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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction 6/2018

01-12-2018 | Clinical Case Studies

How Does High-Functioning Autism (HFA) Relate to Addictive Behaviors? A Case Illustration of Two Chinese Adults in Hong Kong

Author: Chi-yan Wong

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 6/2018

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Abstract

High-functioning autism (HFA) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by normal intellectual functioning but significant social communication impairments as well as rigid thoughts and behaviors. On the surface, HFA seems to bear no relation to addiction, but studies have increasingly shown that the two conditions share similarities. The present study explored the commonalities between HFA and addiction in Chinese adults in Hong Kong in a neurobiological and psychosocial framework. A case study design was used to study two clinical cases of Chinese adult males in Hong Kong (aged 33 and 41). Both had a formal diagnosis of HFA and co-occurring excessive behaviors. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and case records. Content analysis was used. The present findings suggest that HFA and addiction may have genetic overlaps and shared sensory processing difficulties. The neurobiological basis of sensory processing difficulties has been documented in previous research. Repetitive behavioral patterns, emotional dysregulation, social deficits, and isolation were common risk factors of the two conditions. The present study also suggested that excessive behavioral patterns might change according to different developmental needs. The present findings support previous research on the neurobiological and psychosocial similarities between HFA and addiction. The limitations of the present study and implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
Footnotes
1
The Supportive Programme for Adults with High-functioning Autism (the Project) was established in 2009. It is a non-profit program and is the first in Hong Kong to specialize in serving Chinese adults with HFA. All clients in the project have a formal diagnosis of HFA. They are either self-referred to the project or referred by other community services for concerns related to HFA. The major concerns are interpersonal issues in college and the workplace, mental health issues, employment support and couple relationships. The project has served more than 600 adults with HFA since its launch, and an average of 70 clients every year (SAHK 2017).
 
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Metadata
Title
How Does High-Functioning Autism (HFA) Relate to Addictive Behaviors? A Case Illustration of Two Chinese Adults in Hong Kong
Author
Chi-yan Wong
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 6/2018
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-018-9964-y

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