OPI Addresses Asperger's In Film

[Guest guest]

http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/publish/article_5539.shtml

Optimum Performance Institute

WOODLAND HILLS, CA

OPI Addresses Asperger's In Film

December, 2006

A student film offering insight into the difficulties a young adult

with Asperger Syndrome has as he struggles to interact with peers

and participate in ordinary activities will headline a talk given by

F. Fischer, M.D. at the NATSAP conference in La Jolla in

February. Also featured is an interview with Tanguey, M.D., a

leading expert on Asperger's.

Dr. Fischer is the Executive Director of the Optimum Performance

Institute. The topic of his talk at NATSAP will be, " So You Think

Your Student Has A Little Bit of Asperger's? " It will begin at 10:30

a.m. Feb. 1.

The documentary was written, directed and filmed by OPI Participants

under the supervision of OPI mentor Andreen, a well-known

film-maker. The young film-makers documented young adults at OPI and

interviewed Dr.Tanguey. Participants with the disorder also asked

their own, personal questions during Dr. Tanguey's recent visit to

OPI executive offices.

On the film Dr. Tanguey discusses his perspectives, presenting his

alternative to the current DSM-IV definition of Asperger's and

Autism, He proposes renaming it " Social Communication Spectrum

Disorder " . Dr. Tanguey said programs such as OPI where young adults

with the Disorder are integrated into a diverse and therapeutic

community affords them the greatest advantages and opportunity for

success.

At NATSAP Dr. Fischer and Kestenbaum, LCSW, Director of

Counseling at OPI, will present a general overview about the

disorder and discuss relevant treatment modalities such as

medication and dynamic individual and group psychotherapy.

The Optimum Performance Institute is a highly individualized

therapeutic, educational and residential program for young adults

ages 17-25-years-old.