Can someone with Aspergers become a Psychologist?

I love angels

Hi,
I was just wondering can someone with Aspergers become a Psychologist?
Or would it be too hard for someone with Aspergers to study Psychology as their Aspergers might make them unable to understand some Psychological concepts? Is it hard to study Psychology and what did you find hard about studying Psychology?

Thank you,
Linda

krd

I believe I've a newspaper article written by an English therapist who has Aspergers, and treats people with Aspergers.

Some people with Aspergers are very high functioning.

cranks

I love angels wrote: »

Hi,
I was just wondering can someone with Aspergers become a Psychologist?
Or would it be too hard for someone with Aspergers to study Psychology as their Aspergers might make them unable to understand some Psychological concepts? Is it hard to study Psychology and what did you find hard about studying Psychology?

Thank you,
Linda

[The following is from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM IV]
(I) Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:
(A) marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body posture, and gestures to regulate social interaction
(B) failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
(C) a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interest or achievements with other people, (e.g.. by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
(D) lack of social or emotional reciprocity

(II) Restricted repetitive & stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:
(A) encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
(B) apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
(C) stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g. hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
(D) persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

(III) The disturbance causes clinically significant impairments in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

(IV) There is no clinically significant general delay in language (E.G. single words used by age 2 years, communicative phrases used by age 3 years)

(V) There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or in the development of age-appropriate self help skills, adaptive behavior (other than in social interaction) and curiosity about the environment in childhood.

(VI) Criteria are not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Schizophrenia."





In answer to your question, I would suggest 'yes' but it's questionable as to whether the person could function as one based on DSM-IV diagnostic criteria.

Assuming criterion l & ll fulfilled, check Criterion lll (necessary for diagnosis) - 'clinically significant impairment in (occupational) functioning'.

Surely this implies that a competent psychologist/name a profession (i.e. no 'disturbance' to cause 'impairment' in fulfilling the role) with a diagnosis of Asperger's probably has, by definition, been misdiagnosed?

[discuss ]

Torakx

Maybe it depends in what area of psychology.
I know with Aspergers it can be hard to pick up on others emotions,through facial recognition and also body language.

But i also know with aspergers at least in highly functioning individuals there are other benefits that are not there for people without Aspergers.
One is an amazing ability to focus on a topic and really go indepth on it.

Im no expert, just know some who have this condition if that is what you wish to think of it as, and i could imagine a work enviornment where research is a priority,that might be more suitable than direct work with patients etc.

Just my thoughts on it.
I should say it is very dependant on the person and their condition and their ways of compensating.
I know alot learn ways to mimic eye contact by looking at the nose or mouth and so on.

I love angels

Hi ,
The main area I am interested in is Clinical Psychology. Other areas of Psychology I find interesting are Health Psychology,Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Psychotherapist . I only have mild Aspergers so I am good enough at reading other people and their emotions. My Social skills need a bit more work though.

Torakx

Have you considered trying one of those introductory courses?

It might be a great way to gage where your at, if you can try it out for a few months to a year, you would then have more of an idea and maybe feedback on your potential.

With the Aspergers aside (as you say its only mild), some people anyway may not be suited.
So i think you could be in the same boat as alot of people anyway.

Theres only one way to find out and thats to give it a try i think.

DagdaIreland

You could try NUI Maynooth's 1year Certificate in Psychology - it's delivered 1 evening a week through a load of the VECs around the country and covers all the basics. You would find out whether further study is of interest and whether you can handle the prolonged interaction with other classmates and lecturer in a college-like environment, but with very little commitment from you, as you can start/continue to work and it's only 1 year.
I've just completed it in Dun Laoghaire and I thought it was excellent.. It's convinced me to go on to a H.Dip.

I love angels

Hi Everyone,
Thank you for all your responses. I am doing a Fetac level 5 in Applied Psychology in Senior College Dun Laoghaire in September . I have a induction on the 13th and the classes start on the 17th September. I will see how I get on with the course.

Thank you

Amazingfun

You might enjoy this documentary too, as I think this woman proves there is nothing one couldn't do if one has the ability and opportunity:

'The woman who thinks like a Cow'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46ycu3JFRrA