The adaptation of adolescents with Asperger’s syndrome to their social and learning contexts: A qualitative study

• Main Author: Batalla, Ma. Cecilia R.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2010
• Subjects: Asperger's syndrome in adolescence—Philippines; Clinical Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/6461; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etd_masteral/article/13154/viewcontent/CDTG004796_P.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

This qualitative study explored the adaptation of five Filipino adolescents diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) to their social and learning contexts. Using a framework based on Developmental Psychopathology, the study explored how they had adapted given their competence and difficulties as well as the risk and protective factors in their environment. The study surfaced adaptive mechanisms amidst three of their most significant challenges during adolescence namely: (1) Dealing with more complex mental tasks through persistence and learning support; (2) Enhancing their social competence through social support, instruction, and emotional regulation; and (3) Increased autonomy and independence through awareness of competencies and limitations, as well as goal-directedness. Recommendations for providing more directed support for adaptation toward positive outcomes for socialization and learning are presented.