Asperger’s in Adults
After a cursory investigation into the symptoms of Asperger Syndrome, the mind tends to reel back to people we’ve known, characters from popular fiction, family members or even life partners, with the thought, “I wonder…” It can be tempting to begin amateur diagnosis of every person who says an insensitive thing or won’t look you in the eye. But Asperger’s symptoms in adults can be just as subtle and complex as they are in children.
The fact that Asperger’s is a relatively new diagnosis—it only made it into the DSM in 1994 and is being folded back into the autism spectrum in 2013—means that there are many adults out there who never had proper diagnoses as children. Perhaps a family doctor hesitated to diagnose autism due to the mildness of symptoms or the stigma attached with the term “autism” at the time. Or perhaps a diagnosis of mild autism was made, and even well intentioned parents were unsure how to act on it. But the most likely scenario is that a child was simply labeled “weird” and went on with life unclear why they struggled in ways their peers did not.
As such, Asperger’s in adults can be a very frustrating thing to cope with, both for patients and people in their lives. Whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, it often means a life of struggle during social interactions, work, and in family or romantic relationships. Many don’t learn they have the syndrome until a child or grandchild is diagnosed, and then a light bulb goes off when shared family members recognize similarities. The resulting realization and diagnosis can be a tremendous relief, followed by a daunting look toward the challenges ahead.
Manifestation and Challenges of Asperger’s in Adults
Some of the symptoms of Asperger’s tend to ease a bit with age, or as the person learns to compensate for his or her different abilities. As with Asperger’s in children, the primary symptoms involve difficulty empathizing and reading emotions, or the social cues most people notice automatically. There may be a sensed coldness or lack of connection between loved ones. Adults with Asperger’s may be labeled as “quirky” or “weird,” never quite keeping up with conversation during social or work gatherings. They often continue the tendency to hold conversations that feel one-sided, robotic, or monotonous.
Adults with Asperger’s also will continue to have similar fixations in narrow interests. They often obsess over hobbies that involve collection and classification, less as a social activity and more as something they enjoy in isolation. They are often highly intelligent and have a singular skill or expertise in their passions, but might be labeled strange, slow or antisocial nonetheless.
In Relationships: You can imagine such symptoms, especially if someone doesn’t know he or she has any kind of disorder, can be exasperating in daily life. For one, relationships can be trying for both parties involved. For the person with the disorder, it can feel as though a partner or family member is never satisfied with the level of emotion being expressed. And on the other end, there will be a sense that the person is shut off, overly rational, or excessively vigilant about details. A partner may have the feeling of being along or having to carry the emotional weight for both halves of the relationship.
Relationships with an adult who has Asperger’s are far from doomed though. The emotions are there, and the person is not a robot. It’s just that the connections and the communication of emotions can be quite strenuous. But just as we love all people for their strengths and weaknesses, similarities and differences, the same goes for adults with Asperger’s.
In the Workplace: Work can also be a challenge for adults with Asperger’s. Repeated difficulty or failure in certain realms can be maddening to no end. On top of these struggles, even once diagnosed, it can be difficult to find proper disability resources because of the unique nature of the disorder. The fact that a person can cope fairly well most of the time can betray the severity of the disability.
Fortunately, we’ve come a long way and awareness about autism spectrum disorders continues to improve. For example, public schooling can offer individual counseling and assistance, and many universities have built in resources and made adjustments for students on the autism spectrum. There are also increased opportunities for attending college from home or online. There are also support resources that help adults with Asperger’s find and retain employment, including finding a specialized position that suits the unique needs and skills involved. Many people with Asperger’s have thrived in positions that demand fixed attention for long periods of time, such as computer programming, drafting, work with electronics or mechanics, or a variety of positions in the physical sciences.
Finally, while the challenges for an adult with autism are significant and not to be minimized, it’s important to point out that, whether in spite of or because of, there are many stories of adults with autism spectrum disorders finding great success in their fields of interest. They champion the concept of “neurodiversity,” and as proud Aspies cite their prominence in the tech and computer fields. Professionals have noted apparent Asperger’s symptoms in people like Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg or even Former Vice President Al Gore.
Resources and Reading
For adults who may have Asperger’s, or their loved ones, a similar level of caution should be exercised with diagnosis and treatment, including help from health professionals. It’s especially worth noting that in adults with Asperger’s, there are often other concurrent disorders such as hyperactivity, anxiety or addiction.
