Date: July 30 , 2007
Contact: Michelle Lathim , Office Coordinator
(360) 256-0448 or (503) 222-6678
info@kmarshack.com

News Story Feeds Raging Controversy on Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome

The controversy on adults with Asperger’s Syndrome heated up with the USA Today article, “A long shadow is lifted on Asperger’s in adults,” which ran July 24th. Psychologist Kathy Marshack, who was interviewed for the article, was not surprised to see that both clinicians and patients had a highly emotional response to the article. The controversy continues to rage on websites and blogs all over the internet.

The controversy is really twofold. First, are there a significant number of adults with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) that have not been diagnosed? Second, do men and women with AS form intimate relationships by marrying and having children?

From her personal experience with family members and clients in her private practice, Dr. Kathy Marshack believes that yes, there are many adults with Asperger’s that remain undiagnosed and yes, they do have marriage mates and children. Dr. Marshack stated in the USA Today article her belief that Asperger’s Syndrome often “doesn’t come to light until a spouse or adult child seeks therapy for depression or poor self-esteem that results from the coldness and egocentricity Asperger's adults demonstrate in relationships.”

Dr. Marshack hopes her book “A SLIVER IN MY MIND: Loving Those with Asperger Syndrome” will shed light on the intricacies of relationships between AS patients and their families. More information on her book and Asperger Syndrome is available on her website – www.kmarshack.com.