My ASD Child

Aspergers does not only occur in kids and teens, but is also diagnosed in adults. The causes of Aspergers have not yet been fully clarified, although a genetic component is likely. To make the diagnosis, tests are performed to assess social ability, fluctuations in attention, attention to detail, communication, and fantasy. Although Aspergers has often been considered a disorder, it may be better to describe it as a personality style because of the fact that the people who have it tend to be social loners. Adults with Aspergers can have a variety of characteristics, some of the more common ones include: • A-rhythmic speech or abnormal speech rhythm • Average or above-average intelligence • Can sometimes appear to have an inappropriate, immature or delayed understanding of sexual codes of conduct • Clumsy or exaggerated gestures when talking • Difficulty with high-level language skills (reasoning, problem solving, being too literal) • Difficulty with social c...

Question What are some good jobs for a high schooler with Asperger's who can't work with the general public, for example, can't work traditional retail jobs, etc.? Answer If your Aspergers teen cannot function in a fast-paced job like McDonalds or a Movie Theater, then here are some other job options: 1. Babysitter 2. Building maintenance (e.g., painting, replacing light bulbs) in an apartment complex, hotel or office building 3. Corn detasseling 4. Elderly care 5. Finding insects and worms to sell to the local bait shop 6. Game tester (you get paid to play video games) 7. Handcrafts (e.g., wood carving, jewelry making, ceramics, etc.) 8. Janitor jobs (e.g., mopping, sweeping, cleaning) 9. Landscaping work 10. Lawn and garden work 11. Lawnmower repair 12. Life guard 13. Newspaper route delivering the local newspaper 14. Pet sitting/grooming 15. Plant care (e.g., watering plants in a large office building) 16. Pool cleaner 17...

Question My son is 22 and self medicates with marijuana, he has tried prescription medication but doesn’t like the side effects. He is living at home at the moment (has had a few attempts at living away from home). How do I handle this? He says he wants to give up, but will do it his way and wants no involvement from me. However, I cop the brunt of his rage when he hasn’t had his marijuana. Would appreciate any advice… Answer Self-medication is the use or abuse of drugs and/or alcohol in an attempt to relieve physical and/or emotional problems (e.g., depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, emotional pain, bipolar disorder, Aspergers, etc.). Self-medication is a temporary fix, because it treats the symptoms of the problem, not the problem itself. When young adults with Aspergers use drugs other than those that health-care providers prescribe, the underlying problem goes untreated – and possibly worsens! Unfortunately, self-medicating is often nothing more than short term gain...

The trouble is this: Aspies (i.e., people with Aspergers) can't lie if asked a direct question – they suffer from complete honesty. In addition, they often take other’s statements very literally. It's often remarked by neurotypicals or NTs (i.e., people without Aspergers) that Aspies respond in an inappropriate manner, but what does that actually look like? Here are some examples of “social mistakes” made by Aspies: NT: Look, here’s a picture of my baby. Aspie: Woo, he looks like Orville the Duck, doesn’t he? NT: Does my butt look big in this dress? Aspie: Yes it does, but no more than usual. NT: So, how would you like your eggs? Aspie: Unfertilized. NT: Did you notice how I've kept my youthful complexion? Aspie: Yeah, so I see ...all spotty. NT: I've changed my mind... Aspie: Excellent, so does the new one work better? NT: Say, haven't we met before? Aspie: Yes, I'm a nurse at the VD clinic. NT: Sweetheart, do you think I'll lose m...

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 ...