To start with, the Autism Society is a fantastic resource that can point affected adults in the right direction. There’s also a great deal of literature available, from personal to clinical. Here are a few selections:
[shareaholic app=”share_buttons” id=”156524″]
| [adsense_id=”5″] | [adsense_id=”6″] |
- Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s, by John Elder Robison
- The Journal of Best Practices: A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome, and One Man’s Quest to Be a Better Husband, by David Finch
- Asperger Love: Searching for Romance When You’re Not Wired to Connect, Kindle Single by Amy Harmon
- The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome, by Tony Attwood
Beverly Brooks
I think my adult son may have this , how do I get him tested to help him.
Thank you.
Anonymous
Hi Beverly,
Thanks for your comment/question. The best thing you can do is talk to your family physician. He or she knows your son and and can recommend a physician specializing in developmental-behavioral medicine who will be able to assess your son and if necessary prescribe a treatment regimen.
If you don’t have a family doctor, try Googling “Aspergers physician ___________” with the underscore being your city or area. That should give you a list or place to start. Failing that, call the local hospital’s information desk and ask for a recommendation.
Best of luck, and please come back and let us know how your son’s visit went. We’d love to hear about it!
– Logan
Joy
Beverly you need to have your primary refer you to a “neuropsychologist” for diagnosis. Do not accept a referral to a neurologist, these disorders are not their specialty. They are not equipped to do the DSVM testing.
If you do not have a neuropsychologist within your medical facility your doctor can refer you out of network to get a consult and diagnosis with a Hospital or medical facility that has a Neuropsychology department.
Dorothy
Found this site helpful and very positive. My wonderful husband of more than 25 years was diagnosed with Asperges 3 mths ago. While the diagnosis made sense of difficulties he experienced until his early 20’s not getting any further help and lots of negative from health professionals has been really hard. Like many adults with Asperges he has amazing qualities and skills, the big thing is learning how to manage in situations that he finds very stressful. For me, it’s learning to phrase questions differently as we don’t think along the same patterns. Rough going at present as help has been non existant since diagnosis and so much that is on the web is depressing or doesn’t relate. The bonus is we have a happy strong marriage. Thanks for the site.
Logan
Hi Dorothy,
So, so glad we could be of some use. A happy strong marriage after 25 years with Asperger’s is truly remarkable. You are both obviously fortunate, as well as strong. Good luck to both of you going forward.
Kati
My husband of 47 yrs was diagnosed as an Aspie some time ago. He did not tell me until I approached him about 8 months ago, after a great deal of research.. There are no therapist in our rural area with a speciality in Asperger’s syndrome. Plus that fact that h has become so gun shy that he will not speak, or will agree with anything rather than argue nor admit the truth if he thinks it will cause a problem. I am trying to learn to have a live of my own but the loneliness is overwhelming, as my health is no long good enough for me to go or do any of “my” things. My friends are a;; off doing and going and have really little or no time for an invalid. Got any suggestions..
nancy
Hi, I think i may have this along with depression and social anxiety, well i just feel like i cant bond with people and i do find myself obsessed with odd topics , and i dread social situations but then i feel lonely, sad, rejected and inadequate i feel like an emotional burden to my husband who is a social butterfly, the only thing that doesnt seem to fit into this diagnosis is that i dont come out as cold or insensitive i come out as over sensitive and i think i over analyze other people’s body language, i also dont think i bring up topics repeatedly or be unaware of people’s boredom , i also keep my interests to my self and enjoy my time alone but then i feel hopeless and sad for the lack of meaningful experiences and relationships in my life, i dont feel overly anxious on social situations only with people ive known for a while and im supposed to already have bonded in some way i feel anxious with them because i feel like a failure, i know this was long and full of grammar mistake plz excuse me english is my second language, i just want to know if it is possible i have aspergers syndrom, ive always tought i have depression that has led to social anxiety, but a lot of the symptoms are familiar to me.
Logan
Thank you for writing in Nancy. I’m sorry you’re going through such a tough time. Despite your detailed explanation, it’s impossible for me to make a diagnosis from the Internet. My advice is to bring up your thoughts with a psychiatrist or psychologist, or at the very least, your family physician. They’ll be able to look at all the symptoms you’re presenting, and follow up with questions that will help them make an accurate diagnosis.
Good luck to you.
-Logan
Roslyn
For the past year I’ve believed that my husband of 20 years is on the asperger’s spectrum. The diagnosis explains everything. However, I don’t know how to bring it up to him in a way that he will consider it because he’s so extremely self-conscious about what people think and he’ll view it as a weakness or a stigma. I’ve found a lot of information about it on the internet, but most descriptions are more severe than his degree of the condition. How do you tell the owner of a large successful business that there might be something wrong with him?
