Adults with Asperger Syndrome at a Neuropsychiatric Centre in India

Summary It can be estimated using prevalence figures available from other countries that India will have about 1.7 million people with autistic spectrum disorder. However, majority of people with this condition unfortunately remain undiagnosed. Although there is some literature on autistic spectrum disorders in children, there is an absolute paucity of research on adults with developmental disorders. This is a retrospective case note based screening of all adults seen in the outpatient clinic of a tertiary psychiatric department over a ten-year period. Only six individuals have been diagnosed as having Asperger syndrome in this time frame and a review of clinical features and treatment indicate the use of psychotropic medications based on a symptomatic approach and less reliance on psychological interventions. Use of psychological interventions is limited to psycho-education and there is no provision for ongoing support for the individuals with Asperger syndrome and their families.