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Cassandra Affective Disorder
"I ended up feeling that no one would listen to me and came up with a name for
the 'syndrome' that affects the non-AS spouse: The CASSANDRA PHENOMENON,
Cassandra being the Greek mythological character who was given the gift of
prophecy, but the curse of having no one believe her even though she was right!"
- Anonymous in Massachusetts, 1999
In 1997, FAAAS came up with the term Mirror Syndrome to explain the way NT spouses and NT family members are adversely affected by AS behaviors, especially undiagnosed AS in adults. NT family members, over time, begin to reflect the persona of AS behaviors we live with, 24/7. We are isolated, no one validates us, we lose friends and family, and we feel like 'hostages' in our own homes.
A few years later, it was pointed out by a leader in the autism community in California, that we should change the name Mirror Syndrome because of too many 'syndrome' references. Shortly thereafter, in 2000, a friend in academia and medicine who understood the issue affecting NT spouses, came up with the term Cassandra Phenomenon. This was the term we have used until recently, for the 'traumatic stress disorder' which affects NT spouses and NT family members.
Currently, Maxine Aston, a qualified couples counselor and trainer who specializes in couples affected by Asperger's Syndrome in the UK, has taken the term Cassandra Phenomenon, a step further. Her research has led her to define Cassandra Affective Disorder (CAD) as a distinct disorder affecting NT family members who are living with AS behaviors which are undiagnosed, or diagnosed:
"What is CAD? - The easiest way to understand it is to relate it to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is caused by sunlight deprivation, this can cause a neurochemical inbalance in the brain which results in the symptoms below:-
Symptoms
The symptoms of SAD usually recur regularly each winter, starting between September and November and continuing until March or April, and a diagnosis can be made after three or more consecutive winters where the symptoms reoccur, which may include a number of the following:
Sleep problems: Usually desire to oversleep and difficulty staying awake but in some cases, disturbed sleep and early morning wakening
Lethargy: Feeling of fatigue and inability to carry out normal routine
Overeating: Craving for carbohydrates and sweet foods, usually resulting in weight gain
Depression: Feelings of misery, guilt and loss of self-esteem, sometimes hopelessness and despair, sometimes apathy and loss of feelings
Social problems: Irritability and desire to avoid social contact
Anxiety: Tension and inability to tolerate stress
Loss of libido: Decreased interest in sex and physical contact
Mood changes: In some sufferers, extremes of mood and short periods of hypomania (over activity) in spring and autumn.
Most sufferers show signs of a weakened immune system during the winter, and are more vulnerable to infections and other illnesses.
CAD, just like SAD is about deprivation, the only difference is that SAD is sunlight deprivation and CAD is emotional deprivation. My research is strongly indicating that emotional deprivation will have an affect on the mental and physical health of a person who is in a relationship with a partner with Asperger syndrome, especially if they are unaware of the cause of the relationship problems. Emotional reciprocity, love and belonging are essential human needs, if these needs are not being met, and the reason why is not understood, then mental and physical health may be affected.
Awareness and understanding can eliminate this. Just like sunlight restores the balance in SAD - emotional input and understanding can restore the balance in the person affected by CAD."
More Information: Letters, Articles & Other Material
Cassandra Reference: ASA's 38th National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders
How emotional pain can really hurt
Acting for Cassandra — Asperger’s Syndrome in Separation & Divorce
Cassandra Affective Deprivation Disorder (CADD) Brochure
Listening to Cassandra Workshop, 10-20-2007
The first workshop in the United States concerning Cassandra Affective Disorder.
Loneliness Linked to High Blood Pressure
Representing Cassandra in Matrimonial Law: Asperger's Syndrome in Separation and Divorce
The Healing of Cassandra
Upon Death Do We Part
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