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Hi Everyone -
Ron's the name, parent of a 17-y.o. ("B"), only child, who has never been diagnosed formally as having Asperger's syndrome (ASD). However, there were a number of signs developmentally, none conclusive. (Last fine/gross motor skill development, very verbal from early on, dysgraphia, not relating well to his age peers (altho' always reasonably well with adults! - Kids are MUCH harder, more critical!) He does suffer from depression (he's under SSRI-based meds & psych. therapy).
The main thing is is lack of social interaction skills. He has really NO close friends, and is attending a VERY small private school. He's very bright academically, but has had problems staying focusing and completing H/W (this is more a psych issue, from what I can tell, than an ASD.. or ADHD issue), which has affected his grades.
We live in the Pittsburgh, PA area.
I would very much like to hear from folks who have older, late-diagnosed/non-diagnosed teenagers with similar social issues. Some questions:
- How important is it to get a "hard" ASD diagnosis?
- How effective at this age is social interaction "therapy"/training?

Add'l info- I'm separated from B's mother, and am out of town more than I like. She hasn't seemed to be particularly motivated to push for a diagnosis, and I've sort of gone along with that, mistakenly(!), now, I believe.
College is only 1-1/2 years away, and of course, I'm concerned about the type of school, what accommodations people have sought, their effectiveness, etc.
Lots of questions, responses from folks with similar experiences much appreciated.
Thanks - looking forward to sharing in this forum!
Ron

Welcome to WP!

Tim

Is this an automated computer response?

I am a 17 year old girl with diagnosed AS.
It is important to a diagnosis; it clears a LOT of things up, and it reduces confusion. I also got onto the Special Educational Needs list, which is helpful at times, as it gives me time to adjust to things when things are difficult, such as working in a group, or standing up in front of a class to give a presentation.
I have never had social interaction therapy, so I wouldn't know. My Mother has been strongly encouraging me to open up to the girls (my school is a girls-only school, sad because I get along better (in a friendship way) with boys) at school, and that has helped.
AS kids need a lot of help along the way, otherwise they will deteriorate into a downwards spiral. If it wasn't for my Mum putting such a great effort into me throughout my life, I wouldn't be where I am today.

welcome!

Thanks, SteelMaiden, for your reply!
I'm feeling perhaps a little guilty for not pushing harder for a dx for "B". I think this would have opened doors for us, and made things a bit easier.
B's symptoms are just on the "border" between AS and not, which has made it difficult. He's very bright, and has been able to compensate for many of his AS symptoms. His intelligence does not make a difference in his social interactions. It sounds like you haven't needed this so much.
I appreciate your comment re: AS Kids needing LOTS of help - I'll consider that good advice from someone who's been there!
Even though he's 17, I'm going to push for the dx, and then push for intervention for him.
I wish you luck - sounds like you've got good support from home, and I see you appreciate it!

Ron Welcome to the forum!

You're welcome! I hope that you can get a dx for "B". Good luck on that. It can be difficult, perhaps more difficult in America than in London. I just went to a private psychologist (£350 for 1.5 hours! ) and got the dx, and the IQ test too, which I scored high enough to start getting Mensa letters through the post . Many AS kids have a high IQ and this can really make them succeed in life, just so long as they get the appropiate help along the way.
The best thing to do is to "teach" B how to act in social situations, but teach him like you're teaching him maths or something similar. He will learn things better if it is in the form if "this" occurs than do "this". I once made the apparent mistake of asking a crying girl some completely irresponsible questions and didn't get a very nice response. I reported this to my Mother and she told me what I should have said, in the way that I would learn best. I now vaguely know how to react to a crying person by using this "formula" that I have in my head.

Ron!

Hi! Nice to meet you and welcome to the forum!

I have a question for you. Do you think you are similar to your son in that you have a disability on the autism spectrum?

If so, I think you'll fit right in!

This really fascinates me because I think you're talking like him. Not that we don't, but I'm just reiterating my point.

I hope you enjoy posting here!

Hmmmm -
Since I joined WrongPlanet, it HAS given me pause. Up front, I don't think so, but I do know that a) I'm not the most socially adept person in the world, b) I HAVE been known to blather on about topics of interest to me, very likely not paying enough attention to the "vibes" from the listeners...
Hard to tell for sure ... Anyway, I've gotten thru' lo these many years (62 of 'em) without an AS dx, so don't think one would make any difference now... 'cept to me - insight is a good thing!!
Ron

That's interesting!

I think you'll fit right in with us anyway!