LoveToKnow Autism:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Autism

Comments

Hi Joel,

Finding the problem can be one of the greatest obstacles and it is critical to getting the right care.

There seems to be some similarities between ADHD and sleep deprivation, too. See ADHD and Sleep Disorders if you're interested in that topic, too.

-- Contributed by: Ella Rain

Great article. I am researching adult autism for a book of fiction in the works. I'd like to point out that counseling can help a lot even before seeing a medical doctor. My age is 48, I struggled my entire life keeping a job for any amount of time, personal relationships, and staying focused with goals (or being over focused at times but the quitting when the frustration level got too high). While I did graduate from college, my GPA was below my ability. After counseling it was found out one of my problems was serious ADHD (most adults, like myself, don't suffer from hyperactivity). With medication my life has made a complete turn around and I am writing my first mystery (writing and literature were my major/minor in college). My point is that getting professional help is very important before deciding what is troubling the person involved. It appears that ADHD and a more minor case of autism could appear to be much the same.

-- Contributed by: Joel

Hi Christine,

Your dedication to making sure that your brother receives the guidance that he needs is inspiring. A great place to look for services in your area is AutismLink. The site allows visitors to search for programs by state.

-- Contributed by: Ella Rain

Four years ago, after the death of our mother, I became the guardian and caretaker of my "mentally retarded" 50 yr. old brother. Since leaving home after high school I was never around my brother for more than a few weeks while on vacation. I went through Nursing school and then went on to specialize in Pediatrics. My brother had been labeled as mentally retarded in the 1950's. My mother took care of him his whole life, knowing nothing about Autism. When I started noticing more and more autistic symptoms I sought the help of a neurologist. Yes, my brother is autistic and has missed out on all the programs that could have helped him. He is thrilled when I include him in the clubs I belong to (my fellow club members, for the majority, are very understanding of his special needs). His supervisor at the sheltered work shop has noticed that he is more out going and open to change then he had been four years ago. Is there any programs that I can involve him in now?

-- Contributed by: Christine

Hi Daisy,

Making connections between the symptoms of autism in adults and getting a diagnosis are two different things. Everyone has autistic traits, whether on the spectrum or not. It takes a combination of symptoms to diagnose the condition.

-- Contributed by: Ella Rain

Yesterday, august 21, 2009 . I realized something is not normal of my "boyfriend" or"friend" you can call, every symptom on this page is him because yesterday was a wake up call to seriously check into his mentality because its just not normal, its not. I thank you for this page, otherwise I would be wasting my breath arguing with him not knowing he is this..i am in shock and in laughter., but for me to walk away with pleasure...i find myself sometimes as if im scolding at an autistic kid...what a challenge! this is.

-- Contributed by: Daisy

Hi DCS,

Part of the problem may stem out of the desire for consistency. Many people on the autism spectrum have difficulty with change and they find great comfort in routine.

Try some of the following:

A visual schedule or calendar that helps her get used to routine (without focusing on the person)
A timer that sets the beginning and end of specific activities.
Social stories that can help build expectations as well as proper follow-through.

As far as attacking behaviors; they depend on the situation. A chart that records the antecedent (what happens right before the behavior) the actual behavior and the consequence of the behavior is a good way to figure out what may be going on. You may notice a pattern in her behavior, whether she is triggered by a certain activity or whether she is looking for a particular result.

-- Contributed by: Ella Rain

I work in a fackity were i take care of individuals with challenging behaviors. One of my clients has been diagnosed with autism since a very early age. I want to know how shes feeling, she randomly walks up to the staff and attemps to attack us. please help me understant this young woman. There are 8 staff the work in this house and she insists that only i do her personal things such as shave ser legs, wash her hair,take her for a walk, prepare her meals and so on. All i want is to know is how to understand her and her behaviors. please help me. thank you!

-- Contributed by: DCS

Hi Phyl,

It may be a good idea to discuss your concerns with a doctor. He may or may not have autism, but other problems could be the source of the withdrawal. Diagnosis requires proper evaluation, whether it is for pervasive developmental disorders, depression or other mental health/behavioral conditions.

-- Contributed by: Ella Rain

We have a 19 year old who displays autistic tendancies. Hes has never been diagnosed. He has recently dropped out of university and spends his entire day playing a computor game. He also works part time at a grocery storeat weekends. We struggle to get him to do anything else. Discussions end with him 'tuning out',or getting very angry. We are not sure what to do, are very frustrated with his lifestyle.

-- Contributed by: Phyl
> Return to article