Question from the UK. My son is 27 years old. He (to me) obviously suffers from Aspergers Syndrome. How do I get help for him. My doctor is not willing to help and everything I find on the net seems to be related to teenagers and below. As he is now an adult, no-one wants to help. Where do I go?
I an 64, when I die, who will help him?
2006-08-28 13:06:28 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
go to www.nas.org.uk (national austistic society and contact them.
feel free to contact me too!
2006-08-28 13:12:42 · answer #1 · answered by This_Is_Me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a real problem, as he is an adult, and you really can't consult a doctor on his behalf, but you are right to be concerned. A diagnosis of Asperger's was difficult to obtain in years gone by, and it is only recently that many general practice doctors have become aware of it. A full diagnosis really requires a psychologist, and unless you can persuade your son to go along - perhaps with you? - it is hard to see what formal help you can get. However, the material you have read relates to teenage and younger, beacuse at present, that is the most common age group for diagnosis of this condition. The symptoms, and the strategies for helping are basically the same though, no matter what the age, and you may be able to adapt some of what you have read to something suitable for him.
In terms of his future care, many people with Asperger's lead relatively "normal" lives, and require little "looking after". I know of at least two Asperger's adults who were only diagnosed after graduating from university and marrying. The diagnosis is not necessarily a indicator of intensive caring required....
Your best bet may be to help him help himself, and of course, the extended family can be supportive in this.
One last note - you MAY be worrying unneccessarily. Some lads, even at the age of 27 are still rather socially gauche, which can almost mimic Asperger's. It may be just that's he's not a very sociable person....
Good luck in all this
2006-08-28 20:21:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You probably already tried this, but I plugged "adults with aspergers" and "adults with asperger's" into the Yahoo search window and found quite a few websites specifically for adults with the syndrome, as well as some discussion/support boards. That might at least get you started in the right direction. You're right....if you just plug in "aspergers" everything seems to be for parents of young children or teens.
2006-08-28 20:15:04 · answer #3 · answered by Schleppy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im a mental health nurse, your doctor cannot refuse to help, he should refere your son on to the appropriate services, day center, out reach teams for adults, what ever if available where you live and what services you want...
If he refuses to help Id report him to the medical council and change doctors... also nhs direct would be able to tell you maybe what services are available for you and your son... if they cant they should be able to give you the right person to contact...
I hope that helps a bit, dont stop be persistant..!!
2006-08-28 20:12:37 · answer #4 · answered by meow22 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go find other parents of children with aspergers in your area and see how they get around doctors that aren't helpful. Family members can offer loads of information, but you have to go out to find them.
2006-09-01 11:34:28 · answer #5 · answered by adamsjrcn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a second, or even a third opinion. And keep pushing! Also, call NHS Direct - they'll be able to give you heaps of info (they sent me loads of stuff regarding adult ADD, which I'm pretty sure I have)
Good luck!
2006-08-28 20:14:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your son - dear to your heart though he may be - is old enough that he needs to make decisions regarding his medical care for himself. Give him some material on Aspergers and let him read it. If he feels like it describes him then he can decide to actively seek out help for himself. You cant be the one to do this for him unfortunately.
2006-08-28 20:10:27 · answer #7 · answered by kelticdreamer69 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here are some link's for Adult Asperger's. I work with younger students with Asperger's, so I can understand your frustration.
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/adult_aspergers/117324
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/adult-asperger/
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=aspergers_adult
2006-08-29 04:13:20 · answer #8 · answered by ctwitch24 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your doctor cannot refuse to helpp, but it may be that your son needs to ask for the hel[ as he is an adult. You need to see a mental health consultant who will be able to help you both
2006-08-28 20:14:39 · answer #9 · answered by Jane S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe it or not,Relate do work with people suffering with Aspbergers,although not every outpost (as they call them) has the facility for this.Give them a call/email and I'm sure they will help you to help him.
2006-08-29 14:39:26 · answer #10 · answered by dinahmite 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I heard about this on NPR. It is hereditary, so he probably got it from you. If you seek treatment for yourself, you may be in a better position to help him.
2006-08-28 20:14:09 · answer #11 · answered by rrbowker2002 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