Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Definitions
- 3 Prevalence
- 4 Symptoms in childhood
- 5 Symptoms in adolescence
- 6 Associated psychiatric and social problems
- 7 Other problems
- 8 Strengths
- 9 Background factors
- 10 Cognitive neuropsychology
- 11 Diagnosis and work-up
- 12 Outcome in the longer term: adults with Asperger syndrome
- 13 Attitudes, interventions and treatment
- 14 Who can help?
- 15 What about all those famous geniuses?
- 16 Case vignettes
- Appendices
- Further reading
- Index
10 - Cognitive neuropsychology
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 September 2009
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Definitions
- 3 Prevalence
- 4 Symptoms in childhood
- 5 Symptoms in adolescence
- 6 Associated psychiatric and social problems
- 7 Other problems
- 8 Strengths
- 9 Background factors
- 10 Cognitive neuropsychology
- 11 Diagnosis and work-up
- 12 Outcome in the longer term: adults with Asperger syndrome
- 13 Attitudes, interventions and treatment
- 14 Who can help?
- 15 What about all those famous geniuses?
- 16 Case vignettes
- Appendices
- Further reading
- Index
Summary
Cognitive psychology and neuropsychology have contributed important clues to the ‘basic mechanisms’ underlying autism spectrum disorders, including Asperger syndrome.
Several cognitive domains have been shown to be impaired or to function differently in autism spectrum disorders. Some of these domains represent overlapping constructs, and it is quite common in research to favour or focus on one of these rather than on all at the same time. This has led to the formulation of a number of interesting hypotheses regarding the ‘true nature’ of autism spectrum disorders. It may need to be stressed that no one of the various psychological functional impairments that will be described in this chapter excludes the coexistence of one or more of the others.
At least four areas of cognitive/neuropsychological functions appear to be impaired or atypical in autism spectrum disorders. These are (i) mentalising (‘theory of mind’/‘empathy’) abilities; (ii) executive functions; (iii) drive for central coherence; and (iv) procedural learning. It is likely, although by no means yet certain, that all these areas are affected by impairment or atypical functioning early in the lives of those with Asperger syndrome. Later, there may be measurable dysfunction only in one, two or three of these areas, although the clinical impression may still be one of handicap in all four domains.
Mentalising, theory of mind and empathy
The ability to imagine other people's thoughts and feelings, indeed the ability even to attribute mental states to other people, is limited in autism.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- A Guide to Asperger Syndrome , pp. 79 - 88Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2002