For the past 20 years, TARA’s national helpline has been collecting data on family experiences with Borderline Personality Disorder. We realized that many Helpline callers who have BPD or have a family member with BPD may also have a relative with autism or Asperger's Syndrome. They are often unaware that the behaviors they are describing may fit the Autism or Asperger’s Spectrum. One of our callers is the mother of twins; one with BPD and one with Asperger’s Syndrome. We have received calls from people who meet criteria for both BPD and Asperger's disorder.
Several characteristics of people with BPD seem to correlate with the characteristics of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder such as difficulty recognizing faces, naming emotions (alexithymia), super sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as light, sound, textures, smells, touch, and difficulty mentalizing others.
TARA interacts with leading BPD researchers. We serve as a conduit to raise awareness of childhood experiences, issues, and specific behaviors of people with BPD and their families (e.g. BPD and Pain, C. Schmahl) such as the intense shame experienced by people with BPD.
In order to call attention to the relationship of BPD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, we need data to support our observations. We are asking you to please participate in our survey so TARA can collect data that support the study of the possible relationship between autism spectrum disorders and BPD. We hope this will motivate research leading to earlier, more accurate diagnosis and new directions in treatment.
Please click the link below to be directed to our survey. Thank you for your participation!
Exploring the Relationship Between Borderline Personality Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, and Autism Survey
Several characteristics of people with BPD seem to correlate with the characteristics of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder such as difficulty recognizing faces, naming emotions (alexithymia), super sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as light, sound, textures, smells, touch, and difficulty mentalizing others.
TARA interacts with leading BPD researchers. We serve as a conduit to raise awareness of childhood experiences, issues, and specific behaviors of people with BPD and their families (e.g. BPD and Pain, C. Schmahl) such as the intense shame experienced by people with BPD.
In order to call attention to the relationship of BPD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, we need data to support our observations. We are asking you to please participate in our survey so TARA can collect data that support the study of the possible relationship between autism spectrum disorders and BPD. We hope this will motivate research leading to earlier, more accurate diagnosis and new directions in treatment.
Please click the link below to be directed to our survey. Thank you for your participation!
Exploring the Relationship Between Borderline Personality Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, and Autism Survey
