My ASD Child

Question Do the symptoms of Aspergers differ according to the age of the person affected by the disorder? In other words, does a young child have a different set of issues compared to a teen or an adult? Answer Although there are many possible symptoms related to Aspergers (high functioning autism) across the life-span, the main symptom is usually “severe trouble with social situations” regardless of the age of the individual. An Aspie may have mild to severe symptoms or have a few or many symptoms. Because of the wide variety of symptoms, no two Aspies are alike. Parents often first notice the symptoms of Aspergers when their youngster starts preschool/school and begins to interact with other students. Symptoms during childhood include the following: • Appears to lack empathy • Avoids eye contact or stare at others • Dislikes any changes in routines • Does not pick up on social cues and may lack inborn social skills (e.g., being able to read others' bod...

Question My 15-year-old son was diagnosed with ASD [level 1] at the age of 12. I have heard that this disorder is highly genetic and have thought for many years now that my husband, John, also has ASD. When I first met John, I thought he was just a little “weird” and was hurt by his lack of concern for my feelings. Although I love him dearly, he is somewhat of a “heartless freak” (he has told me that I am an “overemotional troublemaker”). Is there a way for me to know for sure whether or not he has autism short of suggesting an assessment by a professional? He denies having a lot of the same characteristics as our son and has adamantly refused to get a formal diagnosis. It's important for me to know one way or the other so I can adjust my expectations accordingly. Answer Although not a replacement for a professional diagnosis, the following questionnaire will give you some insight into whether or not your spouse has this disorder. If you answer ‘yes’ to most of the fo...

Question Our son was recently diagnosed with ASD, and now my wife and I think that I may be on the spectrum too - but we're not sure. Is there a self-test that I can take to see whether or not I have it without going to a doctor for a formal diagnosis? Answer If you answer “true” to most of the statements below, then you probably have ASD [level one]. However, this self-test should not be viewed as a ‘diagnostic tool’ per say. True or False: 1. As a child, I didn’t enjoy playing games involving pretending with other children. T or F 2. Friends don’t talk to me about their problems because they find that I don’t understand them. T or F 3. Friendships and relationships are just too difficult, so I tend not to bother with them. T or F 4. I can’t figure out what another person might want to talk about. T or F 5. I can’t sense if I’m intruding, even if the other person tells me. T or F 6. I can’t tell if someone else is interested or bored with what I am ...

Question I am a young adult who was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome while in the Mental Ward at a local hospital. This diagnosis was made by a clinical Psychiatrist without any type of "testing". Just an interview about my past and present history. I read online about Asperger Symptoms and I totally agree with his diagnosis. I have hand flapping when excited, sensitivities to sounds, trouble making eye contact, difficulty understanding people's emotions, and I have an interest mainly just in music and weather and it's hard to make friends. I'm unable to get along with people well and can't hold down a job. I told my primary Psychiatrist about the diagnosis and she kind of blows it off and says the hospital can't make a diagnosis of Aspergers without "testing" being done. What type of testing would need to be done? The Doctor at the hospital that diagnosed me said he has many patients who have Aspergers. I do not second guess his opini...