A REVIEW OF CO-MORBID DISORDERS OF ASPERGER'S DISORDER AND THE TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD

This review includes empirical peer-reviewed articles which support the examination of Asperger's Disorder and co-morbid disorders, as well as an analysis of how adolescents with Asperger's Disorder transition to adulthood. Although the focus was on Asperger's Disorder, some studies include Autism Spectrum Disorder samples. It was found that people with Asperger's Disorder generally experience more anxiety than control groups. Rates of non-verbal learning disabilities did not differ significantly from control groups, however it remained unknown if rates of specific learning disabilities differ. The transition to adulthood focused on education, employment, living arrangements, and relationships. The findings revealed that people with Asperger's may have more difficulty in the transition to adulthood, however they were capable of achieving high educational levels, employment, independent living, and successful relationships. It was suggested that anxiety treatments and social skills training be further incorporated into counselling programs, and that future research examine gender differences in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of Asperger's Disorder.