Centre to focus on adults with Asperger’s

6:15am Saturday 26th July 2008

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A NEW centre to test adults for autism is being opened in Southampton.

An estimated 100,000 people are undiagnosed with Asperger's syndrome in the UK and the new national Autism Diagnostic Research Centre is bringing together experts in the condition to help sufferers and their families. Asperger's syndrome is a neuro-genetic disorder on the autism spectrum that people are born with and has no cure.

It is a lifelong developmental disorder and is not seen as a learning disability or a mental illness.

People who live with the condition often find events such as relationship breakdowns or loss of jobs hard to cope with and this can result in severe mental health issues or even suicide.

The service provided by the team at the centre, in Rose Road, aims to help individuals' quality of life as well as helping their partners, families and colleagues understand the condition.

Consultants in clinical psychology, neuropsychology, forensic psychology and psychiatry will work together to look at the strengths as well as the deficits of people with the syndrome, to give the best advice and support.