Do many children with Asperger's Syndrome also have Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

Answer 1

There really is no known connection between the two disorders. Rather, they show some of the symptoms of the disorder, but this is entirely tied to their AS. Children with AS do not understand most cultural norms and social conventions. And this includes the proper respect for authority figures. Children with AS will often speak with adults, parents, teachers, and other authority figures as if they were talking with someone of equal status. At times this can be endearing. At other times, it can lead to disrespect from the AS child because he or she just does not understand that the adult has authority over him or her. The moodiness comes from an AS child's trouble with understanding their own emotions and the emotions of others. The arguing is because children with AS are simply heavily opinionated and critical of other people. It is purely a part of the social parts of the disorder. The temper tantrums are normal for any child, really. It may just be that they are more noticeable in the AS child because you are aware he or she has a disorder. Like most children, he or she should grow out of them, albeit later than most children due to an AS child's slow development. Just deal with the tantrums in the same manner you would a regular child, though it helps to fully and very clearly explain things to him or her. But if he or she begins having them at a much older age, I would consult a pyschiatrist who specializes in AS or Autism. The angry or disruptive behaviors are also due to the AS child's problems with understanding their own emotions and the emotions of others. And with next to no understanding of social conventions and norms, the disruptive behavior is often not intended to be disruptive. Children often have fits of rage, so it should get better as he or she matures, though if it gets too bad or goes on too long, it helps to consult a psychiatrist who specializes in AS or Autism for some therapy to help it along. So, no. There is no connection between the two disorders. Many of the symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder are merely caused by the ways of thinking found in Asperger's Syndrome.