My husband is very intelligent, and very social, but I keep noticing little things that are similar to autism, but not really. For example, he often appears deaf. At first I just thought this was the whole ignore the wife-selective hearing thing, but I was talking with his friends, and this often happens. You can be right next to him saying his name multiple times, and it is if it doesn't register, but he isn't purposely ignoring you. He had delayed speech as a child, but once he learned how to speak there were no problems whatsoever. He also zones in on things, and you can't break his concentration if it is the last thing you do. He sometimes has trouble communicating his wants and reasons for things, but he will certainly try. Are these just idiosyncrasies (sp?) or does he have some mild disorder? We aren't worried, but it would be nice to know anyways. Thanks!
2007-03-03 07:50:00 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
it is his reaction to all the nagging you do
2007-03-03 07:54:31 · answer #1 · answered by Ben Dover 1 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Why do people think autism whenever there is a problem with language comprehension?
Since his speech was delayed as a child, he probably has what is called "central auditory processing disorder". Individuals with this problem typically have difficulty following conversation when there are more than two participants (as you describe the issue when he is in a group setting). The "auditory figure ground" (the inability to tease out where signals are coming from in a conversation) is impaired, as well.
The problem with expressive language is a remnant of the speech/language delay he had as a child. There are always "pockets" left after one has learned to compensate for the childhood language disorder. Expression becomes more difficult in situations when there is social or emotional pressure to communicate.
Because he is able to concentrate so well, he doesn't have ADD (which is the INABILITY to concentrate.)
2007-03-03 08:04:30 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are there ever mood swings involved? Even if not, this sounds worth running past your primary doc, with perhaps a referral to a neurologist and/or psychologist. The brain produces 4000 different chemicals and we have no idea what most of them do. One might be out of kilter. Keep a log of the situations in which these hearing and focusing behaviors occur. Maybe there is a pattern or identifiable trigger. Perhaps he's been replaced by a Stepford Husband and just needs new batteries? :-)
you both seem to have a healthy attitude towards whatever it is (if anything), but I still think talking to your doc is a good idea... Good luck! Ed, RN (Psych)
2007-03-03 08:03:37 · answer #3 · answered by RNcalledEd 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your husband could have Attention Deficit Disorder. Not all ADD is hyperactive. There is also the inattentive type. The appearing to ignore questions and concentrating on something so hard that is difficult to break his concentrating are both symptoms of ADD in some people. The second is called hyperfocusing. Hes not doing it on purpose, just the way his brain is wired. Mine is wired the same way.
2007-03-03 07:56:29 · answer #4 · answered by prancylou 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As a healthcare provider I am wondering when the last time was that he had his hearing checked. And I would need some more specifics as to what you mean when you say 'he has trouble communicating his wants and needs and reasons for things'. I am wondering about any other signs or symptoms of obsessive thoughts or compulsive actions. I need some more info. to give an opinion.
2007-03-03 07:58:31 · answer #5 · answered by tlbrown42000 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree with Christine P and prancylou above...some highly intelligent people are hardwired that way and "hyperfocus concentration"...my son in law is like that and so are his children...yes, it could be male DNA or it could even be nerve damage, so get his hearing checked to be sure. If his hearing is fine, then there is nothing to worry about, just learn to get his attention before saying anything to him. That's what I have learned to do with my SIL and my grandchildren...get there attention first--sometimes you might have to stand directly in front of them and stare at them or repeat their name several times in order for them to notice and be able to come out of their "zone" before you say anything further...
2007-03-03 08:04:10 · answer #6 · answered by beetlejuice49423 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that the possibilities are:
-ADD
-Autism (very mild)
-Bipolar disorder, or another mood disorder (in which case he does just ignore the person speaking, but because it's a chemical imbalance, he can play it off better than the average person).
-Hearing loss
Hope this helps and you get to the bottom of it! Have you tried talking to him about these things yet?
2007-03-03 08:00:07 · answer #7 · answered by Happy 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
It doesn't sound like a disorder to me...has he had his hearing checked?
Also, you say he is intelligent...I know that sometimes smart people are so focused they don't notice someone talking to them.
Sounds like he's just a quirky guy :)
2007-03-03 07:54:35 · answer #8 · answered by christine_ 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Could be Depression,Thyroid, Diabetes.
May have had a stroke in his sleep. May Want To Call The Doctor.
2007-03-03 08:12:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
He might be ByPolar! My Dad has an extreme case of it and he had those things before it got worse. Go to a doc and do a test or two but he sounds like hell be fine!
Best Wishes
2007-03-03 07:55:12 · answer #10 · answered by none 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Is he autistic? I don't think dsylexia comes into play here, but is sounds like autism to me. Is that something that kids get, I don't know. Maybe he should just get a doctor's opinion, not a medical one, but maybe a therapist. Good luck!
2007-03-03 07:54:51 · answer #11 · answered by ic 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