Logan
Thank you for writing Roslyn. It’s often challenging loving someone with Asperger’s, especially when symptoms that present mildly go undiagnosed. I sympathize with both of your positions, and hope that you can find the common ground that allows for open and honest communication.
Unfortunately, his self-consciousness is unfounded, as he clearly has strengths he should be enormously proud of. “Wrong” is not the word I choose to use to describe Asperger’s, especially when the syndrome typically comes with compensatory/attendant gifts. Most likely, his strengths are a component of his Asperger’s, if indeed he resides on the spectrum. My advice would be to approach the conversation from that angle, rather than viewing it as a disease.
Good luck to you both. I’d love to hear back from you after you’ve crossed this bridge.
-Logan
Angela
I have an adult brother (50yrs) who has always had trouble academically and socially. He is a very kind-hearted person and at times I feel he is almost child-like. He attended private schools and still struggled. He has been out of work for 3 years and has had to move in with our mother due to his finances. He doesn’t seem to understand the severity of this issue, and I believe our mother is in denial. He has no medical insurance, no skill set and only a high school diploma. I am concerned for his future, and honestly, I am concerned that he will become my responsibility. I believe he may have Asperger’s and wish that he would see a doctor. I have mentioned this to my mother, but again she is in denial (although she did tell me that when he was in elementary school, testing was suggested and she was offended-thus the move to private school). Please advise!
Concerned
Angela,
I have an adult brother that has been diagnosed with Aspergers. He is smart, but socially out of touch and has violent outbursts. He moved back into our parents home about 12+ years ago. Since then our father has passed away and my mother is getting much older and the living with my brother takes a toll on her. I am concerned what will occur with my mother’s passing.
It does not appear that any answers or replies have been given. I too am looking for some answers or help. I wanted to reach out to let you know that I am in nearly a similiar situation which is further complicated as my husband and I are trying to do an international adoption for which may cause complications if my brother is not able to find a way to more independently sustain himself. (I will not able to have him come live with us if my mother passes)
I am hoping to find some better answers to my concerns and care for my brother.
If you or anyone on this forum have found any further helps, please share.
liza
This is sooo very disturbing . I had my daughter in therapy since she was 6. Six years old . Her therapist of 8 years did NOT diagnose her correct. My daughter now is 24 . What do I do? disturbed and torn mother
admin
It’s never too late to get the care and guidance that can really help the lives of those of us with Asperger’s. If your daughter is willing, have her visit another doctor, ideally one who specializes in Asperger’s/Autism.
It could make a huge difference in her life. Good luck Liza.
janet ginger
i didn’t know about aspergers, until last summer a women moved in our building who would come in lounge and sit right between means when i asked and another having a private conversation. She appeared to be reading a book. She also would be everywhere watching. It made people angry. She also switched large personal plants on different floors as if she was controlling us. My niece and sister talk on and gush sentiment,leave
long messages but have answering machines on cell or land line.
Dallas
My girlfriend of 3 years just happened to run across an Asperger video which lead her to the test. She took the test as if she were me and then informed me of the results. I then ran across your test and decided to take it. I’m thinking that I might need a professional opinion now. This could explain so much about me that it is troubling. I was institutionalized by an alcoholic mother at age 8 for “anger issues” and have no significant memories of treatment, just certain moments that stuck. Anyway, thanks for the test, I think it could be a life saver eventually.
Anonymous
Thanks for sharing your story Dallas. I wish you luck in your journey.
-Logan
Valarie
I have been dating a man (55 yrs old) for the past year whom I suspect may have undiagnosed Aspergers. He was married 30 years and there was major communication issues it seems. It sounds like the concerns I have may be issues that he’s had since he was a child…What suggestions do you have to help identify if he does in fact have Aspergers? He seems to have many of the characteristics behaviorally (selective mutism, repetetive phrasing of “I’m thinking” or “I need space”, withdrawing from communication for a couple days, regimented behaviors, doesn’t handle change well, etc). And yet he is one of the most kind men i’ve ever known outside the AWOL events. How can I help him most and how can I help myself from the emotional rollarcoaster that it sometimes brings?
Anonymous
Thank you for sharing your experience Valarie. Your concerns are legitimate: the tension of loving a man who can at times display the behavior you described must indeed be difficult. And these “AWOL” periods are likely as painful for him as they are for you. If he’s willing, it would behoove you both to see your primary care physician. He or she can refer you to a specialist who can best diagnose the behaviors.
Good luck to you both.
-Logan
Kevin
I am a 19 year old teen with Aspergers i had that diagnoses since i was 6 years old and i am homeless trying to get a job a find somewhere to live my biggest fear is not being able to find hot girl fall in love and have kids i am very uncertain about life right now i also have the state of ohio \
help me to do all of that and i am also trying to ac heave my dreams and find a job at the same time and i always have some thought that my mother that kicked me out has Aspergers what do i do
Anonymous
Hi Kevin,
You’ve got a lot on your plate right now and I admire your ambition and motivation.
Do you have access to a homeless shelter in your area? If so, oftentimes there will be a social worker on staff or who makes regular visits. This person can be a tremendous resource for you. They can help you with many of the things you are struggling with (well, maybe not the hot girl;).
If there is no shelter near you, make a call to the nearest Dept. of Social Services and speak with someone there. They can tell you what you’d need to do to find help through the system.
Good luck Kevin.
-Logan
Amy Murray
I am certain my mom has Aspergers Syndrom. After looking into thew symptoms, i am even more convinced. She is 62. She lived with me for many years, i finally found her an adult apartment (60 yrs+ , and goes according to income. She has ALWAYS worked. Shes a great worker although she can only secure minimal paying jobs. She works in a kitchen and washed hair in a salon for more then 20 yrs. She doesn’t seem to know she’s “different”, although most others do. I never have talked to her about it. Sometimes i become very aggravated because i need and needed a mom, but i’m like her mom. I bring her to appts, groceries, etc. and i can not have a conversation with her about my problems. There is a lack of that connection. Then i feel guilty, because i know she can’t help it. Is there anything i can do to improve her life? She doesn’t drive, so she stays in mostly. She goes to Bingo twice a week and talks about it… (” I missed winning 500.00 by one number,”) Ill hear that for a week. She calls 3-5 times a day to say hello. Like i said, i feel awful that i want to dodge her call. Can u help me, help her?
Denise
My husband recently came to me and said that he thinks he is autistic…I was dumbfounded, shocked, scared, bewildered, and many other emotions. I asked him why he thought this (we have two grandsons that fall on the spectrum, one Asperger’s and the other diagnosed with Autism/ADHD/ODD) and he replied that he began to wonder if something was truly wrong with him because so many people (including myself) constantly say to him, “What’s wrong with you?” “That is wrong.” “Why would you say something like that.” etc.
So I started to do research also; in which I discovered that if indeed he has a developmental disability, he would fall more into the Asperger’s category. He is of very high intelligence…he just “says” things that are VERY off most of the time and he ends up saying that that wasn’t what he meant to say or that he used the wrong word. He absolutely abhors social get togethers. He does not like to be around people, makes racial remarks, and displays anger/frustration with people easily. Eye contact does not come naturally for him. He shows an excessive attraction/love/care/empathy toward animals, even the tiniest little insect; as opposed to little to none for people. We are very blessed in that his fixation is on automobiles, he is like a car surgeon that knows just about everything there is to know to diagnose a problem and fix it on cars from the Model A or T to Rolls Royce to Jaguar etc…all makes, all years…it is an uncanny knack and he makes a good earning with it.
Our marriage of 16 years has been an extreme struggle, full of many frustrations and difficulties. Our 3 children love him, but they have lost much respect for him due to the constant fickleness, lack of integrity and following through with things he may tell/promise them, and they have experienced many hypocritical situations with him.
We all love Dad…we just don’t know how to live in peace and harmony with him. When he is away at work, the rest of us function in a peaceful, fun, loving environment…BUT when dad comes home the flags go up and each of us has our own way of “being careful” “treading on ice” so as to not cause any ripples that turn into huge surges with him.
So much more to say, but basically…we don’t know where to go for any help to turn our family and our home into a haven of love and respect.
The biggest key is that my husband now acknowledges that, “Hey, maybe something is wrong with me.” That is a very humble place for him to be…now we, as a family, need to act on it.
Terry
Yes, living with Aspergers is quite difficult. I moved in with a friend of 45 years and after a year and a half I thought I was going nuts. I realize now, with all the help from the internet, that I need to encourage my friend to be tested but he is 72 and extremely rigid regarding anything different. He spends HOURS at his Grandmother’s card table playing with stamps. He was a junior high school running coach for a few years and now will spend hours clipping results for races of kids he doesn’t even know. He doesn’t bathe and only changes his clothes once a week. He waters all the lawns in the neighborhood by hand and connects hoses and hoses together so he can use his own water.
