Post by Lawrence Gordon on Oct 31, 2011 12:23:23 GMT
Asperger’s syndrome is a mild form of autism. Most people never think of it in connection with adults. But a growing number of adults are finding that they may not be rude or odd — they may have Asperger’s. We look into the phenomenon and how patients are reacting to it.
Paula Ong knew she was different. She’s smart but she could’t keep a job.
“I’m on my 13th job,” Ong said.
She had trouble getting along, and people thought she was odd.
“They think I’m being rude, they think I’m being too direct, they think I’m being cold,” Ong said.
At 36, Ong was diagnosed with Asperger’s, a developmental disorder, which is a mild form of autism. People have difficulty with social skills and communicating.
“They’re wondering, ‘What’s different about me? I know there’s something,’” said Dr. Kathleen Loveland, director of the UTHealth Adult Asperger’s Clinic.
Now a growing number of adults like Ong are being diagnosed with Asperger’s in their 40′s, 50′s even 60′s.
Doctors say that many adults who are finally diagnosed with Asperger’s are actually relieved. They have a name for their idiosyncrasies and they understand why they are different.
Incredible that diagnosis takes so long.
debra jayne
hmmm wonder if i ask my Dr. to test me for Aspergers he will, i know my son has it but wonder if he will tell me to sod off if i say can i be tested for it too...
Hello Debra Jayne,
The test for aspergers is not necessarily one that can be carried out by your Doctor, even you son's doctor. Of course they should be able to but that goes without saying.
Send me, over a private link, your email address and I will send you a long list of criteria that 'may', and I repeat, 'may' help.
I'm away tomorrrow, Friday, and will be back late Sunday, so next week I can handle your request.
Thanks for joining us, and I hope you get what you are looking for. It's a bit like marriage I suppose, though we are not professionals. Myself I have 40 years plus dealing and helping with autism, and enjoy helping others for free who have problems.
Lawrence.
Paula Ong knew she was different. She’s smart but she could’t keep a job.
“I’m on my 13th job,” Ong said.
She had trouble getting along, and people thought she was odd.
“They think I’m being rude, they think I’m being too direct, they think I’m being cold,” Ong said.
At 36, Ong was diagnosed with Asperger’s, a developmental disorder, which is a mild form of autism. People have difficulty with social skills and communicating.
“They’re wondering, ‘What’s different about me? I know there’s something,’” said Dr. Kathleen Loveland, director of the UTHealth Adult Asperger’s Clinic.
Now a growing number of adults like Ong are being diagnosed with Asperger’s in their 40′s, 50′s even 60′s.
Doctors say that many adults who are finally diagnosed with Asperger’s are actually relieved. They have a name for their idiosyncrasies and they understand why they are different.
Incredible that diagnosis takes so long.
debra jayne
hmmm wonder if i ask my Dr. to test me for Aspergers he will, i know my son has it but wonder if he will tell me to sod off if i say can i be tested for it too...
Hello Debra Jayne,
The test for aspergers is not necessarily one that can be carried out by your Doctor, even you son's doctor. Of course they should be able to but that goes without saying.
Send me, over a private link, your email address and I will send you a long list of criteria that 'may', and I repeat, 'may' help.
I'm away tomorrrow, Friday, and will be back late Sunday, so next week I can handle your request.
Thanks for joining us, and I hope you get what you are looking for. It's a bit like marriage I suppose, though we are not professionals. Myself I have 40 years plus dealing and helping with autism, and enjoy helping others for free who have problems.
Lawrence.