Can anyone suggest the type of doctor I can recommend to to my 23 year old step-son, I suspect he may have Asperger's Syndrome, considered a high-functioning form of Autism. I have no idea what type of Doctor would be able to do the correct test to discover if this is true or not, anyone have any ideas? I sincerely need help with this.
2006-10-02 18:40:31 · 6 answers · asked by Bounce 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
A psychologist. Any psychologist will do. If she thinks your son might have Asperger's she'll probably refer him to a psychologist or psychiatrist that specializes in diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorders in adults. However, unless it's a problem for him, there's no reason to label him, and it's unlikely (though possible) that Asperger's would first start to be a problem for someone who's already in his early 20s.
Note that the only practical difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is that a psychiatrist can prescribe medications and a psychologist can not. That is very relevant to for something like ADHD or even clinic depression that can be controlled with medication. But there's no medication for Asperger's, so it's just a matter finding someone who specializes in that particular type of disorder. Whether they went to med school or grad school doesn't matter. Also, a psychologist who holds a PhD would be addressed as "doctor" and psychologists regardless of education level are generally included under the general heading of "doctor" when you're asking who would treat a particular mental disorder or syndrome.
2006-10-02 18:42:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
1
2016-05-28 17:59:59 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A psychiatrist may be the best place to start. A psychiatrist (as opposed to a psychologist) is a medical doctor so he or she can prescribe medicine, if necessary.
I am suggesting a psychiatrist over a psychologist because you specifically asked what type of doctor would be best; I assume you meant medical doctor.
In practice, however, a person seeking diagnoses for mental health illnesses will likely be (in the U.S.at least) directed to a psychologist or some other type of social worker first.
And further, if he is in a managed health care system, he may need to go to his primary caregiver (usually his physician) first and then get a referral to a mental health specialist.
On a side note, I have read that some people theorize that Autism, Asperger's and Attention Deficit Disorder are all the same disease (or "disease spectrum") and their differences are mostly in severity.
2006-10-02 19:01:07 · answer #3 · answered by R C 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
What type of Doctor can Diagnose Adult Asperger's Syndrome?
Can anyone suggest the type of doctor I can recommend to to my 23 year old step-son, I suspect he may have Asperger's Syndrome, considered a high-functioning form of Autism. I have no idea what type of Doctor would be able to do the correct test to discover if this is true or not, anyone have...
2015-08-18 08:14:40 · answer #4 · answered by Denice 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Aspergers Doctor
2016-10-31 08:06:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went to see my regular doctor who then referred me to a psychologist. The psychologist then referred me to a doctor that specialized in autism and they diagnosed me.
2006-10-04 13:34:26 · answer #6 · answered by Daisy M 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try to see what he can get from Social Security or your states Public Assistance
2016-03-16 05:13:41 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Clinical Psychiatrist only.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspergers_syndrome
2006-10-02 18:53:49 · answer #8 · answered by Ajeesh Kumar 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
a psychiatrist or sex therapist.
2006-10-02 18:47:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 7⤋