At exactly 7am, EVERY morning he has one cup of tea and two cups of buillion and thats it until the beer starts at 10 or 11. If you look at him when speaking his eyes glaze over. I honestly think he only hears himself and even then I wonder. If the phone rings he gets completely flustered when he can’t remember how to turn off the TV so he can follow a conversation, since he can not focus on two things at once. He will just hand me the remote to turn it off. He writes on 3 X 5 index cards with black sharpies and sticks them every where to remind himself of what he needs to do or where to be.
The whole situation seems to be getting worse and being that he is my friend of so many years I feel I need to be proactive and do something. But where do I start?
Jason
This sounds like me, my stepfather, half of the engineers i work with, all of my top management, and everyone in the IT department. I’m pretty sure anyone intelligent and detail-oriented will fall into this aspergers category. I’m genuinely not too sure this needs to be called a mental disorder. This is just being intelligent and male.
Maria
My son is 21 and was diagnosed with permanent brain damage with aspergers like symptom 4yrs ago. I applied for SSA but he was declined of services because he was fully functional and can do manual labor. Its upsetting to me that SSA does not take into account their mental challenges and I don’t know if I should appeal it or not. Any suggestions would be helpful.
maisha
Appeal!! The ssa hardly ever approves on the first apply unless it’s a sever physical issue. Mental health needs most of the time get denied so appeal. Also use an ssa lawyer like dr. Bill latour or binder and binder because they do everything and if approved that take a small amount from firstbenefits check only. Goodluck miss Maria (=
Louise
I can identify with several of the people who posted here to say that after 20+ years of marriage they are beginning to suspect (or now believe) that their spouse has aspergers.
I too didn’t know how to bring it up without sounding like “you’ve got a problem.” I also was afraid that my husband would go online and read all the information that paints a bleak picture of people who have no empathy, are socially awkward and bore people with their lengthy monologues and that he’d think that’s what I think about him.
(Interestingingly, I’ve met with therapists at various times when going through a stressful time (death of parent, move, infertility) and my relationship with my husband was never the issue.
Recently I was meeting with a therapist to talk about my son, who is 19 and struggling, and the therapist asked if I thought my husband had aspergers. It was a revelation.
I took an asperger’s quiz and answered as I thought my husband would answer and I scored “most likely has aspergers.” I screwed up the courage to ask him to take the quiz. He wasn’t offended as I thought he might be, but after he took it he said he score in the “doesn’t have asperger’s” range.
He thinks he is an introvert, which he is, but I feel strongly it is more than that. I think I need to pursue this because I really do think two of my young adult children have certain asperger’s traits that make their lives more difficult. (Social situations and friendships are extremely difficult for both of them, despite being very loving, compassionate (and very bright) people.) It seems to me that it would be a relief to find out “it’s not you, it’s the disorder.”
In my opinion their issues are much less noticeable than their dad’s but if I can help them avoid some of the struggle and pain their father has experienced obviously I want to do that.
Do you have a suggestion for how to proceed? Buy my husband a book? Try to talk him into couples counseling? He’d do anything for his kids, but I’m afraid that forcing him to confront this at age 60 would be very upsetting.
Heather Anderson
I believe my boyfriend of two years may have Aspbergers. He is also an alcoholic and has recently been arrested for various charges one of which being burglary. Burglary!!? This is not who he is! However, when he drinks he is a completely different person. Almost like he has a split personality! I love him so very much but I don’t know how to help him. I’m a single mother of two little girls and their father has never offered any support of any kind. My boyfriend is usually a big source of support for me but at times its like I have a third child. I don’t want to abandon him but after three DUI’s and now this, I just don’t know what to do. PLEASE HELP!!!
Derek
I have always been different. These symptoms explain it.
Chris
I have wondered if I have this for a long time. My interests/hobbies/whatever you prefer to call them usually involve doing something, usually alone, that requires intense and lengthy focus and attention. I’ve been seeing a psychiatrist and taking medication for most of my life, and although that has helped a lot, there’s still a lot that’s dysfunctional about my life and relationships. I was diagnosed with major depression in my teens but I get the feeling that’s only a part of my problem.
I’ve asked about it a few times but I think doctors (including psychiatrists), psychologists, counselors, etc. have always been reluctant to diagnose me with Asperger’s or ASD because of the stereotype that people with autism are mentally retarded (I’ve been labelled “gifted” all my life).
