Welcome to our Asperger's Page!

Asperger's Syndrome is a condition that was initially described by Dr. Hans Asperger's 1944 doctoral thesis. It was not until 37 years later, in 1981, however, that Dr. Lorna Wing used the term “Asperger's Syndrome” in a paper that helped to introduce this condition to the English-speaking world.

As described by Dr. Wing, the primary clinical features of Asperger's Syndrome include:

• naïve, inappropriate, one-sided social interactions
• limited ability to establish relationships
• poor non-verbal communication
• a lack of emotional empathy
• pedantic, repetitive speech
• intense absorption in certain subjects
• clumsy, un-coordinated movements
• odd postures

Currently, the prevailing view is that Asperger's Syndrome is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder which falls at the high end of the Autism Spectrum continuum.

The goal of this “Asperger Page” is to provide caregivers, professionals, and anyone else interested in this condition with information that may help to better understand, and assist, those individuals who share this very fascinating syndrome.

John M. Ortiz, Ph.D. is the director and founder of The Institute of Applied Psychomusicology[SM] A licensed psychologist, consultant, musician, composer, certified clinical hypnotist and psychoeducational trainer, he is listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.

Dr. Ortiz's work serving children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders originated in 1976, at which time he was instrumental in helping to secure a grant for the South Florida State Hospital that facilitated the appropriation of a facility to house adolescents apart from the general, adult population. More recently, since 1992, he has been specializing in serving children, adolescents and adults presenting with Asperger's Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, Non-Verbal Learning Disorders, Hyperlexia and related conditions. His eclectic and far reaching work with these populations has involved direct clinical service, assessment and evaluation, multi-disciplinary team coordination and instruction, research, professional training and lecturing, mentoring and supervision, and consultation with schools, universities, multi-disciplinary therapeutic facilities, mental health agencies, parents and caregivers, and others interested in serving these challenging, but immensely gratifying, fascinating people. Dr. Ortiz is also the author of the training-interactive game: “Exploring the Asperger Dimension”™, featured in his more extensive workshops, and the upcoming book: “Asperger's Syndrome and Related Conditions: A Practical Guide for Clinicians” (expected late 2004). His “Pulse Entrainment™” CD Series include “It's Sleepy Time!™”, and “Turning Daydreams to Dreams™” (children) all of which were were designed to elicit and facilitate relaxation across both the neurotypical and Autistic spectrum.

Dr. O’s Asperger's Page: Menu

The three sections (please access these sections by clicking on the links) provide information on:

Section One:
Features and characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome:

- Behavioral Definition
- Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-IV-TR (2000)
- Clinical Features
- Socialization deficits
- Use of Language
- Teaching Stress Reduction Skills
- Social Interaction
- Communication and Gestures

Section Two:
National and International Asperger's Workshops by Dr. Ortiz

- Single-day workshops
- Two & ½ day workshops

Section Three:
Resources and products designed to assist those with Asperger's Syndrome:

- Recommended Book
- Internet WebSites
- Social Skills Games
- Relaxation and Sleep-Aid resources (audio CDs):
   - “It's Sleepy Time!”
      younger children (ages 2-6)
   - “Turning Daydreams to Dreams”
      older children (ages 6-12)
   - “The Soothing Pulse”
      adolescents and adults

The information on these pages will be updated periodically to provide visitors to this site with current information, research findings, and products that may assist those with this syndrome. Our goal is to assist caregivers, clinicians, educators, and other professionals in better understanding the real world perspective from the vantage point of populations with Asperger's Syndrome and related conditions.