Mitigating Aspergers

ASPERGER syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder that is characterised as difficulty in social interaction and nonverbal communication, compounded by restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests portrayed by an otherwise normal individual.

Classic signs of a child with Aspergers include refraining from eye contact and totally ignoring their peers (such as in a school environment), and can even escalate to violent behaviour. This was the case with Meera, whose parents Jamal and Maria, approached ChildPsych, the Child Psychology division of the International Psychology Centre.

During the initial assessment, the panel of psychologists administered the StanfordBinet Intelligence Scale, Fifth Edition (SB5), an internationally validated psychometric test. The results revealed that Meera scored relatively poor in the SB5 section correlating to social and communicative abilities. It was further concluded that Meera had Asperger’s Syndrome, a social disorder with the characteristics of poor social interaction, delayed speech and language attainment and the inability to express her emotions and thought processes, which leads to frustration of not being understood.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Forth Edition (DSM-4) that is the classification and diagnostic tool for psychological disorders, this condition may affect not only the ability to communicate and socialise, but will also have a negative impact on Meera’s daily functions.

PSYCHODRAMA THERAPY PROCESS A child psychotherapy programme emphasising emotional expression and social skills enhancement was recommended for Meera. Psychodrama therapy was the essence of this programme as it assessed speech, language and cognitivecommunication using techniques such as dramatisation, role-playing and dramatic self-presentation to investigate and gain insight of internal potential and capabilities, as well as to learn socialisation and perspectives of others.

Psychodrama psychotherapy employs puppets as an instrument in this therapy. The whole dialogue between Meera and the therapist was conducted through the puppets. This created a more playful and less confrontational atmosphere. Besides,