One other thing…every time I try to click “next” after filling out the first part (“Social Symptoms”) of the quiz, I get the error message: “Another quiz on this page has been started and two quizzes cannot in progress at the same time.” When I “click here” (right where it says to), it sends me back to the first part of the quiz, and the same thing happens a second time when I try to fill it out.
chris
I am 23 and was diagnosed at a very young age. I have gone through many fazes, and have been interested in cars for the last few years, and have built 2. I am having trouble gaining employment and maintaining it, as I am often perceived as annoying or unfriendly, and don’t have the patience for many of the jobs I’ve held. I am struggling in my relationship of the last 2 to 3 years, because she was…dishonest…with several other partners while I was back home attempting to reconnect with family. I feel like my world is falling apart and I’ll never get to where I need to be. I need help and don’t know where to find it, please help.
Chrissy
I’m dating a guy with this and A.D.D. lately he has been sleeping all day and up at night and he is still feeling tired. I’m worried about him he will only see his doc in Vernon ( we live in kelowna BC) and he us booked till Feb 2016 I really think he needs to see some one. And are people with this disorder should the be on a specific diet like no gluten? I really care for him and am so worried what should I do or get him to do.PLEASE HELP US?
it is ben
i’ve been afraid to ask for help understanding myself for a while now, seeing it as a weakness to need help to be normal, but lately i have looked at it differently.
now i see weakness as an opportunity to prove my strength over it.
i might need help but being unafraid of how people view me for asking for help is a kind of strength in its self, plus courage is virtuous.
apologies for ranting.
a few people over the years have asked if i have something wrong, a week ago i joined them. possible aspergers aside i feel under a lot stress lately and would like some help dealing with it, i phoned my local doctors practice to speak with a doctor but they apparently don’t help people they don’t know. the other places in my area are not taking new patients either.
Glenise
Like many others I have a son nearly 38 who has only just been diagnosed with Aspergers. He can be an absolutely awful person, screaming at me on the phone in an unbelievable temper and its all about things he has lost. Girlfriends, cars, possessions and its all my fault!!! These outbursts have been occurring ever since he came back from the UK (which turned out to be disastrous for him). He went with a friend but was not permitted to stay with his friend’s cousin so he was quite alone. I was living in Australia at the time but now we are both back in New Zealand. This fixation about past siutuations is not only upsetting and insufferable for him, but his behaviour towards me is really quite disgusting and the swearing is unbelievable. I now know that his having Aspergers can be the cause of his outbursts which are getting more and more frequent. He lost his Dad when he was 19 but he coped with everything really well at the time, I thought. However he told me he was getting terrible nightmares living in his fathers townhouse and he then sold it to go to the UK. After nearly 17 years of my living in Australia and now in NZ his behaviour seems to be recurring more than ever. He is actually quite a loner, has no girlfriend and only has a loan car. He keeps telling me I should be organising his future and God only knows I have tried to help him. He never listens to me or other adults in the family and has never done a trade or sort out any kind of career despite suggestions from his father and I and also my sister and her husband. He wont listen or take any notice of any of us or our suggestions. So he is actually homeless. I live with my sister now that her husband is dead and there is no room for him in this small 2 bedroom unit. He has many different kind of jobs and in different places. He never tells me where he is living or his address. He says I don’t need to know. This has been his behaviour pattern. If he does visit it is usually to see is he can leave some of his things with us. He will give my sister and I hug, he often brings a present too. But otherwise all communication is by txt on the phone. Some of these have been too terrible to mention as to what he calls me!! If I call him and cant get him I have to do txts also. If he does phone me it is usually to abuse me over something in the past. Everything is my fault. He also suffers from depression and his txts can be quite suicidal at times and of course all this worries me so much. He wont even listen to me at all. I do know where his doctor is close to where I am living when he went to see him for depression. I would like to go and see him and tell him what’s going on with my son now, but I fear that if I do my son would really do something rash and dangerous if he was to find out. My son was in a different town when he saw a doctor who sent him to a Counsellor who did the Aspergers test.
I am really at a loss as to what I can do for him. He can go from ” I love you Mum “to” I hate you” in a very quick space of time and he just wont let go of the past!!!
Laurie
Thank you for all this information. My daughter is high functioning, talented, intelligent and musical. She has always struggled with lack of emotions, and gets bored easily. She pretends to be friendly, but can’t carry on small talk. So many similar traits. This has helped me realize I need to find out more about this. Thank you and good luck everyone!