中華心理衛生協會

Asperger's syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by the presence of social impairment, and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior or interests, but no clinically significant general delay in language or cognitive development. There is only one report addressing the treatment of communication problems in a 3.5 year-old boy with Asperger's syndrome in Taiwan. We present the treatment of a preschool girl with Asperger's syndrome. Her presenting problems included impaired social interaction with peers, not following teacher's instructions, and preoccupation with self talking and playing alone. The total of 23 therapy sessions with the girl and her mother were conducted in 8 months. The goals of therapy were to structure the environment, to develop the skills to follow instructions and to facilitate appropriate interaction, and to train the mother to be the co-therapist. The treatment procedure and the process of behavior change are presented and discussed. The implications in clinical practice and research are also given.