njaxon wrote:
Hi everyone, I'm new to all of this, but I realized very early that my son was "a weirdo." Sorry if I'm not being PC. He was born in 1984, I didn't know why he seemed weird, I spent MANY years trying to cover up his weirdness -- and telling myself he'd grow out of it. As the years went by, my sister self-identified as an alcoholic, my mother became depressed; her depression was on-and-off, I think now (she's still with us) that she is bi-polar, one cousin has been diagnosed formally as schizophrenic, one cousin committed suicide. I struggle with depression and alcohol abuse.
WOW! I just realized how exciting and fun-loving I sound! It's really not all that bad, it's just that I've come to realize over the years how intertwined all these mental demons are.
My question, I guess, is that because I didn't realize my son was on the autism spectrum until after he had graduated from high school -- and I could be wrong, he's never been formally diagnosed -- would it be beneficial for him to go in and get a formal diagnosis?
BTW, when I read an article about Asperger's, it was like a bolt of lightening shot through me. "That's my son!" I thought. I told him my hypothesis and he agrees -- although he calls himself "neurosuperior" he always was smart and funny.
Should I go in and see if my demons can be categorized?
Most everything I read about Asperger's is about helping young children.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
♫Just call me oddball in the morning♫
Hi and Welcome njaxon!
Well, if your son is out of HS i'm assuming he's an adult now. That would place the decision abuot a diagnosis firmly in his court. If he has lots of problems that he can't seem to handle on his own, counceling and guiding him to seek a diagnosis would be a good step in getting him the assistance he needs. There are services available (in the US at least) for people on the spectrum at any age.
And he's right - if he's an aspie there's a good chance he is neurosuperior!
It sounds as if you might be a bit overwhelmed with this realization. Speaking to someone about your concerns sounds like a good idea, if only to put whatever fears you may have to rest.
18 Feb 2011, 5:28 pm
