High Functioning
Aspergers Syndrome Follow Up Study

Depression is almost a universal consequence of the social rejection that High Functioning Aspergers Syndrome patients experience. Many of my HFA patients had previously been treated with antidepressant medications.  Reducing this depression is critical both to their happiness as well as developing effective social responsiveness. As with anxiety and socialization, there were large improvements in this area. Twenty two said they were much less depressed. Seven stated that they were less depressed. And, the same seven treatment failures found no difference from previous treatment levels.

Patients overall assessment of treatment success was quite positive. Twenty two considered it very successful. Four considered it successful. Three described it as somewhat successful. Seven felt that treatment was unsuccessful. Thus, CAER treatment is generally quite effective at improving patients social skills and overall happiness. However, there is a minority contingent that were not helped.

Results:

Socialization

Much More Social = 25,  More social = 4,   No Change = 7

Anxiety

Much Less Anxious Socially = 24, Less Anxious Socially = 5,  No Change =7

Depression

Much less depressed = 22,  Less Depressed = 7, No Change = 7

Overall Success

Very successful = 22,  Successful =  4,  Somewhat Successful = 3,   Unsuccessful = 7