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Clinical observation suggests that there might be an important overlap between Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and Autism spectrum disorders (ASS). Given this background it was the aim of this study to investigate autistic traits in patients with borderline personality disorder with special attention on cognitive empathy and alexithymia. 38 women with Borderline personality disorder participated. Autistic traits were assessed with the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), facets of empathy with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) und alexithymia with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). The results show that almost half of the BPD patients scored beyond the ASS cut-off of the AQ. The subgroup with high autistic traits had lower scores for cognitive empathy and higher alexithymia scores. Implications for clinicians are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years several specific programs have been developed for enhancing social competence in children and adolescent with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. Evaluation studies show positive results and medium effect sizes for improvement of social responsiveness. In the following study a phase II evaluation of the TOMTASS (Theory-of-Mind based social skills group training for children and adolescents with an Autism Spectrum Disorder) was done. The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and a Quality of Life Inventory (ILC) were collected from the parents of 38 male participants before and after the 24-hours therapy program. Additionally, video-analyses of the fi rst and last therapy session were conducted by a trained-blinded rater. Results show a significant improvement of social responsiveness (SRS) and a descriptive improvement in quality of life (ILK) for the parents as well as their children. A significant improvement of social interaction and communication but also a significant worsening of compliance to rules at the end of the therapy was evident from the video analysis. The positive results support a further controlled trial with a control group from a waiting list as well as additional objective and ecologically more valid measures, e. g., a behavioral test battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism is both a popular topic in the mass media and a neglected issue especially in adult psychiatry and psychotherapy. The reason for the latter is that in particular high functioning variants of autism spectrum disorders are frequently overlooked in case diagnosticians and therapists are unfamiliar with the phenotype. In fact high functioning autism often represents a kind of basic disorder based of which secondary depression, anxiety or personality disorder arises. But it is also a relevant differential diagnosis for psychotic disorder or obsessive-compulsive- disorder. The correct diagnosis is not only a prerequisite for the development of an adequate self-concept and understanding of the psychodynamics of the frequent problems, misunderstandings and conflicts but also for a differentiated and causally structured therapy planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]