L. E. Andrei, M. Stancu, A. M. Buică, I. Moraru, I. Dobrescu, F. Rad,
Abstract: Asperger Syndrome (AS), a condition on the autism spectrum, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by qualitative abnormalities in reciprocal social interaction, an unusually intense circumscribed interest or restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests and activities, while there is a lack of any clinically significant general delay in spoken or receptive language or cognitive development [1]. These core symptoms, together with the ever-increasing exposure to new-media platforms and devices, increase the risk of AS children and adolescents to committing illicit actions without fully comprehending the consequences of their behaviours. The main purpose of this paper is to present data from recent studies regarding the connection between some youth’s interest towards potentially harmful situations in the context of an underlying, possibly undiagnosed Asperger’s syndrome, in order to raise awareness about the importance of correct identification and diagnosis of these cases, as they imply a particular and sensitive therapeutic approach. Pediatric mental health professionals’ main concern regarding cases like these is related to the ethical and deontological implications, as the psychiatrist is faced with a dilemma - acting in the best interest of the patient versus the probable socially-malignant consequences of these patients’ actions. Keywords: Asperger Syndrome, delinquency, adolescent, ethics.
, a condition on the autism spectrum, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by qualitative abnormalities in reciprocal social interaction, an unusually intense circumscribed interest or restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests and activities, while there is a lack of any clinically significant general delay in spoken or receptive language or cognitive development [1]. These core symptoms, together with the ever-increasing exposure to new-media platforms and devices, increase the risk of AS children and adolescents to committing illicit actions without fully comprehending the consequences of their behaviours. The main purpose of this paper is to present data from recent studies regarding the connection between some youth’s interest towards potentially harmful situations in the context of an underlying, possibly undiagnosed Asperger’s syndrome, in order to raise awareness about the importance of correct identification and diagnosis of these cases, as they imply a particular and sensitive therapeutic approach. Pediatric mental health professionals’ main concern regarding cases like these is related to the ethical and deontological implications, as the psychiatrist is faced with a dilemma - acting in the best interest of the patient versus the probable socially-malignant consequences of these patients’ actions.&redirect_uri=http://rjlm.ro/index.php/arhiv/764)