This study aimed to determine what the effect of participation in a Tomatis Programme (TP) would be on the psychological well-being and communication ability of a 14 year old, white adolescent boy with Asperger Disorder (AD). A mixed method design in the form of a single casestudy was used. Qualitative data were obtained via semi-s!mctured interviews, spontaneous sketches and observation. Quantitative data were gathered by means of projective drawings and the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Seven main categories with twenty-one sub-categories emerged eom the qualitative data, and were supported by the quantitative data. Results indicated improvement in Interpersonal Communication and all six domains of psychological well-being as defined by RyfT (1995) with most significant areas being: Environmental Mastery, Personal Growth, Autonomy and Positive Relations. The Tomatis Method (TM) proved to be a successful form of treatment to enhance psychological well-being and interpersonal communication skills in an AD patient More effective communication and better family relationships can be achieved and therefore youth with AD can be empowered to adjust their behaviour accordingly. The TM prepared the participant for a next phase in therapy where he specifically can focus on more effective social skills with peers. Further research involving more participants and a control group is needed. / Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

This study aimed to determine what the effect of participation in a Tomatis Programme (TP) would be on the psychological well-being and communication ability of a 14 year old, white adolescent boy with Asperger Disorder (AD). A mixed method design in the form of a single casestudy was used. Qualitative data were obtained via semi-s!mctured interviews, spontaneous sketches and observation. Quantitative data were gathered by means of projective drawings and the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Seven main categories with twenty-one sub-categories emerged eom the qualitative data, and were supported by the quantitative data. Results indicated improvement in Interpersonal Communication and all six domains of psychological well-being as defined by RyfT (1995) with most significant areas being: Environmental Mastery, Personal Growth, Autonomy and Positive Relations. The Tomatis Method (TM) proved to be a successful form of treatment to enhance psychological well-being and interpersonal communication skills in an AD patient More effective communication and better family relationships can be achieved and therefore youth with AD can be empowered to adjust their behaviour accordingly. The TM prepared the participant for a next phase in therapy where he specifically can focus on more effective social skills with peers. Further research involving more participants and a control group is needed. / Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Even among the most high-functioning individuals with autism, there is a wide range of variation in outcome. This study examined within-child factors, such as temperament, that contribute to variation in social outcomes, the most salient area of deficit among individuals with high-functioning autism (HFA). Approach/withdrawal tendencies and effortful control were used to predict variation in symptoms and social skills. A unique multi-method approach employing self- and parent-report measures, physiological assessment, and social observation was used to determine whether temperament could be used to predict variation in social skills and symptom presentation. Results indicated that compared with an age- and gender-matched control group, the HFA group self-reported higher levels of negative affect and lower levels of surgency and were observed to exhibit higher levels of approach tendencies and lower levels of social skills. Across all participants, higher levels of effortful control were predictive of more adaptive social skills and higher levels of observed approach behavior were predictive of higher levels of anxiety. These results are discussed in relation to the variability in outcomes seen among individuals with autism and the implications for the development of interventions to enhance adaptive outcomes.