Asperger's Syndrome

[dgridley]

I've never made any secret of the fact I'm a long-time sufferer with chronic depression. I figure if I can help others who might also suffer similarly, so much the better.

I've been seeing a therapist for the last few months in an attempt to deal with some personal/medical issues and was recently "diagnosed" with Asperger's Syndrome, a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD).

(Not to burst your bubble, but, yes, even former Members of the Month can have problems )

Asperger's is a form of autism (part of the autism spectrum) and if you'd like to read more on the subject, check out this wiki entry or go to www.wrongplanet.net (what an appropriate name for the way I feel!).

 

[TcDa]

Thank you for sharing your situation with us. That takes guts, in my opinion. A friend of my 5th grader was diagnosed with Asperger's a couple of years ago. Prior to diagnosis, it was nearly impossible for her to interact normally with her peers. Fortunately, she has responded well to medication and "social therapy". This is where she's put into monitored "play groups" with kids that usually get along well with others (how my daughter met her). They play games and have conversations that are monitored and facilitated by an experienced therapist. The results have been amazing. She's learned how to interact socially, is making real friends, and is doing much better in school. Although you may have had a long road, at least you will have a lot more options than you would have even 10 years ago. Best of luck!

 

[Thortatude]

dgridley, thank you for sharing with us. It takes courage and guts. I hope that you start to feel better soon.

 

[dgridley]

Thanks.. being diagnosed has, so far, been a mixed blessing of relief and "anger".. certainly difficult to verbalize or articulate at this point.

I'd already suspected I had AS for some time.. so my therapist's diagnosis was just a confirmation for something I already "knew".

Unfortunately, many people with AS are not diagnosed until later in life, after they have spent years feeling different and stigmatized. At least now, I can learn to deal with it a little more specifically.

Thank you for sharing your situation with us. That takes guts, in my opinion. A friend of my 5th grader was diagnosed with Asperger's a couple of years ago. Prior to diagnosis, it was nearly impossible for her to interact normally with her peers. Fortunately, she has responded well to medication and "social therapy". This is where she's put into monitored "play groups" with kids that usually get along well with others (how my daughter met her). They play games and have conversations that are monitored and facilitated by an experienced therapist. The results have been amazing. She's learned how to interact socially, is making real friends, and is doing much better in school. Although you may have had a long road, at least you will have a lot more options than you would have even 10 years ago. Best of luck!

 

[Michelle]

Huggles as always from me Dave you are a super guy with lots to give

 

[dgridley]

Huggles as always from me Dave you are a super guy with lots to give

 

[Jasdon]

Thank you for sharing your situation with us. That takes guts, in my opinion. A friend of my 5th grader was diagnosed with Asperger's a couple of years ago. Prior to diagnosis, it was nearly impossible for her to interact normally with her peers. Fortunately, she has responded well to medication and "social therapy". This is where she's put into monitored "play groups" with kids that usually get along well with others (how my daughter met her). They play games and have conversations that are monitored and facilitated by an experienced therapist. The results have been amazing. She's learned how to interact socially, is making real friends, and is doing much better in school. Although you may have had a long road, at least you will have a lot more options than you would have even 10 years ago. Best of luck!

I can echo TcDa's comments. Our eldest boy has autism and attends a school specialising in the condition.

The level of understanding of ASD's (Autistic spectrum Dissorders) is increasing at a great rate. And while there is no cure, we are learning more about how people with an ASD see the world - that's the first step in helping them.

I wish you all the luck in the world!

 

[dgridley]

I can certainly see where my "unique" perspective on things has caused many problems for me in the past. However, forewarned is forearmed.. it'll be somewhat easier now that I have some idea of what the "problem" is.

As for a cure: many feel this is who they are and shun the entire idea of being "cured".. I'm not sure what side of the fence I'm on at this point.

Thnks for your comments.

I can echo TcDa's comments. Our eldest boy has autism and attends a school specialising in the condition.

The level of understanding of ASD's (Autistic spectrum Dissorders) is increasing at a great rate. And while there is no cure, we are learning more about how people with an ASD see the world - that's the first step in helping them.

I wish you all the luck in the world!

 

[B33R]

I just got diagnosed with this last week. It was a huge relief for me, knowing that there's a reason for everything I feel and do, and that I'm not just making it up or being lazy.

I find out today if they're gonna find me somewhere to live and also how much money I get from the government because I can't work.
If it goes badly then I'm homeless and broke in 2 weeks. If it goes well, I could get $400/week, backdated for 6 months and somewhere to live.

Everything rests on today's decisions. It's a scary thought!

 

[Jasdon]

I just got diagnosed with this last week. It was a huge relief for me, knowing that there's a reason for everything I feel and do, and that I'm not just making it up or being lazy.

I find out today if they're gonna find me somewhere to live and also how much money I get from the government because I can't work.
If it goes badly then I'm homeless and broke in 2 weeks. If it goes well, I could get $400/week, backdated for 6 months and somewhere to live.

Everything rests on today's decisions. It's a scary thought!

Wishing you the best of luck with the decisions!

 

[kev]

I just got diagnosed with this last week. It was a huge relief for me, knowing that there's a reason for everything I feel and do, and that I'm not just making it up or being lazy.

I find out today if they're gonna find me somewhere to live and also how much money I get from the government because I can't work.
If it goes badly then I'm homeless and broke in 2 weeks. If it goes well, I could get $400/week, backdated for 6 months and somewhere to live.

Everything rests on today's decisions. It's a scary thought!

ooft...thats an all or nothing scenario! hope it works out for you!

 

[dgridley]

Best of luck to you!

I just got diagnosed with this last week. It was a huge relief for me, knowing that there's a reason for everything I feel and do, and that I'm not just making it up or being lazy.

I find out today if they're gonna find me somewhere to live and also how much money I get from the government because I can't work.
If it goes badly then I'm homeless and broke in 2 weeks. If it goes well, I could get $400/week, backdated for 6 months and somewhere to live.

Everything rests on today's decisions. It's a scary thought!

 

[AethixStudios]

Interesting topic and good luck and hope everything works out for you B33R.

 

[Humdizzy]

I just read the wiki article. I had no idea how difficult life could be for people with AS, but luckily there are methods of treatment and ways to accommodate for it. Good luck to the both of you. Remember to try to occupy yourselves with things you like doing.

 

[dgridley]

I've been trying to stay off meds.. I have an appt in March tho to see if they're appropriate for me or not, it's my choice. I could certainly use them for chronic depression.

Are you able to take any medication?

 

[AzN]

Dave's a nice guy :tu:
Is there any cure for asperger?

 

[dgridley]

Not in the sense you're thinking.. just treatment and therapy. Many with AS lead normal lives, they just don't feel "normal" in relation to others. There's a whole spectrum of AS, from mild to severe.

Is there any cure for asperger?

Hm, I didn't take his comments as mean-spirited.. just an observation on his part, tongue in cheek.

After reading this my first thoughts were..... What a ***** how can someone be so mean about such a gentle person

My seconds thoughts were.. Whats a **** doing in a community when they clearly dont have any community sprit...

My last thought was just ... What a ****

 

[AzN]

Not in the sense you're thinking.. just treatment and therapy. Many with AS lead normal lives, they just don't feel "normal" in relation to others. There's a whole spectrum of AS, from mild to severe.

Well I hope you can keep it to mild as possible. :hearts: :hearts: :hearts: