Adult Aspergers

Mark-

Have you heard of adults having Aspergers. My son has been diagnosed, and it seems that I have some of the same problems.

Concerned father,

J.

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Hi J.,

As more and more doctors and society in general understands more about Aspergers syndrome, the condition is being diagnosed in adults as well as children.

Sometimes the diagnosis doesn’t come out in adults until their own child is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Typical symptoms associated with Aspergers syndrome in adults include having an average or above average intelligence, having difficulty thinking abstractly, showing difficulty empathizing with others, having poor conversational ability, and having difficulty controlling their feelings.

They also tend to adhere strongly to routines and schedules, show some inappropriate social behaviors and tend to specialize in specific fields or hobbies.

Adults with Aspergers syndrome often cannot clearly understand the emotions of others.

They may miss the subtleties of facial expression, eye contact and body language.

Like children with Aspergers syndrome, these adults are often seen as odd.

In addition, more males than females are affected with adult Aspergers syndrome.

In years past, such people muddled along in society, sometimes on the fringes and others were diagnosed with different types of mental illnesses.

Now that Aspergers syndrome has been brought into the public light by cases of people who either have succeeded despite Aspergers syndrome or committed crimes as a result of having previously undiagnosed Aspergers syndrome, more adults are being picked up and treated for the condition.

Often these aren’t adults specifically asking for help for suspected Aspergers syndrome but rather have depression, issues around self esteem or other mood issues that bring them to doctors or therapists that are now making the correct underlying diagnosis.

By finding the correct underlying diagnosis, more help can become available even to those who’ve likely had the diagnosis their entire lives but were unnoticed or labeled something else.

Mark

Online Parent Support

His behavior at Junior High seems to be getting worse...

Dear Mark............many thanks for the My Out-of-Control Child download and information on Teen Incentive Contracts. My wife, teen son, and I are making progress and are beginning to see improved changes in all of us. This information has answered many of the "yes, but how" questions that we have had.

Our son's behavior is improving at home but his behavior at Junior High seems to be getting worse -- e.g. more tardies, talking back to teachers, not studying during advisory period, etc. The consequence for these incidents is generally an after-school detention. Please advise if there should be a natural consequence at home as well considering that my wife or I must then pick up our son because he can't take the bus home?

Many thanks...............J.

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Hi J.,

You've mentioned 2 issues:

==> behavior problems at school

==> his behavior then is an inconvenience for you

Re: after-school detention. This is his consequence. I wouldn't add another on top of it

Re: providing transportation. Since his lack of responsibility costs you money (i.e., gas) and time, I would tell him that he will be charged a taxi service fee of, say $3.00, in the event he misses the bus and you have to go get him. This $3.00 can be deducted from his allowance, or he can perform some work at home to earn the $3.00, which must be paid back to you.

Sound silly? It works! This sends a very clear message to your son that his negative behavior affects him directly.

Mark

Online Parent Support