ng's application of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) approach stresses teamwork and problem-solving while providing a new outlook on difficult behaviors.

• Adaptability in Different Situations: Talking to Ms Ng about CPS is a great way to find answers that work best for your specific problems in clinics, hospitals, schools, and other places.

• Specialization in Challenging Behaviors: Ms Amy Ng is a highly sought-after resource for parents of children and teenagers with behavioural and emotional concerns due to her proficiency in handling behavioural challenges occurring in kindergarten, schools, college and beyond.

• Evidence-based Practice: Ms Amy's approaches are based on evidence-based practice, which involves safe, peer-reviewed, and strength-based approaches. She also viewed challenges in a dimensional perspective, rather than a categorical one (where individuals are placed in "boxes" with clearly defined symptoms).

• Compassionate and Collaborative Approach: Ms Amy Ng encourages empathy and understanding for long-lasting solutions to difficult behaviors by putting a strong emphasis on compassion and teamwork. This incorporates all stakeholders in the problem-solving process.

• Impact on Education: Where she has some spare time, Ms Amy Ng provides educational public talks to colleges and the wider community.

FAQs

Q1: Are adults able to be identified as having ASD?

Answer: Yes, it is possible to diagnose individuals with ASDs in adulthood. It is a complex process which involves ruling our medical conditions, which usually involves the client seeing their doctor first, followed by a comprehensive psychological assessment by an experienced psychologist in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Q2: What are the employment and education issues facing adults with ASD?

Answer: Adults who have ASD may suffer in the job sector as a result of problems with social interaction and sticking to routines. Communication problems and sensitivity to stimuli can also impede academic efforts.

Q3: Why seek therapy with Ms Amy Ng in Petaling Jaya, Selangor for challenges related to Autism Spectrum Condition / Disorder (ASD)?

Answer: Dr. Ross Greene is in demand for his innovative Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) method of therapy, where a collaborative approach between a individual and their support system such as teachers and parents, prevails over traditional reward-punishment. Amy continues to apply CPS techniques and tailors therapy to each individual. It is not a cookie-cutter approach and therapy will take effort and patience. Amy hopes to join clients and their families towards greater understanding of themselves, improved wellbeing, and resilience.